Having freshly colored hair can be exciting, but nothing ruins the look faster than the dreaded “hot roots” – those brassy regrowth sections that stand out against the rest of the colored hair. Hot roots create an obvious demarcation line, resulting in an unbalanced look.
The good news is that hot roots can be prevented with some smart techniques and planning during the coloring process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what causes hot roots and provide tips stylists and clients can follow to avoid them when coloring hair at home or in the salon.
What Are Hot Roots?
Before jumping into solutions, let’s first define what exactly hot roots are:
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Hot roots refer to regrowth sections at the roots that appear lighter, brighter, or warmer than the rest of the colored hair.
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This creates a clear division between the root color and length color.
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They commonly occur when lightening or brightening hair overall.
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The issue stems from the roots processing lighter and warmer due to heat from the scalp.
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Hot roots also happen if an improper color is chosen for the regrowth sections.
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The result is an unflattering two-toned look with obvious roots that stand out.
What Causes Hot Roots When Coloring Hair?
Hot roots occur for a few different reasons having to do with the coloring process and application:
Heat From Scalp
When lightening or brightening hair, the regrowth sections closest to the warm scalp lift faster and become warmer in tone. The heat accelerates the processing, creating lighter roots.
Imperfect Regrowth Color Match
Using a lighter, warmer color on the regrowth than what’s on the lengths will automatically create hot roots upon application.
Uneven Processing
Sometimes the regrowth processes faster or slower than expected, also causing an imbalance with the rest of the hair.
Messy Application
Overlapping lightener or color onto previously treated hair leads to hot roots around the hairline and partings.
Tips to Avoid Hot Roots When Coloring Hair
With an understanding of what causes hot roots, we can now focus on prevention. Here are pro tips and tricks from colorists for avoiding hot roots during your next color appointment:
Choose the Right Regrowth Shade
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Always match the regrowth shade to the existing shade on the lengths and mid-lengths.
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Using anything lighter or warmer will instantly create hot roots. Stick to the exact same formula.
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For precision, bring swatches of your current color to match against when selecting a regrowth shade.
Flip the Application Order
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When lightening all-over, apply lightener to the lengths first, keeping it off the roots initially.
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Then go back and apply lightener to the regrowth sections last.
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This gives the warmer, heat-producing regrowth extra time to lift more gradually.
Avoid Overlapping Lightener
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Section hair cleanly and brush lightening products only onto regrowth, without overlapping mid-lengths and ends.
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Use a tint brush for the most precise application.
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Foils also help minimize overlap during full highlight/balayage sessions.
Rinse Thoroughly
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Prevent color overlap and buildup by rinsing very thoroughly after each application.
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Shampoo twice to ensure no residual lightener gets left on previously treated hair.
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Use a cleansing conditioner or bond builder to protect hair during rinsing stages.
Strand Test During Processing
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Periodically check in on the regrowth sections to monitor if they are lifting faster than the lengths.
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If so, quickly rinse them out to avoid further lightening.
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For all-over color, occasionally peek at roots along the hairline near the warmth of the face.
Apply a Toner
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If hot roots still occur, apply a toner or glaze just to the regrowth sections to balance with the rest of the hair.
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Choose a toner shade that’s similar to the existing color rather than trying to add pigment.
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Allow longer processing time so the toner has time to deposit color and neutralize brassiness.
At-Home Tips For Preventing Hot Roots
Salon clients coloring their hair at home can also take preventative measures against hot roots:
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Do a strand test – Test color processing on a few isolated strands first to identify if roots lift faster than ends. Adjust your timing accordingly.
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Separate regrowth – Use clips to section off regrowth before applying color to ensure a precise application.
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Mind the temperature – Avoid washing hair with hot water or heat styling right after coloring; heat accelerates fading.
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Apply toner – Use an at-home toning gloss or glaze just on regrowth areas to balance color.
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Don’t overlap – Apply root touch-up color only where needed, avoiding contact with previously colored lengths.
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Follow timing – Leaving color on exactly as directed, not shorter or longer, prevents uneven results.
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Ask your stylist – Get professional advice on the best at-home color for seamless root coverage.
How to Fix Hot Roots After Coloring
Sometimes even with the best efforts, hot roots still manage to occur. Here are some remedies to help fix hot roots and even out the color after a coloring session:
Rinse With Cool Water
Rinsing with cool water helps close the cuticle and prevents further fading and warmth from developing on the hot roots.
Apply Toner Just to Roots
Apply toner or glaze only to the regrowth sections to add subtle pigment and balance the colors.
Use a Root Concealer Spray
Temporary root touch-up sprays in shades similar to your color help camouflage visible hot roots between appointments.
Book a Gloss Service
A clear gloss treatment deposits semi-permanent color to even out your overall result and minimize the appearance of hot roots.
Embrace Updos and Accessories
Styling hair up or wearing headbands helps disguise hot roots until you can book a color correction appointment.
See Your Colorist
Schedule an appointment with your colorist for expert advice and properly correcting the hot roots through a full color or lowlights service.
Common Color Combinations That Cause Hot Roots
Here are some of the most frequent color and lightening combinations that often result in hot roots:
- Bleaching dark hair blonde all over
- Using highlift blonde dye on deep brunette hair
- Applying warm medium blonde dye over cool toned light blonde hair
- Touching up platinum hair with a regular blonde shade
- Using an ash dye over previously golden hair
- Putting lighter copper dye over darker red hair
- Applying a lighter blonde dye to regrowth without toning lengths
Knowing which specific color situations tend to create hot roots allows both stylists and clients to plan applications carefully in order to avoid this effect.
Long-Term Solutions For Covering Regrowth
In addition to smart application techniques, clients can adopt some long-term strategies to keep hot roots at bay between salon visits:
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Extend time between appointments to 6-8 weeks so regrowth blends better
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Use Olaplex or bond-building treatments to prevent breakage and fading
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Switch to partial highlight/balayage looks with darker regrowth built in
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Opt for subtle ombré or babylights that seamlessly grow out
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Transition to colors closer to your natural shade so roots blend in
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Keep lengths freshly toned to prevent warmth from developing
How to Prevent Hot Roots With Foil Highlights
For those opting for highlight and balayage looks rather than all-over color, hot roots can also be an issue around sections like the hairline and part line. Here are tips for preventing hot roots with foils:
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Avoid placing foils directly on the scalp where heat causes accelerated lifting
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Direct foils vertically rather than horizontally to minimize regrowth overlap
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Use thinner sub-sections around the hairline to prevent obvious bands of lighter pieces
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If doing baby/fine highlights, alternate with slices of untreated hair for a seamless look
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Customize weave patterns based on density and natural growth patterns
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Tone lightly if pieces near roots come out warmer than mid-lengths and ends
Talk to Your Colorist
Preventing and fixing hot roots involves finding the right formulas, techniques, and aftercare for your unique hair type and color goals. Consult with your stylist before booking your next color service for personalized guidance on how to avoid hot roots.
With the right information and preparation, you can keep your color looking beautiful, vivid, and consistent from roots to ends. Never settle for lackluster hair color again.