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How can I get my Ombre to look more natural?

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Hello,

I have mid-brown hair with natural red and blonde tones. I recently dyed it Ombre on the ends using powder bleach and 12% peroxide, but it has gone an orange/red tinge. How can I get more of a natural blonde shade.

Please help, I can't afford the hairdresser!

Anon, UK

Dear Anon,

By the sounds of things, you've done a lot of the hard work already! You now have two options:

I would book a consultation with a salon colourist; these are usually free in any good salon and there's no commitment to book. Ask them to do the relevant strand test and ask whether they recommend you taking your hair any lighter, based on colour, condition etc. otherwise, your second option is to just inquire about a toner. If you don't mind having the two-toned effect this could work, as a toner will counteract the unwanted tones in the hair, for example if it's too ashy or too golden. Good luck whatever you decide to do!

Hannah de Frateschi, SWH Team Colourist, Simon Webster Hair, Brighton.

Bleaching your hair at home is never recommended, as it can lead to breakage and uneven colour. The only way to get your hair lighter is to unfortunately bleach the hair again and then tone it with an ash based blonde to create a softer more natural shade. Make sure you keep your hair in good condition by applying a moisture masque to minimise the dryness this will cause.

John Clark, Head of Colour at Brooks+Brooks, London 

Hi,

You must get this rectified professionally. Your hair will probably need to bleached again with a toner applied on the hair that has been bleached. I would advise you to go to a professional stylist, as it is a messy and risky job to attempt at home.

Joseph Koniak, Artistic Director at Eleven Hair and Joseph Koniak, London