Ombre Hair Care Routine

I get asked about my hair and how I created my ombre look quite a lot, so I thought it was about time I did a blog post about it...

The Story
I first bleached the ends of my hair back in 2011. It was the first time I had ever dyed my hair, so was a nerve-racking process - especially doing it myself. I did lots of research into the right products, style and colour variation that I wanted before going ahead. There are lots of videos out there about DIY Ombre Hair, but I followed this very old one by Lily Melrose, which was super helpful to me.

The Products
I've always bleached the ends of my hair myself, using the L'Oreal Perfect Blonde Creme Highlight Kit. I usually do this every 4-6 months, depending on the time of year (I like to go a little blonder in summer) and depending on how faded or grown out my hair becomes. The highlighting kit is really easy to use and has full colour instructions inside to follow. I'd really recommend using this highlighting kit if you've got mid-to-light brown hair like myself, as it works really well on the shade. You can pick this highlighting kit up for around £5 from most drugstores/supermarkets.

The Lasting Power
I use various products to ensure my ends stay bright blonde, in order to achieve the full fade-to-blonde look. Before I discovered the John Frieda Go Blonder Range, my hair often would look brassy  and the bleach blonde would soon start to fade. I love to use the John Frieda Go Blonder Spray on the ends of my hair when damp. I find just a couple of spritzes have an amazing effect in brightening my hair when its feeling dull and lifeless. I have heard some horror stories about using this spray, but I've never had a bad experience and only tend to use it once or twice a week on the ends of my hair only.
When washing my hair, I love using what most people refer to as "purple shampoo", the Provoke Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo. This product has a very foamy consistency when mixed with water, making it perfect for lathering into the hair and leaving in for around 5 minutes. I'm so glad I was introduced to this product by my blonde friends as it works amazingly well in enhancing my blonde ends and freshening up my locks.
I also have started using the Lush Marilyn hair mask lately which is a great product for blonde enhancement. Not only does it smell amazing, it has a great effect in nourishing my hair, leaving it stronger and brighter. Some reviews complain that the product is too watery but I find it perfect for spreading through my hair. The only complaint I would have, is that there isn't enough in the tub! Mine is nearly out after only 5 uses..  #longhairproblemz.
The Styling
It is no secret that bleaching isn't very good for your hair and I think my hair is noticeably thinner and suffers more breakage as a result. I therefore try to use as little heat on it as possible to avoid further damage. I hardly ever blow-dry my hair.. mainly because it looks flat and lifeless, whereas my natural curls develop when I leave it to dry naturally. When I do use heat, I opt for loose curls using this Babyliss Wand or a sleek and straight look (this happens about twice a year.. no really) using my GHDs. I've had both hair tools for about 7 years (which is pretty impressive no?) so I would fully recommend them.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Which products would you recommend?

x

Like on Facebook | Follow me on Twitter | Follow me on Instagram | Follow on Bloglovin'