DIY Two Color Ombré Hair

Wow.  So the last quarter of 2013 flew by and I didn't keep up so well with this blog (obviously).  

Let's kick off 2014 with something a little different - a hair/beauty post!

A few weeks ago, my daughter requested that I make my hair pink, like Molly from 'Bubble Guppies'.  

Now, I have absolutely nothing against unusual hair colors - I really like them - but pink is not my favorite color, and I'm loving the red hair I'm currently rocking (plus, I'm growing it out to do an Erza Scarlet cosplay.)  After some debate, which included weighing the pros and cons of dyeing my hair vs buying a wig, I was searching Pinterest and saw some really great examples of ombré hair color from blond or brown to pink.  I was a little concerned that red to pink would look weird, but decided to try it anyway.  I didn't  want  to shell out the $$$$ to get it done at my salon, so it was the internet to the rescue!  Luckily, there are lots of tutorials on DIY ombré technique. 

Here's what I did to get my look.  Standard disclaimer: I'm not a professional and when in doubt, go to the salon.

Since I had some root growth going on, I started by dyeing my hair with my usual color - Ion 7RR with a 30 developer.  I focused on the roots and pretty much ignored the ends, since I knew I was just going to bleach the out anyway.  

This is what it looked like after the red was applied.

Next, I divided my hair into eight sections and put each section into a ponytail.  Since I wouldn't be bleaching my bangs/fringe, I pinned it out of the way.

Next, I mixed some Loreal quick blue, Ion 30 developer, and Ardell red-gold corrector in a non-reactive bowl.  I also pulled out my foils.

 The red-gold corrector gave the mixture a purple tint. 

I applied the bleach to the bottom 2" of hair on each ponytail, folding the bleached sections into the foils.  I applied a little heat from my hair dryer to get the bleach going.  

After about 20 minutes, I unfolded the foils and re-applied bleach, this time to the bottom 3" of hair.  I left it on for another 15 minutes, then rinsed in cold water and washed it with a baby shampoo. 

I slathered the ends in Manic Panic's Virgin Snow, a purplish toner, intended to make pale blond hair white.  It didn't do too much to take the yellow tone out if my hair, but it was great conditioner for the bleached ends.  

Now for the fun part!  The dye I used fory hair was Beyond the Zone's Party Time  Pink.  I would not have selected this brand normally, but the Girl-child grabbed it and was insistent.  It was easier to go along.  

 

I must say that this dye smells AWFUL.  It's aroma is a cross between bubble gum and melted crayons.  The overall impression is 'juvenile'.

I applied the dye to the lower half of my hair, going into the red sections just to keep the transition smooth, wrapped my head in a plastic bag. And kicked back for a couple episodes of Kill la Kill.

I rinsed in cold water and tada!  Ombré hair!  

Both of my kids love it, and I think it is fun too.  It fades to a nice pastel after a couple of eashes, but I found that after a week, I needed to do a touch up.