Different Strategy for Each Client

There are many techniques to get the Ombre look and every colorist takes a different approach. For every client we have to develop a different strategy. All you, the client, have to do is find a picture or two of how you would like yours to look, (dramatic or subtle) then come in and leave it up to us!

One common technique we use is backcombing. This is where I’ll usually start on the sides and then work my way back. I’ll then take about an inch section, backcomb slightly, then weave while staying away from the root. Then I paint on my lightener (in a foil) from the teased part down leaving out the root and making sure to unevenly distribute the lightener (so there’s no line of demarcation). Then I’ll take another foil and put it on top to close and slightly drag them down to avoid any hard lines. Your main goal is to not have any harsh lines where it begins and ends. Depending on hair length and thickness the whole process usually takes about an hour or so.

Who Wears it?

There’s been a lot of interest in Salma Hayek‘s hair from this years Golden Globes. She is a perfect example of the Ombré look. Her ends were lightened and then toned with a lighter brown to show a difference in shading.

What Kind of Cut Goes Good with the Ombre‘ look?

As far as a haircut goes, Ombré definitely looks better on a layered haircut, this way you can see the gradation of color. Whereas one length of hair can sometimes hide the lightened ends. In most cases, when you wear your hair wavy or slightly curled it tends to look better than pin straight.

I strongly urge my clients to do a conditioning treatment to seal those ends we just lightened as well as follow up with at home products. Our Kerastase and Loreal Professional lines are recommended and personalized for each client that comes in. Then receive a haircut/blowout to really see the way the color fades from dark to light.

Michelle is a colorist at the Merrick location. You can follow her on twitter @MimiAmmirati where she is posting her work and additional examples of the Ombre look.

Michelle Ammirati

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