Grey roots. The bane of many a highlighted head. While highlights add dimension and brightness, they can also make those pesky grey hairs even more noticeable as they emerge at the roots. The good news? You don’t always need a pricey salon visit to keep your color looking fresh. Covering grey roots with highlighted hair at home is achievable with the right tools, techniques, and a little patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to tackle those greys like a pro.
Understanding the Challenge: Grey Hair and Highlights
Grey hair is different from pigmented hair. It lacks melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. This makes it more resistant to dye, especially when compared to hair that has already been lightened with highlights. Highlights, by their very nature, lighten sections of the hair, which can make the contrast between the highlighted strands and the emerging grey roots even more stark.
Successfully covering grey roots while maintaining your highlights involves a strategic approach. You need to target the grey without affecting the already lightened sections. This requires precision and a product formulated specifically for root touch-ups.
Why DIY Root Coverage Can Be Tricky
The primary challenge of DIY root coverage with highlights lies in preventing the root touch-up dye from bleeding onto the highlighted strands. This can result in dulling the highlights, creating unwanted brassiness, or even causing breakage if the dye is left on too long.
Another hurdle is choosing the right color. Selecting a shade that seamlessly blends with both your natural base color and your highlights is crucial for a natural-looking result. A color that’s too dark can create a harsh line of demarcation, while a color that’s too light won’t adequately cover the grey.
Choosing the Right Products and Tools
The success of your at-home grey root coverage depends heavily on the products and tools you use. Skimping on quality can lead to disappointing results, damage, or even a costly trip to the salon for color correction.
Root Touch-Up Kits: Your First Line of Defense
Root touch-up kits are specifically designed for covering grey roots between salon visits. They typically include a color cream, developer, applicator brush or nozzle, and instructions. Look for kits that are formulated for grey coverage and that offer a shade range that closely matches your base color.
Consider demi-permanent options if you’re looking for less commitment. Demi-permanent color gradually fades over time, minimizing a harsh line of demarcation as your roots grow out. Permanent color provides more thorough coverage but can be more damaging and requires more frequent touch-ups.
When choosing a root touch-up kit, carefully read the ingredient list. Look for products that are free of ammonia and parabens, as these can be harsh on the hair and scalp. Consider kits with nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin to help protect and strengthen your hair.
Essential Tools for Precise Application
In addition to a root touch-up kit, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a precise and mess-free application. These include:
- Applicator brush: A small, angled applicator brush allows you to carefully apply the dye to the roots without getting it on the highlighted strands.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from staining by wearing gloves throughout the entire process.
- Old towel: Drape an old towel over your shoulders to protect your clothing from dye splatters.
- Petroleum jelly or barrier cream: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream along your hairline to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
- Sectioning clips: Use sectioning clips to divide your hair into manageable sections for even application.
- Timer: Set a timer to ensure you don’t leave the dye on for too long.
Color Selection: Matching Your Base and Highlights
Choosing the right color is perhaps the most crucial step in covering grey roots with highlighted hair. You want a shade that seamlessly blends with your natural base color and complements your highlights.
Start by identifying your base color. This is the color of your hair before it was highlighted. If you’re unsure, consult a color chart or ask a professional hairstylist for assistance.
When selecting a root touch-up kit, choose a shade that is as close as possible to your base color. Avoid going too dark, as this can create a harsh line of demarcation. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your base color. You can always go darker if needed.
Consider the undertones of your hair. Is your hair warm (golden, reddish) or cool (ashy, bluish)? Choose a root touch-up kit with similar undertones to avoid a clash in color.
Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Grey Roots at Home
Now that you have the right products and tools, it’s time to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a successful at-home grey root coverage:
Preparation is Key: Protecting Your Hair and Skin
Before you begin, protect your hair and skin. Apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair a few days before you plan to cover your roots. This will help to strengthen your hair and protect it from damage.
On the day of application, don’t wash your hair. Natural oils can help protect your scalp from irritation.
Drape an old towel over your shoulders and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and neck. Put on your gloves.
Sectioning Your Hair for Even Application
Sectioning your hair is essential for even application and prevents you from missing any grey roots. Use sectioning clips to divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back.
Start by parting your hair down the middle. Then, create a horizontal part from ear to ear. Clip each section out of the way.
Mixing the Dye According to Instructions
Carefully follow the instructions on your root touch-up kit for mixing the dye. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush.
Mix the color cream and developer thoroughly until you have a smooth, consistent mixture.
Applying the Dye to the Roots with Precision
Using your applicator brush, carefully apply the dye to your roots, starting at the front hairline. Focus on covering the greyest areas first.
Use small, precise strokes to avoid getting the dye on the highlighted strands. If you accidentally get dye on your highlights, immediately wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Work your way through each section, carefully applying the dye to the roots. Be sure to cover all of the grey hairs.
Once you’ve applied the dye to all of the roots, gently massage the dye into your scalp. This will help to ensure even coverage.
Timing is Everything: Processing the Dye Correctly
Set a timer for the amount of time specified in the instructions on your root touch-up kit. Do not leave the dye on for longer than the recommended time, as this can damage your hair.
During the processing time, check your hair periodically to ensure that the dye is not bleeding onto the highlighted strands.
Rinsing and Conditioning for Healthy, Vibrant Hair
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Apply a color-safe conditioner to your hair and leave it on for a few minutes. This will help to moisturize and protect your hair.
Rinse your hair again with cool water.
Drying and Styling to Reveal Your Gorgeous Results
Gently towel dry your hair and style as usual. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately after coloring your hair, as this can cause damage.
Admire your handiwork! With a little practice, you’ll be able to cover your grey roots at home and maintain your highlights with ease.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Achieving salon-worthy results at home requires more than just following instructions. Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you cover your grey roots flawlessly:
- Perform a strand test: Before applying the dye to your entire head, perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of hair. This will allow you to see how the color will look and ensure that you are not allergic to the dye.
- Use a root concealer: For a quick fix between touch-ups, use a root concealer spray or powder. These products temporarily cover grey roots and can be easily washed out.
- Consider lowlights: Adding lowlights can help to blend the grey roots and make them less noticeable.
- Maintain your highlights: Keep your highlights looking fresh by using a purple shampoo or toner. These products help to neutralize brassy tones and keep your highlights bright.
- Protect your hair from the sun: The sun can fade your hair color and make your highlights look dull. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you’re spending time outdoors.
- Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help to keep your hair healthy and strong, which is especially important when you’re coloring it.
When to Seek Professional Help
While covering grey roots at home is often achievable, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. These situations include:
- Significant color change: If you’re planning a drastic color change, it’s best to consult a professional hairstylist. They can help you achieve the desired result without damaging your hair.
- Damaged hair: If your hair is already damaged, it’s important to seek professional help before coloring it. A stylist can assess the condition of your hair and recommend the best course of action.
- Allergic reaction: If you experience an allergic reaction to hair dye, immediately stop using the product and seek medical attention.
- Uneven results: If you’ve tried to cover your grey roots at home and the results are uneven, a professional hairstylist can help to correct the color.
Covering grey roots with highlighted hair at home requires a bit of skill and precision, but with the right products, tools, and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy results without breaking the bank. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to keep your hair looking vibrant and youthful.
Question 1: Can I use regular hair dye to cover my grey roots if I have highlights?
Regular hair dye can be used to cover grey roots, but applying it all over highlighted hair can lead to unwanted color changes and potentially dull or darken your highlights. The dye will affect not just the grey roots, but also the pre-lightened sections, potentially creating a blocky, uneven appearance that diminishes the dimension and brightness your highlights initially provided.
Instead of using all-over color, consider a root touch-up kit specifically designed for grey coverage, and select a shade that closely matches your natural base color. Carefully apply the dye only to the roots, avoiding overlap onto the highlighted strands. A root concealer spray or powder can also be a great short-term solution to blend the grey roots with your highlights without altering the color of the highlighted sections.
Question 2: What kind of root touch-up product is best for highlighted hair?
For highlighted hair, a root touch-up product that minimizes color alteration to the highlights is ideal. Root concealer sprays or powders are excellent for temporary coverage, as they coat the hair shaft rather than permanently changing the color. These options allow you to quickly blend away grey roots without affecting your highlights.
Alternatively, a precision applicator root touch-up kit, carefully matched to your base color, is a more permanent option. Use a small brush to apply the dye only to the grey roots, being cautious to avoid overlapping onto the highlighted sections. This targeted approach will minimize any unwanted color changes to your highlights and maintain the overall dimension of your hair.
Question 3: How do I match the root touch-up color to my natural hair color when I have highlights?
The key to matching your root touch-up color is to identify your natural base color, which is the color of your hair before it was highlighted. Look at the hair closest to your scalp (excluding the grey roots) in an area that hasn’t been lightened. Aim to find a root touch-up color that is as close as possible to this natural base shade.
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to choose a shade slightly lighter than your base color, as it’s easier to darken than to lighten. You can also consider mixing two shades together to create a custom blend that perfectly matches your natural color. Always test the color on a small, hidden strand of hair before applying it to your entire root area to ensure it blends seamlessly with your highlighted hair.
Question 4: What tools do I need to cover grey roots at home with highlighted hair?
To successfully cover grey roots at home while preserving your highlights, you’ll need a few essential tools. These include a root touch-up kit in the correct shade (or a root concealer spray/powder), a small application brush (if using dye), a mixing bowl (if mixing dyes), gloves to protect your hands, and a comb or brush to section your hair.
Additionally, you might find a towel to protect your clothing, hair clips to hold back sections of your hair, and a timer to track the processing time helpful. A mirror is, of course, essential, and using a handheld mirror can help you see the back of your head more easily. Having these tools readily available will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Question 5: How often should I touch up my roots when I have highlights?
The frequency of root touch-ups depends on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable your grey roots become. Generally, you’ll need to touch up your roots every 4 to 6 weeks. This timeframe helps maintain consistent color and prevent a significant line of demarcation between your natural color and the highlights.
If you’re using a root concealer spray or powder, you may need to apply it more frequently, perhaps every few days, as it washes out with each shampoo. Observing your hair and determining when the grey roots start to become noticeable will guide you in establishing a touch-up schedule that works best for you.
Question 6: How can I protect my highlights during the root touch-up process?
Protecting your highlights during a root touch-up is crucial to maintaining their brightness and dimension. The most important step is precision application: carefully apply the root touch-up product only to the grey roots, avoiding any overlap onto the highlighted strands. Using a small application brush can help with this precision.
Consider applying a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly, along your hairline and around the highlighted sections closest to the roots. This will prevent the dye from accidentally staining your highlights. Additionally, work in small sections, and regularly check to ensure that you are not accidentally coloring any of the pre-lightened strands.
Question 7: What are the risks of DIY root touch-ups, and how can I minimize them?
DIY root touch-ups, while convenient, carry risks such as uneven color, damage to hair, and unwanted color changes, especially on highlighted hair. Applying dye to the highlights can alter their tone or create a blocky, unnatural appearance. Choosing the wrong color can result in a mismatched root area that clashes with the highlights.
To minimize these risks, always perform a strand test before applying dye to your entire head. Carefully follow the instructions on the root touch-up kit, and avoid overlapping the dye onto the highlighted sections. If you’re unsure about any step of the process, consider consulting a professional hairstylist. Using temporary root concealers is generally safer for maintaining highlight color.