The ombre look has been in for several years now, and it is here to stay for a while yet. This year, the the popular ombre look has morphed into a “sombre,” a soft ombre. Rather than a harsh contrast, the sombre is more subtle and has color that blends well, with plenty of middle tones. When I wanted to go ombre last year, my stylist had a hard time creating the look I wanted. I really wanted it to blend and knew that foils just weren’t going to get me there. I decided to try my hand at it, even though I had failed many, many color attempts in the past. (Ask my husband about the time I colored his hair orange!)
My stylist is amazing and had no issue with me going after it. She recommended the supplies and picked a bleach that has a built-in toner to stop my hair from going too brassy. I have no formal cosmetology training, so I have really struggled with posting this tutorial. This is what has worked for me and what I currently do, but I know my own hair, and I’ve learned from a lot of trial and error. I would hate for anyone to try this tutorial and fail. Please, please be super careful with your hair and don’t expect this to be a magic formula. I may be a pretty regular gal, but I’ve practiced a lot, and honestly I still get nervous every time I lift my hair.
That being said, if you have colored your hair before or you are willing to learn, I think you can do this. It helps to have a knowledgeable friend or a even a hairdresser that empowers you like mine does. The benefit to me never having had formal training is that I am willing to do things “wrong” to get the result that I want. I want my hair to look painted and well-blended. It only makes sense to me to paint on my color and let it develop so that it blends. I hope this tutorial helps and please, please don’t try this at home unless you absolutely must!
Before
Supplies (all found at Sally’s Beauty Supply)
Volume 10 Developer
Clairol Kaleidocolors Tonal Powder – Blue
Glamour shot.
The product really develops with heat and stops developing once it dries. I am always nervous when I lift my hair, so I opt for less heat and less time in my hair. I usually will put on a shower cap after I finish applying the color and blast my head with a blow dryer on high for about five minutes. I leave the color on for 20–25 minutes from when I first start applying or until I can see it changing. I ALWAYS opt for less time rather than more because I never know how it will turn out. I know I can always lift my hair again, but I can’t very well undo any spots or lines that develop from leaving it in for too long.
I hope I managed to answer all of your questions and cover the basics. Please feel free to email or comment with questions. I’ll do my best to answer them!
How do you feel about ombre? Have you embraced (or do you want to embrace) it?