What is Ombre hair?
Ombre hair is one of the hottest hair trends today. Named by the French, the style features darker, more natural roots, with a gradual lightening towards the ends. Many A-list celebrities have hit the red carpet with Ombre hair, including Jennifer Hudson, Nicki Minaj, and Raven Symone. Women enjoy this style because it is attractive and maintenance can be minimal.
How to do Ombre hair
Ombre hair is designed to look sophisticated while maintaining a modern twist. When choosing Ombre hair, it is best to choose a color that blends in well as it fades into your natural hair color. Since your roots will be darker, you may want to go for lighter browns, reds, or even blondes. You will want to avoid drastic colors unless your hair is long enough that the fading is gradual.
After choosing your color, you will want to decide where your natural hair color and colored hair will converge. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the two are, the safer it is. Having each color too high on your head can give the appearance of roots that haven’t been touched up. Most people choose to have the colors meet at the jaw line.
The next step is to prepare your bleach, to remove the existing color from your hair. Be sure to take all safety precautions and wear gloves at all times. Most stylists recommend using 20 volume bleach. Once you’ve mixed your bleach into a cream, set it aside and divide your hair into sections, separating it from the rest of your hair.
Using an application brush, apply the bleach, starting at the ends and working your way to your chosen fade line. Take your time while doing this and work in small sections to make sure all the strands are evenly covered. Once you’ve completed the first coat of bleach, you’ll want to apply a second coat of bleach, starting at the ends and ending midway between the bleach line.
After applying the bleach, let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes or more, depending on your natural hair color. If you are looking for a bold change, you may need to allow it to become even more established. Once the desired hair color has been removed, rinse off the discoloration. Remember to wear gloves and use only warm water and a mild shampoo. Follow up with a high-quality deep conditioner or hot oil treatment to replenish your hair’s nutrients.
