Neal Malek (@nealmalekhair) from Orlando, Florida, calls this technique a marbled ombré "because it's effect gives a marbled look through the transitions of the colors. There are 3-4 colors used including the base," says Malek, "and this is a beautiful technique to use with vibrant colors!"
In this case, the client had 6 month old faded brown color and was the perfect candidate for this technique. "It was light enough already to where I didn't have to bleach it," he adds. "I used Redken Chromatics for the entire process."

FORMULAS:
BASE SHADE: A) base - 4Vv with 20 volume
MARBLED OMBRE COLORS:  B) 6Vr with 30 volume and C) 7Gr with 30 volume

HOW TO:

Step 1: Start the color by doing a deep retouch with formula A. "I took this particular base color down to about the parietal ridge because I wanted a higher ombré."

Step 2: In two separate bowls mix formulas B and C. Take horizontal sections and a foil, apply formula B on the top right and the bottom left of the foil.

Step 3: Apply formula C on the top left and the bottom right of the foil. "They should make close to an X shape."

Step 4: Once applied, "blur"  together with a clean brush or a Redken Blur Brush (which is what Malek used.)

Step 5: Take another horizontal section directly above the last section and repeat the last step but alternate the placement of the formulas.

Step 6: Do this around the head in horizontal sections, making sure the base is melted into the ombré transition in each section.

"I love it because it gives me a way to make my reds, my coppers and my violet reds more dimensional."