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Choose a 2-tone style that’s right for you with this guide
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Two-toned hair is all the rage, and it works on just about any hair length. Plus, it’s easy to achieve at home. With so many colors and styles to choose from, the toughest issue you’ll face is picking your look. Ombre, dip-dyeing, dyed layers, and split-dyeing are 4 easy and cute ways to dye your hair that allow for a ton of unique color combinations. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through each process so you can achieve stunning results.
Things You Should Know
- Lightly overlap two different hair dyes to achieve a gradual ombre color. Gently twist your hair to blend the colors.
- Dip-dye your hair by bleaching the ends and then dipping them straight into the hair dye.
- Achieve split dye hair by parting your hair down the middle and dyeing each side a different color.
Steps
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Brush or comb your hair into two loose pigtails. This will make it easier to wrap in foil after you apply the bleach and the dye. Tie an elastic band on each segment to mark the bottom 2/3 of your hair. [1] X Research source
- When you dye your hair ombre , the shades blend into each other and gradually lighten toward the bottom of your hair.
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Bleach the area below the elastic bands. If you have dark hair, consider bleaching your hair , especially if the hair colors you’re going for are significantly lighter than your current hair color. Using an applicator brush and dye bowl or an applicator bottle , apply the bleach in gentle downward strokes. [2] X Research source
- If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, skip this step.
- If you’re hoping to get brown or burgundy colors, you may be able to achieve them without using bleach, even if your hair is dark. Simply use a dye that comes with a developer.
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Apply foil to the hair you’re bleaching. You’ll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section. Allow the bleach to process for the amount of time that the product recommends. This can be anywhere between 10 and 45 minutes. Unfold one piece of foil to check the progress. [3] X Research source
- Don't let the bleach process for longer than the instructions recommend.
- Once the bleach has processed, gently unwrap each piece of foil to remove them. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach, and toss them in the recycling bin.
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Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove the bleach from your hair. Then, blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won’t absorb the dye. [4] X Research source
- If you notice that the bleach has caused some yellowness or brassiness, opt for a purple toning shampoo . This should give you a more even foundation for the dyeing process.
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Brush your hair into two loose pigtails again. Tie an elastic band just above the top of the bleached section on each side.
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Open the first dye kit and apply the dye. This should be the lighter color. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle, following the dye’s instructions. Apply the dye in slow downward strokes on the entire bleached section of your hair. Use vertical strokes rather than horizontal to prevent the formation of a stark line. [5] X Research source
- If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don’t see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture.
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Fold a piece of foil over the bottom 1/3 or 1/4 of your hair. Secure it with an elastic band. This will prevent the darker color from bleeding too much into the lighter section.
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Open and apply the second color. This should be the darker color. Use a separate applicator brush and a dye bowl, or an applicator bottle, if it is not included in the kit. Apply the dye from the top of the lighter color to the beginning of the foil. Move in gentle downward sweeps, and blend the colors at their meeting point by giving each lock a soft twist. [6] X Research source
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Let both colors set in. Follow the instructions on the box, and set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. [7] X Research source
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Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle . Spritz the dyed part of your hair. Make sure the spray covers the entire colored section. This helps the color last longer. [8] X Research source
- Use the rinse every time you wash your hair.
- Follow the vinegar rinse up with some color-safe conditioner . Apply the conditioner to your hair and then rinse it out well to help lock in the color and also remove the vinegar smell from your hair.
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Brush or comb your hair into two to three sections on each side. This will make it easier to wrap in foil after you apply the bleach and the dye. Tie an elastic band on each segment to mark the tips of your hair. How many inches or centimeters you want to color is up to you, but it typically looks best to dye more if your hair is long and less if your hair is short. [9] X Research source
- For example, if your hair is shoulder length, 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) may be suitable, but 5 inches (13 cm) or more may be best for mid-back length hair.
- Dip-dyeing your hair typically involves dipping the ends of your hair straight into the dye. The final look is similar to ombre, but it’s less subtle.
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Bleach the tips of your hair. If you have dark hair and want to dye your tips a much lighter color, consider using bleach . Using an applicator brush and a dye bowl or an applicator bottle , apply the bleach in gentle downward strokes. [10] X Research source
- If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, skip this step.
- If your hair is darker and you want your tips to be a brown or burgundy color, then you may be able to achieve your desired color with a developer instead of bleach.
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Apply foil to the hair you’re bleaching. You’ll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section, and allow the bleach to process for the amount of time that the product recommends. This should take 10-45 minutes. Unfold one piece of foil to check the progress. [11] X Research source
- Don’t leave the bleach on your hair for more time than the product recommends.
- After the bleach has processed, gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach, and toss them in the recycling bin.
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Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove the bleach from your hair. Then, blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won’t absorb the dye. [12] X Research source
- If your hair has a yellowish or brassy tint, use purple shampoo before proceeding with normal shampoo.
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Open the first dye kit and apply the dye. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle, following its instructions. Then, apply the dye in slow downward strokes on the entire bleached section of your hair to avoid creating a stark line. [13] X Research source
- If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don’t see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture.
Chris McMillan, Celebrity HairstylistChoose hair color thoughtfully. "Color carefully. Try a glossing treatment to make the color richer without hurting the hair."
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Open and apply the second color. Repeat the steps you took with the first color. Use a separate applicator brush and bowl or bottle for this dye mixture. Apply the dye to the bottom half of the bleached area, covering part of the first color. Blend the colors at their meeting point by giving each lock a gentle twist.
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Let both colors set in. Follow the instructions on the box. Set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. [14] X Research source
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Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle . Spritz the dyed part of your hair. Make sure the spray covers the entire colored section. This helps the color to last longer. [15] X Research source
- Use the rinse every time you wash your hair.
- Follow up with color-safe conditioner to lock in the color and to get rid of the vinegar smell. Then, rinse it out thoroughly.
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Bleach the bottom layer of your hair. You may want to bleach your hair if it’s dark and you desire a lighter color. Use an applicator brush and dye bowl or an applicator bottle to apply the bleach . Move in gentle downward strokes. [16] X Research source
- Dyeing your layers is sometimes known as peekaboo hair, in which color is applied to the bottom layer of your hair. This look is great for those who want a fun hair color but want to keep it subtle.
- If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, skip this step.
- If your hair is dark and you want to dye it brown or burgundy, try doing so without the use of bleach. Use a dye that comes with a developer, and skip the bleach application.
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Apply foil to the hair you’re bleaching. You’ll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section, and allow the bleach to process for 10-45 minutes, or however long the product instructions recommend. Unfold one piece of oil to check the progress. [17] X Research source
- Don’t let the bleach process for a longer period than the product suggests.
- After the bleach has processed, gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach, and toss them in the recycling bin.
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Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove the bleach from your hair. Then, blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won’t absorb the dye. [18] X Research source
- Use a purple shampoo to get rid of any unwanted brassiness or yellowness.
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Separate your top and bottom layers with a comb. Use a comb to divide your hair horizontally at the back of your head, creating a slight zigzag pattern. This will prevent an odd-looking line of the lower layer from popping through the top. [19] X Research source
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Divide the upper layer into 4 sections. First, comb your hair. Then separate it into a right and a left section, then again into a top and bottom segment. Clip each part to the top third of your head. [20] X Research source
- To get even more natural-looking highlights, tease your hair
first to prevent any harsh lines once you apply the dye. [21]
X
Expert Source
Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
- To get even more natural-looking highlights, tease your hair
first to prevent any harsh lines once you apply the dye. [21]
X
Expert Source
Martin Nepton
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Divide your lower layer into 4 sections. Comb your hair, and separate it into right and left sections. Then divide it again into top and bottom sections. Make sure your hair clips are a different color for this step so that you don’t confuse your top and bottom layers. [22] X Research source
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Open the first kit and dye the bottom layer of your hair. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle, following the dye’s instructions. [23] X Research source Use the applicator brush or bottle to sweep the dye onto individual locks using gentle downward strokes. After you finish each lock, fold it in a piece of foil. [24] X Research source
- If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don’t see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture.
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Let out the clipped hair. Brush or comb out this section. Do this gently, being careful not to puncture the foil.
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Open the second dye kit and dye the top layer. Use a separate bowl and brush or bottle for this dye mixture, if it’s not included in the kit, and apply the dye with gentle downward strokes. Then, fold each segment into a piece of foil. [25] X Research source
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Let the dye set in. Follow the instructions on the box. Set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. [26] X Research source
- After the dye has set in, gently unwrap the foil from each section of hair you dyed. Wash the foil to remove the dye, and toss it in the recycling bin.
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Rinse with a vinegar mixture. In a pot large enough to fit your head, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water. Dunk your hair in the pot. This step helps the color to last longer. [27] X Research source
- Use the rinse every time you wash your hair.
- After you’ve done the vinegar rinse, apply some color-safe conditioner and rinse it out. This should help keep the color vibrant for longer and also remove the vinegar smell from your hair.
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Part your hair down the middle. Use a pintail comb to divide your hair where you want the color split to be. Typically, this is straight down the middle for a symmetrical look. Then, tie or clip one side up to keep it out of the way. [28] X Research source
- To prevent the colors from bleeding together, apply Vaseline to your scalp at the part of your hair. Rub some on your hairline, neck, and ears to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
- When you split dye your hair, you dye the hair on either side of your part a different color.
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Bleach one or both sides of your hair. Unless your hair is already very blonde, bleaching it helps produce a more vibrant color. Depending on the colors you want, bleach one or both sides of your hair using an applicator brush and dye bowl or an applicator bottle . Apply the bleach in gentle downward strokes. [29] X Research source
- If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, skip this step.
- If your hair is dark and you want to dye it brown or burgundy, you may be able to skip the bleach application by using a dye that comes with a developer.
-
Apply foil to the hair you’re bleaching. Wrap one or both sides of your hair in foil, and allow the bleach to process for the amount of time that the product recommends. This can be anywhere between 10 and 45 minutes. Unfold one piece of foil to check the progress. [30] X Research source
- Don't let the bleach process for longer than the instructions recommend.
- After the bleach has processed, gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach, and toss them in the recycling bin.
-
Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove the bleach from your hair. Then, blow dry your hair so it will absorb the dye. [31] X Research source
- If you notice that the bleach has caused some yellowness or brassiness, use purple toning shampoo to give you a more even foundation for the dyeing process.
-
Open the first dye kit and apply the dye. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle, per the dye’s instructions. Then, apply the dye to one side of your hair using slow, downward strokes starting from the roots. [32] X Research source
- If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don’t see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture.
- Let the color set in. Follow the instructions on the box and set a timer for the recommended amount of time (typically about an hour). Then, rinse out the dye with cold water before starting the other side of your hair. [33] X Research source
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Open and apply the second color. Use a separate applicator brush and a dye bowl, or an applicator bottle, if it is not included in the kit. Follow the same process to apply the dye to the second side of your hair, remembering to start at the roots. [34] X Research source
- Let the second color set in. Follow the instructions on the box, and set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. Then, rinse your hair with cold water. [35] X Research source
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Finish with a color-safe conditioner. Apply some color-safe conditioner to your hair and then rinse it out well to help lock in the color.
- Rinse each side separately to prevent the colors from bleeding into each other.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I get natural-looking highlights?Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.Tease your hair before you dye it. That way, you'll get a more random application. When you brush it back down, you'll have a smooth transition without any harsh lines.
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Tips
- After you dye your hair, rinse and wash with cold water. Hot or warm water will ruin your new look.Thanks
- Avoid using a hair dryer after you dye your hair. The heat will cause your colors to fade.Thanks
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Warnings
- It’s easier to go darker than lighter. You’re more likely to get the result you want if you’re a natural blonde and you’re dyeing your hair a darker color .Thanks
- If you choose to dye your hair pastel colors , you’ll have to re-dye every few weeks and avoid regular washings. Otherwise, your new colors will fade very quickly.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Two boxes of hair dye, each in a different color
- Hair clips
- Towel
- Hair bleach (optional)
- Gloves
- Dye applicator brushes or bottles , if not included in the dye kits
- Dye bowl (optional)
- Foil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle or large pot
References
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZzYg5O-Hv5o?t=92
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/OQeX60u5YzE?t=657
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-15-Ways-to-Dye-Mermaid-Hair
- ↑ http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a1711/wds-guide-to-at-home-hair-dyeing-108643/
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/how-make-hair-color-last-longer
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZzYg5O-Hv5o?t=92
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a1711/wds-guide-to-at-home-hair-dyeing-108643/
- ↑ http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a1711/wds-guide-to-at-home-hair-dyeing-108643/
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/how-make-hair-color-last-longer
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kNeUkDBBwbc?t=55
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZzYg5O-Hv5o?t=92
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://www.unice.com/blog/how-to-do-peekaboo-hair/
- ↑ https://www.madison-reed.com/blog/dear-color-crew-how-do-i-section-my-hair
- ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.madison-reed.com/blog/dear-color-crew-how-do-i-section-my-hair
- ↑ https://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a1711/wds-guide-to-at-home-hair-dyeing-108643/
- ↑ https://www.unice.com/blog/how-to-do-peekaboo-hair/
- ↑ https://www.unice.com/blog/how-to-do-peekaboo-hair/
- ↑ http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/a1711/wds-guide-to-at-home-hair-dyeing-108643/
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/how-make-hair-color-last-longer
- ↑ https://greatist.com/discover/split-hair-dye#how-to
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZzYg5O-Hv5o?t=92
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a36271470/how-to-bleach-hair/
- ↑ https://fullyvital.com/blogs/hair-care/split-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://fullyvital.com/blogs/hair-care/split-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://fullyvital.com/blogs/hair-care/split-dyed-hair
- ↑ https://fullyvital.com/blogs/hair-care/split-dyed-hair
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To dye your hair two colors, start by separating your hair horizontally at the back of your head in a zigzag pattern. Then, separate the top and bottom sections into 4 parts each, securing them with clips. Next, mix the first dye and apply it with gentle downward strokes, one section at a time. After you finish each section, wrap it in a piece of foil. Once you’ve finished the bottom, repeat the same steps with a different colored dye on the top sections of your hair. Finally, let the dye set before removing the foil and rinsing the dye from your hair. For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to create an ombre look, read on!
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