Ombre hair, with its gradual transition from dark to light, has been a popular trend for years. But trends fade, and tastes change. Perhaps you’re tired of your current ombre, or maybe the colors have become brassy and dull. Whatever the reason, you’re likely wondering: can you dye over ombre hair? The short answer is yes, you can. However, achieving the desired result requires careful planning, the right products, and a realistic understanding of what’s possible. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dyeing over ombre hair, from assessing your hair’s condition to choosing the right color and application techniques.
Understanding Your Ombre Hair
Before you even think about picking up a box of dye, it’s crucial to understand the current state of your ombre. This involves considering several factors, including the color levels involved, the condition of your hair, and the type of dye that was originally used.
Assessing the Color Levels
Ombre typically involves a darker root transitioning to a lighter end. It’s important to identify the color levels in your hair. Use a hair color level chart (easily found online) to determine the darkness of your roots and the lightness of your ends. This will help you choose a dye that will effectively cover the existing ombre and create a consistent, desired color. Accurately identifying these levels is the foundation for successful color correction.
Evaluating Hair Condition
The health of your hair plays a significant role in how well it will take to new color. Ombre often involves bleaching, especially to achieve lighter ends. Bleaching can weaken the hair shaft, making it more porous and prone to damage. Examine your hair carefully. Is it dry, brittle, or prone to breakage? Are the ends split and frayed? If your hair is already damaged, dyeing over the ombre could exacerbate the problem. Prioritize repairing your hair with deep conditioning treatments before attempting to dye it. Consider protein treatments if your hair is significantly damaged.
Determining the Previous Dye Type
Knowing whether your previous ombre was created with permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent dye is crucial. Permanent dyes penetrate the hair shaft and are more difficult to remove or cover. Demi-permanent dyes deposit color but don’t lighten the hair, and semi-permanent dyes only coat the surface. If you used a permanent dye, you may need to use a color remover before applying your new color, especially if you’re going darker. Using a color remover can help create a more even base for the new dye and prevent unwanted tones.
Choosing the Right Dye
Selecting the correct dye is paramount for a successful color transformation. Consider the desired final color, the existing color levels, and the condition of your hair when making your choice.
Going Darker
Dyeing over ombre hair with a darker color is generally easier than going lighter. However, it’s not as simple as slapping on a dark dye. You need to consider the undertones in your existing ombre, particularly the lighter ends. Bleached hair often has yellow or orange undertones, which can affect the final color result. Choose a dye with cool tones (ash, violet, or blue) to neutralize any unwanted warmth. For example, if you’re dyeing over a brassy blonde ombre with a dark brown, select a brown dye with ash undertones to prevent the brown from turning reddish. Perform a strand test to assess how the dye interacts with the existing color and adjust your color selection accordingly.
Going Lighter
Going lighter over ombre hair is significantly more challenging. Since dye cannot lift previously dyed hair, you’ll likely need to use bleach. However, bleaching over already bleached ombre can lead to severe damage and uneven results. It’s generally recommended to avoid bleaching over existing ombre, especially if your hair is already damaged. If you’re determined to go lighter, consult a professional stylist. They can assess your hair’s condition and use specialized techniques to minimize damage and achieve a more even lift. Alternatively, consider lightening your hair gradually with highlights or balayage to blend the ombre more seamlessly.
Covering Unwanted Tones
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to drastically change the hair color, but to neutralize unwanted tones like brassiness or yellowness. In these cases, a toner or color-depositing shampoo can be a great solution. Toners are demi-permanent dyes that deposit color without lifting. They’re available in various shades, including purple, blue, and green, which can counteract unwanted undertones. Purple shampoo is effective for neutralizing yellow tones in blonde hair, while blue shampoo can help combat orange tones in brunette hair. Choose a toner or color-depositing shampoo that corresponds to the unwanted tone you’re trying to neutralize. Use it regularly to maintain the desired color and prevent brassiness from reappearing.
The Dyeing Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve assessed your hair, chosen the right dye, and gathered your supplies, it’s time to start the dyeing process. Follow these steps carefully to minimize damage and achieve the best possible results.
Preparation is Key
Before you even open the dye box, take the time to properly prepare your hair and workspace. This includes protecting your skin and clothing, detangling your hair, and performing a strand test.
- Protect your skin and clothing: Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining. Wear an old t-shirt or a salon cape to protect your clothing.
- Detangle your hair: Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. This will ensure that the dye is applied evenly.
- Perform a strand test: Mix a small amount of dye according to the instructions and apply it to a hidden strand of hair, such as underneath the nape of your neck. Leave it on for the recommended processing time and then rinse and dry the strand. This will give you a preview of the final color and allow you to adjust the processing time or color selection if necessary.
Application Techniques
The application technique you use will depend on your desired outcome. If you want to completely cover the ombre and achieve a uniform color, you’ll need to apply the dye to the entire head of hair, ensuring that the roots and ends are evenly saturated. If you want to blend the ombre more seamlessly, you can use a technique called “color melting.” This involves applying the dye to the roots and then blending it down into the lighter ends using a brush or your fingers.
- Uniform Color Application: Divide your hair into four sections and secure each section with a clip. Start applying the dye to the roots, working your way down to the ends. Ensure that all strands are evenly saturated. Once you’ve applied the dye to all sections, massage it into your hair to ensure even coverage.
- Color Melting: Apply the dye to the roots and blend it down a few inches. Then, use a brush or your fingers to blend the dye into the lighter ends, creating a seamless transition. You can use a comb to further blend the colors together.
Processing and Rinsing
Once you’ve applied the dye, leave it on for the recommended processing time, as indicated on the dye box. Check your hair periodically to ensure that the color is developing evenly. After the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the dye to fade faster.
Post-Dyeing Care
After dyeing your hair, it’s essential to take extra care to maintain the color and prevent damage. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip the color. Consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Protect your hair from heat styling by using a heat protectant spray.
When to Seek Professional Help
While dyeing over ombre hair can be a DIY project, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. If your hair is severely damaged, if you’re attempting a drastic color change, or if you’re unsure about any aspect of the dyeing process, consult a professional stylist. They have the expertise and experience to assess your hair’s condition, choose the right products, and apply the dye safely and effectively.
- Severely Damaged Hair: If your hair is extremely dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, it’s best to consult a professional before dyeing it. They can assess the damage and recommend treatments to strengthen your hair before applying any color.
- Drastic Color Change: If you’re attempting to go significantly lighter or darker, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. They have the knowledge and experience to achieve the desired result without damaging your hair.
- Unsure About the Process: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the dyeing process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your hair.
Can I dye my entire ombre hair a single, solid color?
Yes, you can dye over ombre hair to achieve a single, solid color. However, the success depends on the color you’re aiming for and the current shade of your ombre. Darker colors are generally easier to achieve and will cover the lighter ends more effectively. Be prepared for the color to take differently on the pre-lightened portions of your hair.
When choosing your dye, consider the level of lift required to achieve your desired shade. If your goal is to go much darker, a single application might suffice. For lighter colors, or if your ombre has significant contrast, you might need to pre-pigment the lighter ends to ensure even color absorption and prevent a muddy or uneven result. Always perform a strand test before committing to the entire head.
What are the risks of dyeing over ombre hair?
The primary risk of dyeing over ombre hair is uneven color distribution. Since the ends of your hair are pre-lightened, they are more porous and absorbent than the roots, leading to the color taking faster and potentially darker on those sections. This can result in a “banded” effect, where the new color appears different at the roots, mid-lengths, and ends.
Another risk is damage to the hair. Lightening processes weaken the hair structure, and applying another chemical dye can further compromise its health. Overlapping the dye onto previously lightened areas, especially multiple times, can lead to breakage, dryness, and a dull appearance. Using a moisturizing hair mask and avoiding heat styling can help mitigate some of the damage.
What color should I choose to dye over my ombre?
The best color to dye over your ombre depends on your desired outcome and the existing tones in your hair. If you want to go significantly darker, a shade close to your natural root color will create a more seamless blend. Consider the undertones of your hair and choose a dye with complementary undertones to avoid a clash in color.
For covering ombre with a lighter shade, it’s often necessary to pre-pigment the blonde or lightened ends. This involves adding back the warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) that were stripped away during the lightening process. Then, you can apply your desired lighter color over the pre-pigmented sections for a more even and natural-looking result. Consulting with a professional colorist is highly recommended when attempting significant color changes.
Do I need to pre-pigment my hair before dyeing over ombre?
Pre-pigmentation is often necessary when dyeing lightened ombre ends with a shade that is closer to your natural color, especially if your natural color is significantly darker. The blonde or lightened ends lack the warm underlying tones that are present in darker hair, which can result in a muddy or ashy finish if you apply a cool-toned dye directly.
Pre-pigmenting involves adding back those missing warm tones using a dye or color filler that is close to the desired undertone of your natural hair color. This creates a uniform base for the final color and ensures that the dye adheres evenly, preventing unwanted green or blue hues. This step is crucial for achieving a natural and lasting color result.
Can I dye my ombre hair a completely different color, like red or blue?
Yes, you can dye your ombre hair a completely different color like red or blue. However, achieving a vibrant and long-lasting result, especially with fashion colors, can be challenging and often requires professional assistance. The pre-lightened ends of your ombre provide a good base for vibrant colors, but achieving even saturation is crucial.
Before applying the fashion color, it’s essential to ensure that your hair is as light and as even in tone as possible. This might involve further lightening the ends to achieve a true, platinum blonde base. Remember that vibrant colors tend to fade quickly, so using color-depositing shampoos and conditioners designed for fashion colors is essential to maintain the vibrancy.
Should I go to a professional to dye over my ombre hair?
Seeking professional help to dye over your ombre hair is highly recommended, especially if you’re attempting a significant color change or if you’re unsure about the process. A professional colorist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the appropriate products and techniques, and ensure that the color is applied evenly and safely.
A professional can also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as uneven color, banding, or damage to your hair. They can formulate a custom color mix tailored to your specific needs and hair type. While it might be more expensive than DIY dyeing, the results are often more predictable, consistent, and healthier for your hair in the long run.
What aftercare is recommended after dyeing over ombre hair?
Proper aftercare is crucial to maintain the health and color of your dyed hair, especially after dyeing over an ombre. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent the color from fading quickly. Avoid sulfates, which can strip the color and moisture from your hair.
Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks are essential to replenish moisture and repair any damage caused by the dyeing process. Limit heat styling and use a heat protectant spray when using styling tools. Regular trims can also help remove split ends and maintain the overall health and appearance of your hair.