Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Tips for Doing Dark Ombre Hair?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Dark ombre hair refers to hair that is dark at the roots and gradually blends into a lighter color toward the ends. To create dark ombre hair on light strands, dark hair dye must be applied to the roots of the hair. The best tips for achieving this look would be to section the hair, use a comb to control the hair dye, and vary the hair’s developing times. People creating this style on dark hair need to focus on lightening their ends with hair bleach or permanent hair dye. For the best results, it is important to choose the right product, closely monitor the hair as it develops, and blend uneven areas with highlights or lowlights.

When creating dark ombre hair on light strands, the roots of the hair will need to be darkened to the desired color. To do this, consumers should choose a hair dye one to two shades darker than the ends of their hair. If the hair dye is significantly darker than the beginning hair color, the end result will be very dramatic. Ombre hair is meant to look like a person’s roots have grown out since his or her last trip to the salon. Instead of appearing overly dramatic, the end result should look natural and well-blended.

Ombre coloring is popular in hair.
Ombre coloring is popular in hair.

To create dark ombre hair with hair dye, it helps to pin the top layers of the hair out of the way. After applying hair dye to the roots of the hair, consumers can then unfasten the top layers and finish coating the roots. Once dye has been applied generously to the roots, comb the dye through the hair until the top few inches of hair are covered. People with thick hair might need to fasten their hair into several different sections to ensure that all of the roots are covered.

Visiting a professional hair salon is the safest way for a person get ombre hair.
Visiting a professional hair salon is the safest way for a person get ombre hair.

Once the dye has been applied to the first few inches of hair, it should sit for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the dye should be combed through the strands until the next inch or two of hair is coated. The dye should be left to finish developing according to the product’s instructions. Combing dye through the hair is meant to create a slightly uneven, natural appearance. It will also help to blend the color.

For a dramatic ombre effect, bleach should be used to lighten hair.
For a dramatic ombre effect, bleach should be used to lighten hair.

Creating dark ombre hair is usually easier when beginning with dark strands. On dark hair, this style can be created by applying bleach or light hair dye to the strands. To do this, it is important to choose bleach or dye two shades lighter than the hair. While permanent hair dye can lift pigment from the hair, it is not usually possible to lighten the hair more than two shades using dye. Consumers who want more dramatic results need to use bleach.

A root touch-up brush, which looks similar to a mascara wand, can be used to apply hair dye specifically to the roots.
A root touch-up brush, which looks similar to a mascara wand, can be used to apply hair dye specifically to the roots.

To create dark ombre hair, consumers should section the hair into two even pigtails. Next, they should apply bleach or dye to the bottom few inches of the strands. It is important to let the product develop according to its instructions or until the hair has turned the desired color. To avoid lightening the hair too dramatically, users should check the color every few minutes.

Some hair color products are temporary and only last through one or two shampoos.
Some hair color products are temporary and only last through one or two shampoos.

For additional blending, the product can be applied to another inch or two of hair after developing for several minutes. The varying developing times will create a smoother transition from dark to light. To create a very smooth blending of color, the dye or bleach can be brought higher onto the hair every few minutes until fully developed.

Following these tips should help consumers create dark ombre hair while coloring hair at home. If the hair appears stripey or poorly blended, highlights or lowlights can be added to create a more attractive transition of color. Adding highlights to the hair will also help to create a sun-kissed look. While highlights are not necessary, they can be useful in pulling the style together.

Discussion Comments

Glasis

As complicated and costly as trying to achieve ombre hair can be at home, it may be a good idea to spend a little extra to have it done at the salon, especially for people with lighter hair.

The cost of home dying may be close to that at a salon anyway, because a true ombre design requires varying degrees of color to achieve the appearance of gradual fading and, as a result, at least a few different bottles of hair dye.

In addition to the cost, nothing is worse than an ombre dye job gone wrong. No one wants to walk around for a couple of months with striped hair.

Some things are worth the time and money needed for professional work.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ombre coloring is popular in hair.
      By: jb325
      Ombre coloring is popular in hair.
    • Visiting a professional hair salon is the safest way for a person get ombre hair.
      By: gemenacom
      Visiting a professional hair salon is the safest way for a person get ombre hair.
    • For a dramatic ombre effect, bleach should be used to lighten hair.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      For a dramatic ombre effect, bleach should be used to lighten hair.
    • A root touch-up brush, which looks similar to a mascara wand, can be used to apply hair dye specifically to the roots.
      By: bedya
      A root touch-up brush, which looks similar to a mascara wand, can be used to apply hair dye specifically to the roots.
    • Some hair color products are temporary and only last through one or two shampoos.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Some hair color products are temporary and only last through one or two shampoos.