Q&A for How to Do Ombre (Dip Dye) Hair at Home

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How far down should ombré start?
    Steven Waldman
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Back when ombré hair first become popular, the ombré hair transition started close to the cheekbone or jawline. Nowadays, people prefer to start the transition higher up in their hair with smudged/shadow roots.
  • Question
    What is the ombré look?
    Steven Waldman
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Steven Waldman is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Director of Technical Training at Hair Cuttery. Steven uses his creative insight and extensive experience to drive educational programming and motivates facilitators and learners to communicate effectively, create and execute strategies to maximize potential, and achieve success. He uses unexpected sources such as art genres, architecture, and cooking to inspire shape, color, and cuts.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    The ombré look involves a horizontal transition of color down a person's hair. This could a really bold color transition, like a light blonde transitioning to a dark brunette, or something more subtle.
  • Question
    How long will the purple color last on my hair before fading, and do I just touch it up when it does?
    Community Answer
    If you use a permanent dye, it should last roughly 6 weeks. Touching it up is the best option, but it will further damage your hair.
  • Question
    Can I do this without using any bleach?
    Community Answer
    You can use blonde hair dye, but there is no guarantee that it will work as well if your hair is naturally brown/brown-black/black.
  • Question
    Will it look good on curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it usually does, However, don't expect your hair to look the same as pictures online. Most pictures of curly ombre hair aren't natural, they are heat-styled, where every curl looks even, whereas in real life, curls form in different sizes, so your dye might look a little more uneven. It often isn't that noticeable, and if you want a softer look rather than a really solid and perfect dye job, then you will likely have no issues with liking it! Also, be aware that ombre hair also looks different on different hair types, so a girl with loose curls and a girl with tight curls will have a different look.
  • Question
    Where can I get the bleach?
    Community Answer
    Most drugstores carry a range of hair dyes (which can include bleach). Beauty supply stores will have bleach too.
  • Question
    How can I do ombre accurately without damaging my hair?
    Community Answer
    Any bleach applied to your hair will inevitably damage it somewhat, but using the more natural kits will help.
  • Question
    Can I replace the aluminum foil with something else?
    Community Answer
    Foil is recommended, as it doesn't stick.
  • Question
    If I use the ash blonde dye after an ombre dye job, should I apply it immediately after washing off the bleach/ombre dye?
    Community Answer
    No, you can use it any time after the bleaching. Even several days or a week after.
  • Question
    How do I Kool Aid dye my hair when I'm 11 years old?
    Community Answer
    The same way you would if you were fifty! Check out this article: How to Dye Hair with Kool Aid .
  • Question
    How do I apply a second color to the bleached parts of my hair for a colored ombre?
    Community Answer
    You can just do an additional step after/instead of the ash blonde step (depending on what colour you want to go and whether it needs the slight reddish undertones gone or not). You could try to go for a deep, nourishing color to prevent additional damage.
  • Question
    If the ends of my hair are already light, will I need to bleach first?
    Community Answer
    No, if your hair is already light or blonde, you can go right ahead and dye it.
  • Question
    Can I use mixed-together shampoo and conditioner?
    Community Answer
    It's not preferable, only because you do not know how much or any ingredient is in either, but you may.
  • Question
    Do I have to use bleach, or can I just use a lighter hair color?
    Community Answer
    Hair dye won't lighten hair, only bleaching it will.
  • Question
    Will the dye affect my highlights if I want to add one that washes out in a few weeks?
    Community Answer
    It will make them a little darker, but beyond that, it shouldn't affect them too much.
  • Question
    Is it okay if I don't use foil?
    Community Answer
    Not every technique requires foil, but this one does, so I wouldn't recommend skipping it.
  • Question
    How do I do ombre hair at home if I have short hair?
    Community Answer
    For shorter hair, you do the same steps except with shorter strips of foil.
  • Question
    Should I bleach my brown hair first to add the blue ombre if I have never dyed my hair before?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should. If you don't, the color won't show properly and it won't look as good.
  • Question
    How do I do ombre hair at home if I have short hair?
    Community Answer
    Do it the same way as the box says, though it may be harder to do because, depending on your style of short hair and how short you cut it, it could turn out patchy (due to layers). But overall, it is something new, so have fun!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article