The word "ombre" in French means "shadow or shade".

Ombre hair refers to hair color fading from dark to light, or vice versa. Instead of the color starting from the roots, it gradually becomes lighter, or darker, towards the ends.

There are two options for you to consider for ombre whether you should use bleach or a milder color. Hair bleach is much effective lightener and can be used on healthy hair that has not been recently colored, but it does dry hair out. If you have dry, brittle hair or damaged hair I suggest you choose milder blonde dye that does not use a harsh bleaching product. The effect may not be as effective, but it will be better for your hair in the long run.

Last year, Karylle and I tried the milder blonde dye because we are so afraid that out hair would dry out. My ombre is not so visible after the treatment. Here’s my photo after dying my hair:

After an hour, this is the result of the treatment.

• Typically, you will choose a hair dye that is only three to four shades lighter than your natural hair color. Too few shades lighter will not create much variation and may not be noticeable. Going too much lighter might be too stark a contrast, however.
• Print out a few reference pictures once you determine the style of ombre hair you want to go for. Reference pictures will help you gauge how far up the color should go and how deep or light the shade should be.

• If you hair is badly damaged, reconsider coloring your hair. The lightener or color will further cause damage.
• Because bleaching damages your hair, it’s important to take really good care of it after. You want to be able to put back in what the bleach took away. I am using TRESemme Keratin Smooth/Keratin Infusing Conditioner. It leaves my hair hydrated and soft (even my bleached ends). I only use shampoo once a week because using shampoo would cause dryness of your bleached hair. After shampoo, I use Keratin treatment.
• Think million times before having your hair bleached. :)