How to Darken Roots

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There are lots of reasons why someone would want to darken their roots. Some people may want to freshen up a dye job or cover gray hairs. Others may simply be looking for something new. Using hair dye is the longest-lasting method, but it also takes more time. If you are looking for easier, semi-permanent or temporary options, then there are other choices that do not involve dyeing at all.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Dyeing Your Roots Darker

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  1. Look at the side of the box to see what the shade will look like based on your current hair color. Black will almost always turn out black, regardless of your natural hair color, but other shades may not turn out what's on the box. [1]
    • This method is also known as "reverse ombre." Instead of bleaching your ends lighter, you are dyeing your roots darker. [2]
  2. Each brand will be a little different. In most cases, you will need to empty the dye into the bottle of developer, close the bottle, then shake it. Some kits also contain a tube of conditioner--set this tube aside for later.
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  3. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to part your hair down the center. Apply the dye to one side of the part. You can do this with a special applicator brush, or you can apply the dye straight from the bottle.
    • If you used an applicator brush, lightly feather the dye down your hair as far as you want.
    • If you didn't use an applicator brush, comb the dye downward using a comb.
  4. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a vertical part on the left side of your head. Apply the dye to either side of the part using the same technique as before. [3]
    • Start as close to your face as you can.
  5. Continue creating vertical parts down the side of your head, and applying dye to them. Stop when you reach the back of your ears. At this point, you can do the right side of your head, or move onto the next section. [4]
  6. These parts should extend from the last vertical part to the center-back of your head. Start with the parts from the back of your neck, then work your way up towards the crown of your head.
  7. Once you have finished this part, repeat the entire process on the right side of your head: vertical parts until you reach your ears, then horizontal parts until you reach the back-center of your head. [5]
  8. Again, each brand will be a little different. In most cases, however, this will be around 25 minutes. Avoid tucking your hair under a shower cap, or you will risk getting dye on the ends of your hair.
  9. Cold water would be the best, but not everyone can handle that. Avoid using hot water, as this will cause the dye to wash out. [6] Do not use any shampoo. [7]
  10. If your kit included a tube of conditioner, apply a generous amount to your hair now. If your kit did not come with a conditioner, use a sulfate-free conditioner mean for color-treated hair. Leave the conditioner in you hair for the time recommended on the tube (2 to 5 minutes), then rinse it out.
    • If you got dye on the ends of your hair, rinse it out with hot water and shampoo. This may not remove all of the dye, but it will help fade it. [8]
  11. You can use shampoo the next time you wash your hair, but make sure that it is sulfate-free and intended for color-treated hair. Always follow up with conditioner, and limit the heat-styling. If you must heat-style your hair, apply a heat-protectant first.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Darkening Your Roots without Dye

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  1. You can find these products online and in well-stocked salons and beauty-supply stores. The pen looks like a felt-tipped eyeliner, while the powder looks like eyeshadow. Hair mascara contains a wand that looks like a mascara brush. These are intended to be used in hair for covering up roots between dye jobs. [9]
    • These kits will contain all of the products you need to apply them.
    • Follow the application instructions included with your kit as each brand will be different.
  2. Makeup products, such as mascara, eyebrow pencil, tinted brow gel, or eyeshadow are all great options. They aren't going to be as concentrated or long-lasting compared to root touch-up pens or powders, but they work in a pinch. [10]
    • Apply mascara with a clean spoolie; don't use the same one you'd use on you lashes.
    • Apply eyeshadow with a larger brush. You can even use a flat paintbrush that has kanekalon, sable, or taklon bristles.
  3. Spray-on color is a cheap, quick option that comes in many natural or bright colors. It won't last very long, however. You can find sprays online and in salons and beauty-supply stores. [11] To use the spray-on color:
    • Hold the can 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) from your roots.
    • Spray on the color using a sweeping motion.
    • Wait for the spray-on color to dry
    • Brush your hair to further blend in the color.
  4. They are a miniature versions of hair dye kits. They come with dye and developer, as well as a fine-toothed, flexible comb. Prepare the dye according to the directions on the package, then apply it to your roots. Allow the dye to process for the recommended time on the package, then rinse it out. [12]
    • Root-coloring kits are typically semi-permanent and can last several washes.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you change your natural hair color?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can change it temporarily, but there is no way to permanently change the color that your hair grows out of your scalp. However, there are scientists currently working on creating a hair color pill, so this could be possible someday!
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  • Question
    What is a smudge root?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A smudge root is one that is applied with a soft edge instead of a clean line for a softer appearance. It creates a look similar to natural outgrowth.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can toner darken bleached hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It can, especially if you are using a cool color—cool colors like ash always look darker than warmer ones like gold—or if your hair is porous. If you are worried about darkening, you can mix some clear gloss or conditioner into your toner.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      • You don't have to dye your roots black. You can use a darker shade of your natural color. For example, if you have blond hair, try dark blond. [13]
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      • Apply some moisturizer or petroleum jelly to your hair before you start dyeing it to prevent stains. Wipe it off once you finish applying the dye. [14]
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      • You can extend the dye as far as you want, but something around the middle of the hair shaft would be ideal. Leave the bottom 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) of your hair un-dyed. [15]
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      Things You'll Need

      Dyeing Your Roots Darker

      • Hair dye in desired color
      • Rat-tailed comb
      • Dye applicator brush (optional)
      • Conditioner meant for color-treated hair


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      References

      1. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
      2. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
      6. ↑ April Ferri. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      7. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
      8. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
      9. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/5
      1. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-hide-roots-hair/
      2. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/6
      3. ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/7
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPpFmdz3KNY
      6. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Darkening your roots is a pretty simple process you can do in your bathroom. To permanently dye them, you’ll need a commercial dye an applicator brush, and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. If you don’t want black roots, choose a darker shade of your natural hair color. For example, if your hair’s blonde, go for a dark blonde dye. Leave the dye in for about 25 minutes, rinse it out with cool water, then wash your hair with the conditioner. Alternatively, buy a root touch-up pen or wand, which you can easily apply without mixing your own dye. If you don’t have time to dye your hair, spray it with spray-on color for a temporary solution. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to prepare and apply your dye, read on!

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