I figured it’s just been too long since my last tutorial and with spring here, I’m feeling light-hearted and wanted my hair to reflect that. Since I am a snob and refuse to let anyone else touch my hair, I figured I would let you in on my process art project this time.
Even though the fashion gods style jerks have predicted that ombre was going to severely fade away in 2013, I think the look is here to stay. Until we get bored again at least.
So here you are…how to get a blended, naturalish-looking lightened ombre effect without harsh lines.
*DISCLAIMER* I am a licensed professional. While I shouldn’t advise you to cut and/or chemically process your hair at home, I actually encourage it. However, STUDY as much as possible, KNOW that you are taking a risk and UNDERSTAND that sometimes these projects can cost you a lot of time, money, energy and more often than not, hair. Be prepared to have your disaster fixed by a licensed professional if you are willing to experiment on your own hair. Hell, that’s how I got into this profession!
Make sure you have all of your tools ready! Today, I am using TIGI Copyright Colour True Light Bleach with their 20 volume Colour Activator. (If you are not licensed, you shouldn’t have access to these products. I urge you never to purchase professional products online or from sources outside of the approved retailers. If you are not licensed, head to your local Sally’s Beauty Supply and ask an employee for something suitable).
Before you mix your color, make sure you have sectioned off your hair! The sectioning is not meant to be perfect, but you should have some sort of plan. I pinned up the crown section, knowing that I wouldn’t be touching that with bleach. Next, I sectioned off my fringe area, pulling it the opposite direction that I typically wear them. I sectioned off my temple areas, knowing that bleach would not be touching those as well. I then made a section around my head, ear to ear, dropped the nape area and clipped up. I sectioned the nape area off into three subsections.
I mixed the lightener until I got a thinner consistency so I could maneuver the product easier and then started at my nape. Each section, instead of using my application brush, I decided just to use my fingers and started at the ends of each section. As I applied my mixture, I twisted the hair and fanned out the ends to make sure they were fully saturated. I lightly applied the bleach halfway up each section. I continued to do this up and around my head, also making smaller subsections in my middle section, leaving out my temples and a small section in front of each ear. I pulled my fringe area the opposite direction with a diagonal part to ensure optimal blending. Be sure to clip the front sections up well enough to keep out of your eyes!!
I only let the lightener process for 15 minutes, as my hair is very porous and processed. After lightener is rinsed, depending on the look you want to achieve, the porosity and elasticity of your or your client’s hair, or any mishaps, you may need to glaze down or out any unwanted tones. A second application may also be needed. Every situation is extremely different. I have Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids in red on my hair, so I knew that it would be lifting to a yellow/orange base which is exactly what I wanted!
Before and Afters in terrible yellow bathroom lighting:
And a few more in natural lighting!
Feel free to ask ANY questions that you may have! Message my ask box or email Jennhasfeet@gmail.com. You can also find me at A Davis Brown Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
