Touch Up Your Hair Roots: Useful DIY Tips from a Colorist

Are your hair roots starting to show? Join the club! With salons still at minimum capacity and people still on high alert, no one can blame you for letting your hair color grow out. If you look at yourself in the mirror and think, I have to fix my roots, then do it! You’re suking stylist will understand. If you’ve never done this at home, here are a few tips from a professional colorist to help you out.

We know you’re dyahe, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Don’t be embarrassed to consult your stylist — even when you’re about the break one of their most sacred commandments: Never use box dye.

The truth is stylists are more than willing to provide guidance for DIY coloring. Use their wealth of knowledge to your advantage. Ask them about what box hair color is best for your hair roots and how to do a decent root touch-up.

According to Benz Canlas, stylist and colorist at Culture Salon Manila, you just have to try to match your current color. Hold a strand of your hair close to the box to find your closest change. If you can’t find an exact match, choose a slightly darker shade in the same color family. If you use a light shade, you could end up with very light, brassy roots and that’s not ideal.

Don’t try to mix shades to create a “custom color” because the results tend to be unpredictable. Get two boxes of the same shade for safety (and so you have enough until your next touch-up).

There’s no special prep required for touching up your hair roots. In fact, if you use TRESemmé Root Touch-up Spray, you won’t have to prepare much at all. This temporary hair color comes in three versatile shades: black, light brown, and dark brown. It’s the perfect root touch-up solution when you can’t schedule a salon trip yet. Just shake the can well, hold it six inches away from the target area, and spray. Let it dry for one minute or so.

If you’re using a boxed hair dye, follow the instructions on the box, which are quite standard. If you’re reading this article, maybe it’s your first time coloring your hair yourself. If that’s the case, don’t skip the patch test. You don’t want to find out about any allergies the hard way.

Have a backup pair of gloves in case the one that comes with the box rips (which happens more often than you think!). Apply petroleum jelly on your hairline to prevent stains, and wear clothing that you can easily remove, such as a button-down shirt.

If you’re coloring all your hair, follow the instructions on the box and leave the color on for 30 to 35 minutes. However, if you’re just doing your hair roots, Benz recommends not leaving it on for more than 20 minutes.

Start with the front of the hair first because that’s the first area people see, and the color needs a bit of time to take. Don’t cover your hair with a plastic cap to prevent chemicals from marinating on your scalp. This could make it dry and irritated.

After coloring your hair, keep it vibrant with a shampoo that’s specifically for colored hair. Use TRESemmé Pro-Color Series Color Radiance Shampoo, which helps brown and red shades stay vibrant with anti-fade technology. It also cares for dry, chemically treated hair with jojoba oil, so it stays moisturized and shiny. 

Touching up your hair roots doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. When you are at home, you can just use quick remedies like TRESemmé Root Touch-up Spray. Don’t try anything funny if you’re unsure, and when in doubt, talk to your stylist.