Anonymous asked: Hey, so I notice you have ombre hair. I have ombre hair in a similar style to yours but the ends are really dry! I want to keep the colour but now I'm wondering whether I should just dye over it in brown or cut the ends. What do you do?

Hi there! I’ve had ombre hair for a year or so before colouring over it. My ends were getting crusty and gross as well and I didn’t want to lose the length so I just went back to brunette. But I sort of got antsy with it so I did a DIY ombre at home which I like a lot more. BUT the ends do get dry usually at the 3 day mark. This is what I do and what I use:

• The day that I wash my hair, I completely cover my ends in Moroccan oil, tie my hair up in a bun and leave it in for as long as I can. I usually do this before I work out so it doesn’t matter if my hair looks like shit.
• I use John Frieda brunette shampoo to get the oil out. I don’t scrub the shampoo into the ends of my hair because I find this makes them weak. No scrubbing!
• I use John Frieda brunette conditioner (my ends this time around are more of a reddish brown) and leave that in for a good while. Again, no scrubbing.
• When I towel dry, I do not twist the hair to get the water out but make a scrunching motion with my towel. This is more gentle. I also comb my hair with a wide tooth comb. I apply a bit more Moroccan oil focusing mainly on the ends.
• I use a Parlux 3500 to dry my hair which is fantastic in maintaining moisture. I try not to use a straightener and if I curl my hair I don’t curl to the ends. Personally, I like the look better but that is personal choice. However, I apply a little bit of Moroccan oil before using any hot tools and perhaps after if my hair is looking a little dry.

While this might sound excessive, it’s because it is. Unfortunately, ombre hair uses bleach and bleach dries your hair out no matter how healthy your hair is. This is why you have to take more care with it especially if you want to keep the length and don’t want to lose hair to snapping which bleach can do.

With the shampoo & conditioner, it is really worth finding something that is specifically for dry and damaged hair and promotes shine. And of course, it’s worth paying a little more than your supermarket brands. You could check out the HQHair.com dry/damaged list of products - it’s a great overview on what’s out there.

And if all else fails, dye over it baby!

xx