Download ArticleDownload ArticleX
This article was co-authored by April Ferri. April Ferri is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of Widows Peak Salon, a hair salon based in Los Angeles, California. With over ten years of experience, April specializes in hair coloring and enhancing and transforming natural tones into vibrant shades for beautiful and low maintenance hair. Her work has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine, and she has worked as a stylist for LA Fashion Week.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 79,605 times.
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.
Steps
Find a boxed dark hair color that suits you. 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]
Prepare the dye according to the instructions. 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.Advertisement
Apply the dye to either side of your part. 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.
Create a vertical part and apply the dye to either side of it. 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.
Work your way towards the back of your head. 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]
Continue with horizontal parts on the back of your head. 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.
Create a vertical part down the back of your head, and apply dye to it. 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]
Allow the dye to process for the time recommended on the box. 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.
Follow up with conditioner. 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]
Dry and style your hair as usual. 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.
Advertisement
Use a dark-colored root touch-up pen, powder or wand. 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.
Try makeup in a pinch. 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.
Use a spray-on hair color. 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.
Use a root-coloring kit. 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.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionCan you change your natural hair color?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou 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! - QuestionWhat is a smudge root?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistA 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. - QuestionCan toner darken bleached hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistIt 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.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Reader Videos
Submit a Video Tip!
Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!
Submit a Video
Coming Soon!
Tips
- 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]Thanks
- 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]Thanks
- 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]Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
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
References
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
- ↑ April Ferri. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/5
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-hide-roots-hair/
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/6
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/hairstyles-and-products-to-hide-roots/slide/7
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAY7EF88_6k
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPpFmdz3KNY
- ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/DIY-Hair-Grow-Out-Bleached-Hair-With-an-Ombre
About This Article
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by April Ferri. April Ferri is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of Widows Peak Salon, a hair salon based in Los Angeles, California. With over ten years of experience, April specializes in hair coloring and enhancing and transforming natural tones into vibrant shades for beautiful and low maintenance hair. Her work has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine, and she has worked as a stylist for LA Fashion Week. This article has been viewed 79,605 times.
Co-authors: 7
Updated: April 23, 2024
Views: 79,605
Categories: Coloring Hair
Article SummaryX
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!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 79,605 times.
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
