Two-toned hair is on trend and can be applied to hair of any length. In addition, you can also do it yourself at home. With so many colors and styles to choose from, perhaps the most difficult thing you will have to deal with is deciding which one will suit you best. Ombre, dip-dye and layered coloring are three popular styles that can be easily applied and allow for so many color combinations. Whether you choose two natural colors or two pastels, you can be sure the results are amazing!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating an Ombre Look
Step 1. Divide the hair into two sections
Use a hairbrush or comb to divide the hair into two loose ponytails. This will make it easier for you to wrap your hair in foil after applying the bleach and dye. Tie each section of hair with an elastic band to mark the bottom of the hair.
Step 2. Whiten the hair area under the rubber
If you have dark hair, we recommend bleaching it before coloring it, especially if you choose a color that is much lighter than your current hair color. Pour the bleach into a bowl or applicator bottle and apply it to your hair in a gentle downward motion.
- If you currently have blonde or bright red hair and want to dye it darker, skip this step.
- If you want to get a brown or burgundy color, chances are you can still achieve it without bleaching your hair first, even if you have dark hair. You can simply use the dye with the included developer.
Step 3. Wrap the hair in foil
You will need several sheets of aluminum foil for this step. Wrap each section of hair separately. Wait for the bleach to work for the time recommended on the package. It usually takes about 10-45 minutes. Open one of the foils to check its progress.
Do not leave the bleach on for longer than the time stated in the instructions for use
Step 4. Remove the aluminum foil
Carefully open each sheet of foil. Rinse well to remove any residual bleach, then throw it in the trash.
Step 5. Wash and dry hair
Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove bleach. Then dry your hair with a hairdryer. Otherwise, the hair will not absorb the dye.
If the bleach makes your hair yellow or orange, use a purple shampoo. This step will give you a more neutral base for the next coloring process
Step 6. Divide the hair into two sections
Use a hairbrush or comb to divide the hair into two loose ponytails. Tie each section of hair with an elastic just above the bleached area.
Step 7. Prepare the first color
This is a lighter color. Pour the dye into a bowl or applicator bottle. If the packet contains separate powders and liquids, mix them together until no more powder particles are visible. Make sure each particle is thoroughly mixed evenly.
Step 8. Apply the first color
Use a dye bowl with an applicator brush or an applicator bottle to color all parts of your bleached hair. Gently apply the dye in a downward motion to all of your bleach-treated hair. It is recommended to apply the dye vertically, not horizontally to avoid the formation of sharp lines separating the colors.
Step 9. Mark the next section of hair
Wrap the bottom or of the hair in aluminum foil, then secure with a rubber band. This will prevent the darker color from seeping too much into the lighter colored area.
Step 10. Prepare the second color
This is a darker color. Repeat the same process as you did with the first color. Use an applicator brush and a different applicator bowl or bottle (if not included in the box).
Step 11. Apply the second dye
Use a brush or applicator bottle to apply the dye from the top of the lighter stained area to the top of the aluminum foil. Make a gentle downward motion as you apply the dye. Mix the two colors at the meeting point by gently twisting each section of hair.
Step 12. Let the dye work
Follow the instructions on the packaging. Set the timer to the recommended time. In general, it takes about an hour.
Step 13. Rinse hair with vinegar mixture
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on color-treated hair. Make sure no parts are missed. The vinegar will help the color last longer.
Use this mixture to rinse your hair every time you wash your hair
Step 14. Finish with a dye-safe conditioner
After rinsing your hair with vinegar, follow up with conditioner, then rinse thoroughly to lock in the color and remove the vinegar smell.
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Dip-Dye Look
Step 1. Divide the hair into sections
Use a hairbrush or comb to divide the hair into two or three sections on each side. This will make it easier for you to wrap your hair in aluminum foil after applying the bleach and dye. Tie each section with an elastic band to mark the ends of the hair. How long the area to color will depend on your preference, but it is recommended to dye more if you have long hair and less if you have short hair.
For example, if your hair reaches your shoulders, coloring about 3 to 5 cm at the ends will look good, but if your hair reaches mid-back, it is best to dye about 12 or 13 cm at the ends
Step 2. Perform the bleaching process on the ends of the hair
If you have dark hair and want to dye the ends a lighter color, consider bleaching them first. Apply the bleach using the applicator brush and the applicator bowl or bottle in a gentle downward motion.
- If you currently have blonde or bright red hair and want to dye it darker, skip this step.
- If you have darker hair and want to dye the ends brown or burgundy, you can still get the color you want with developer instead of bleach.
Step 3. Use aluminum foil
Take a few sheets of aluminum foil. Wrap each section of hair separately. Allow the bleach to work for the time recommended on the package. In general, it takes 10 to 45 minutes. Open one of the foils to check its progress.
Do not let the bleach work for longer than the time recommended on the package
Step 4. Remove the aluminum foil
Carefully open each sheet of foil. Rinse well to remove any residual bleach, then throw it in the trash.
Step 5. Wash and dry hair
Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove bleach. Then dry your hair with a hairdryer. Otherwise, the hair will not absorb the dye.
If your hair looks yellowish or orange, use a purple shampoo before using your regular shampoo
Step 6. Unpack the first color
Pour the dye into the applicator bowl or bottle. If the packet contains separate powders and liquids, mix them together until no more powder particles are visible. Make sure each particle is thoroughly mixed evenly.
Step 7. Apply the first color
Use a coloring bowl with an applicator brush or an applicator bottle. Apply the dye in a gentle downward motion throughout the bleach-treated hair to avoid the formation of sharp lines separating the colors
Step 8. Prepare the second color
Repeat the same process as you did with the first color. Use a different applicator bowl or bottle for this second dye. You will also need an applicator brush and an applicator bowl or bottle if not included in the product packaging.
Step 9. Apply the second dye
Apply the dye to the lower half of the bleached hair. In this step, you will partially mask off the first color. Mix the two colors at the meeting point by gently twisting each section of hair.
Step 10. Let the dye work
Follow the instructions on the packaging. Set the timer to the recommended time. In general, it takes about an hour.
Step 11. Rinse hair with vinegar mixture
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on color-treated hair. Make sure no parts are missed. The vinegar will help the color last longer.
Use this mixture to rinse your hair every time you wash your hair
Step 12. Finish with conditioner
Apply a dye-safe conditioner to your hair to lock in the color while removing the vinegar smell. After that, rinse your hair until it's completely clean.
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Layered Color Overlay
Step 1. Perform the bleaching process on the hair
If you have dark hair and want to apply a lighter color, consider bleaching it. Use the applicator brush and the applicator bowl or bottle to apply the bleach. Do it in a slow downward motion.
- If you currently have blonde or bright red hair and want to dye it darker, skip this step.
- If you have dark hair and want to dye it brown or burgundy, try doing it without bleach. Instead, choose a dye that comes with a developer and skip the bleaching process.
Step 2. Use aluminum foil
Take a few sheets of aluminum foil for this step. Wrap each section of hair separately. Allow the bleach to work for 10 to 45 minutes or according to the time recommended in the instructions for use. Open one of the foils to check its progress.
Do not let the bleach work for longer than the time recommended on the package
Step 3. Remove the aluminum foil
Carefully open each sheet of foil. Rinse well to remove any residual bleach, then throw it in the trash.
Step 4. Wash and dry hair
Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove bleach. Then dry your hair with a hairdryer. Otherwise, the hair will not absorb the dye.
Use purple shampoo to remove unwanted orange or yellow hues
Step 5. Separate the hair into several layers
Use a comb to divide the hair at the back of the head horizontally. Use a comb to make a slightly zigzag pattern. This will prevent the appearance of a sharp dividing line from the undercoat.
Step 6. Divide the top layer
Comb your hair, then divide it into right and left sections. After that, divide again into the top and bottom. Pin each section to the top third of the head.
Step 7. Divide the hair on the bottom layer
Comb the hair. Divide the hair into right and left sections. After that divide again into the top and bottom. Use different colored tweezers for this step so you can easily distinguish the top and bottom layers.
Step 8. Prepare the first color
Pour the dye into a bowl or applicator bottle. If the packet contains separate powders and liquids, mix them together until no more powder particles are visible. Make sure each particle is thoroughly mixed evenly.
Step 9. Color the hair in the bottom layer
Use a brush or applicator bottle. Apply the dye to each section of hair in a gentle downward motion. After applying the dye evenly, wrap the hair in a sheet of aluminum foil.
Step 10. Prepare the second color
Repeat the same process as you did with the first color. Use a different applicator bowl or bottle if it is not included in the product packaging.
Step 11. Remove the bobby pins holding the hair
Brush or comb the hair in this section. Be careful not to puncture the aluminum foil wrapping the undercoat of hair.
Step 12. Color the hair in the top layer
Use a brush or applicator bottle to apply the color in a gentle downward motion. Wrap each section of hair with a sheet of aluminum foil.
Step 13. Let the dye work
Follow the instructions on the packaging. Set the timer to the recommended time. In general, it takes about an hour.
Step 14. Remove the aluminum foil
Carefully remove each sheet of foil that is wrapping the hair. Rinse well to remove any residual bleach, then throw it in the trash.
Step 15. Rinse hair with vinegar mixture
Take a basin large enough for your head. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio. Dip the hair into the basin. This step helps the color last longer.
Use this mixture to rinse your hair every time you wash your hair
Step 16. Finish with conditioner
After rinsing your hair with vinegar, apply a dye-safe conditioner, then rinse thoroughly. This will help keep the color bright longer while removing the vinegar smell.
Tips
- Wear old clothes or other clothes that won't be a problem if they get stains.
- Wear plastic or rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- Use a special shampoo for color-treated hair. Regular shampoo will make hair color fade faster.
- Do not use a hairdryer after dyeing as the heat will make the color fade.
- Rinse hair with cold water after the coloring process. Hot or warm water will make the colors fade and spoil your new look.
- Apply a coconut oil mask before bleaching your hair to protect it.
Warning
- If you choose a pastel color, avoid washing your hair too often and recolor it every few weeks. Otherwise, the hair color will fade quickly.
- It's easier to dye your hair a darker color than a lighter color. You'll get better results if you dye your naturally blonde hair a darker color.
