If a few years ago darker roots and lighter ends were a ‘no-no’, nowadays they are not only a popular technique of dyeing but are even a hair trend that doesn’t leave for a few years now.
But how to dye roots darker than the rest of hair? It is not as difficult as it seems. There are two important steps in doing it. First, you will need to pick the right shade.
How to Dye Roots Darker Than the Rest of Hair? It should be no more than two shades darker than the rest of your hair. Secondly, the dye should be applied to the roots irregularly for a seamless blend.
Continue reading for a step by step guide on dyeing roots darker than the rest of the hair as well as answers for every question you may have along the way.
Dyeing Roots Darker Than the Rest of Your – How to Do It?
Some people choose to have roots darker than lengths and there may be two reasons for it. They either like the look of darker roots, or their regrowth is a color that they don’t want it to be.
Either way, if you want darker roots, there is only one solution for it. You should dye your roots with a different color dye. And it is here that you have options to choose from.
You can either pick a hair dye that is in the same color scheme as your current hair, or you can pick a shade that contrasts with the rest of your hair.
Why Should You Dye Your Roots Darker?
First off, dying the roots darker is a matter of preference. While some people like color contrast, others want all of the hair to be the same tone.
However, many stylists claim that the technique of darker roots and light ends ‘open’ the face and make the lower part of the face appear lighter. It this case, stylists are not talking about harsh contrasts but two beautifully blended colors that have a smooth transition.
Also Read: How Long Does Hair Dye Last (Long Lasting Tips)
How to Choose the Right Color for Darker Roots?
Choosing the right color for your roots is essential as your entire hair look depends on it. But before you pick a shade, think about what result you want to achieve.
If you want a pronounced contrast between the color of your roots and the rest of your hair, you can pick a hair dye that is at least 2 shades darker than your lengths.
For example, it is a popular technique to dye the roots deep brown for people who have blond hair. Many people who have naturally dark hair prefer this coloring technique as when their roots are growing they still look neat and less noticeable.
However, as good and as convenient it is for people with dyed blond hair to maintain darker roots, they should keep in mind that if one day they decide to have blond roots, bleaching sessions are inevitable. And we all know by now that bleaching, especially the roots of the hair may be rather damaging.
For those who dye their hair red or deep shades of wine are recommended to apply a dark brown hair dye on their roots.
If you are following the trend and want a seamless transition from slightly darker roots to lighter lengths, you should pick a color that is one shade darker than the rest of your hair.
Two shades darker is the maximum difference you can go with to achieve a smooth effect. For example, if your hair is brown, you should pick a brown dye for your roots that is one or two shades darker but has the same tone.
This technique requires more attention as your regrowth may be of a different color than your dyed roots. Thus, you will need touch-ups to keep the look of your hair presentable. Otherwise, you may have 3 different tones along the length of your hair.
Also Read: How Long You Should Leave Dye in Your Hair?
A Step-by-Step Guide
Dyeing your roots darker than the rest of your hair is quite easy. Much easier than dyeing your entire head.
What makes it simple and effortless is that you don’t need to be precise. If you be too precise with the dye application the darker color will create a harsh contrasting line with the lighter shade. Unless this is the look you are going for, apply the dye to the roots in a somewhat ‘messy’ way.
Doing this will allow you to blend the two colors seamlessly. Dyeing your roots darker than the rest of your hair at home is easy.
You don’t need too many products. All you need is:
- A hair dye kit (Link to amazon)
- A hair dye brush (Link to amazon)
- A bowl (Link to amazon)
Before you sit to dye your hair, take a few measures to make the process clean and trouble-free. Before you do anything else, put on a shirt that you don’t mind getting hair dye on. Secondly, prepare your working space. The more organized you are the easier it will be for you to do the job.
Here is the step by step guide on how to dye your roots darker than the rest of your hair.
Step 1
Pick a shade that you are confident will work well with the shade of your lengths. To make it easier for you to imagine what color you want the roots to be, think of what you want to achieve as ‘reverse ombre’. If you were to darken the ends of your hair, what shade you would use for an effortless look?
Step 2
Read the instructions that come in the box and prepare the dye accordingly. This is usually combining the dye with the peroxide liquid, i.e. developer.
Step 3
Part your hair and start applying the dye on the roots. Once you have applied the dye, create another part in your hair, and apply the dye. Make sure not to miss any spots while trying to apply the dye in an irregular manner so that the lines are not harsh.
Step 4
Once you have dyed all your roots, put your hair up and make sure you have not missed any spots around your neckline, ears, and forehead.
Step 5
Let the dye sit on your roots for as long as the instructions suggest. The waiting time may differ from brand to brand. If it is not your first time working with a particular hair dye brand and you know how your hair reacts to it, you can set your own timer.
Don’t do anything that includes the risk of getting the darker dye on the rest of your hair. This is especially dangerous for blonds that are dying their roots black or deep chocolate color.
Step 6
Wash the dye off with water. Pay attention to the water temperature. If it is too high the dye will fade away and you will not get the desired result. Cold or slightly warm water will be perfect.
Don’t use shampoo while rinsing out the hair dye. Instead, use the conditioner to soften and moisturize the hair.
How to Blend Dark Roots with Blond Hair at Home?
If you want to blend dark roots with blond hair, the first rule is to pick a color that will not create too harsh of a contrast. For example, jet black with cool-toned icy blond will not work.
If your natural hair color is brown, choose a shade that is close to it. This way the transition will be seamless even when your roots grow out.
If this is not the case for you, pick a shade that is two tones darker than the blond shade of your hair. While picking the right dark shade is important, the secret lies within the application technique.
Apply the dark hair dye mixture irregularly on your roots without concentrating on following an imaginary line. The length of the darker roots can be around 1.5 inches long. If you go a few millimeters further, that won’t break the look. Even better, the roots will look naturally faded and effortless.
The irregularity of the brush strokes you make on the roots is what creates the smooth transition from dark roots to blond ends. The only thing to be mindful of is not leaving a section of your roots undyed.
Why Are Your Roots Lighter Than the Rest of Your Hair?
While some people want to keep their roots darker, many struggles with the problem of roots being lighter than the rest of the hair. This problem is the result of newly growing hair reacting differently to the coloring product.
The new growth is less porous than the rest of the hair. This means that it does not absorb the dye well. So, what is the solution to this problem?
Coloring the roots with a permanent hair dye and keeping it to develop for as long as the instructions suggest will produce good results. You can also use a temporary dye. However, the result produced by a permanent dye is more long-lasting than that of a temporary coloring product.
Touching up your roots more often than you dye your entire hair will keep your hair color looking nice and fresh.