Ombre Hair Coloring Tips

By Giulia Heiman

Definition: The hair world borrowed the term 'Ombre' from the french word meaning shaded or shading. Ombre hair color is generally darker at the roots through the mid-shaft and then gradually gets lighter from the mid-shaft to the ends. It is usually achieved using a balayage technique and is ideal for clients looking for a low-maintenance style.

 

The Ombre hair coloring technique has taken the hair color world by storm. Be it major celebrities, Victoria's Secret models or the girl next door, everyone's getting in on the action of this awesome hair coloring trend.

This is the #1 service being talked about and asked for in the salon right now, so I highly suggest brushing up on these helpful tips and getting comfortable (if you're not already) with this hot hair coloring trend.
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The Many Benefits of Ombre Hair Color

One of the many reasons I love this technique so much is that it looks good on almost anyone and it's a great service to upsell. You'd be surprised how many clients would look terrible if you put light pieces at their roots, but when you put them beneath the hairline, it's like they're carrying around their own set of spotlights.

• Great technique for your low maintenance clients or people that are just trying out hair color for the first time.

• You can usually charge more for this service since it's a bit more time consuming for the stylist.

• Stay current and of the moment by introducing your clients to new trends and techniques.

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Stepping Away From the Foils

Balayage is the technique that is used to achieve an Ombre look. Do not be tempted to try this technique with foils as you will end up with harsh lines of demarcation.

Keep in mind that when you're working with a lightener that is not incubated by foil, it's going to act a bit differently. First off, keep your lightener moist (so it will stay activated) and work with a higher volume developer on clients who have layers of color on their ends.

Balayage Quick Tips

• Use white colored lightener to easily see what the hair is lifting too.

• Use extra developer to make your lightener runny, and reapply as often as needed to keep the product moist.

• Work with a coloring board to make sure the hair is fully saturated with product.

• Pick up a balayage coloring brush (it's about half the size of a regular one).

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Keep it Clean but Don't be Afraid to Get Messy

I'm a little crazy about having a perfect head of folded foils, it's a must! I get nuts when I see foil packets all over the place. That being said, I almost had a heart attack the first time I saw someone do Ombre hair color. There was product everywhere!

[post_ads]Ombre hair color is usually a two step process with the base color being done first and then the highlights added to clean, dry hair. You can do the all over color and highlights at the same time, but this is where is can get pretty messy.

Keep in mind how long the hair will take to lift with the lightener. You don't want your base color to be finished processing before the highlights and in my experience the hair always takes longer to lighten outside of a foil packet.
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Ombre Hair coloring Quick Tips

• Cut the hair before you balayage as placement is based on the cut. Plus, you don't want to cut out all of your hard work!

• Use a smaller brush for precise appplication and always be careful to make sure that the hair is completely saturated through the section.

• Don't forget that you can lowlight with this technique too, or alternate with highs and lows.

• Try backcombing your sections first to get the hair to lift off of itself and prevent bleeding onto other sections.