DIP DYE: A BOLD, TRENDY, AND EDGY HAIRSTYLE

Dip dye is a distinct two-tone hairstyle technique that often creates a bold contrast between the beginning and ends of somebody's hair. Unlike an ombre hairstyle, where the roots are dark, the ends are light, and the lengths are a spectrum between the two, a dip dye hairstyle results in dark roots, light lengths and ends, and no in-between colors. This may create a sudden effect, especially when the hair color transitions from black to blonde, or similar juxtapositions. Typically, dip dye opts for a color four or five levels lighter than the owner's roots. The name originates from the illusion that the owner's hair has been vertically dipped in another color.

Hair stylists recommend that the shortest length someone attempts a dip dye on is bob-length, as shorter lengths create more obvious transitions. Dip dyes are most suited for long, layered hairstyles. Dip dye hairstyles have also been created as an inverse to the traditional style, with lighter roots and darker ends.

Process

Creating a dip dye hairstyle requires, as indicated in its name, the hair artist to dye the lengths and ends of the owner's hair. On dark hair, dyeing requires that the hair be bleached to a light blonde. The bleaching process ensures that lighter and bolder colors can adhere to the ends. After bleaching, if necessary, the hair artist will apply the hair dye according to the dye's instructions and procedures. After waiting the specified time, the dye can be washed out, resulting in dip dyed hair.

Maintenance

Dip dye requires less maintenance than a complete dye or an ombre, but maintenance is still required depending on the dye color and brand. While some colors may last a long time on bleached hair, up to a few years, more unnatural colors, such as blues and bold reds, may fade relatively quickly. Therefore, in order to keep the dyed color, the owner may need to re-dye the bleached areas every few months. Because dip-dyeing involves much less technique than other hairstyles, such as balayage and ombre, the owner may re-dye herself.

In addition, bleaching and dyeing often causes damage to the hair, which can begin to look dry, frayed, and thin. To rejuvenate and rehydrate damaged hair, the owner can use hair masks, hair treatments, refrain from heat, or refrain from undergoing any more hair dyeing processes.

Trends

Dip dye styles came into style in 2014, with celebrities like Demi Lovato, Iggy Azalea, Bella Thorne, and Britney Spears sporting colorful looks. While the first dip dyes were usually extreme, used bold colors and resulted in sudden transitions, recent dip dye trends have opted for more subtle colors that blend into the darker roots. Hair artists will often make sure that the owner leaves without extreme, sudden dip dye hair.

Author: Emily CaentDate: 20/11/2016

Works Consulted

Claire, Marie. "Dip-Dye Hairstyles: 30 Of The Best Celebrity Looks." Marieclaire.co.uk. Marie

Claire, 06 Mar. 2017. Web. 12 Mar. 2017.

David, Jean Louis. "The Difference between Ombré Hair and the Dip Dye." Jeanlouisdavid.com.

Jean Louis David, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.

"What Is Dip Dye | Dip Dye Tips." L'Oréal Professionnel. L'Oreal, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2017.