Covering grey roots can be a tricky business, and one of the most common issues is “hot roots,” that reddish or orange tinge that can appear after coloring. This happens when the color lifts too quickly on the new growth, revealing underlying warm pigments. Let’s explore How To Avoid Hot Roots When Coloring Grey Roots and achieve a flawless, natural-looking result.
Understanding Why Hot Roots Happen
Hot roots are often the result of a few key factors:
- New Growth: The hair closest to your scalp is generally more porous than the rest of your hair, meaning it absorbs color faster.
- Heat from the Scalp: The warmth of your scalp can accelerate the coloring process, contributing to uneven color development and hot roots.
- Using the Wrong Developer: Using a developer that’s too strong can lift the color too quickly, leading to those unwanted warm tones.
- Overlapping Color: Applying color to previously colored hair can cause it to darken and create a noticeable difference in shade.
Choosing the Right Products and Tools
Choosing the right products is crucial for avoiding hot roots.
- Hair Color: Opt for a high-quality hair color specifically designed for grey coverage. Look for formulas that are ammonia-free and enriched with conditioning agents to minimize damage and promote even color distribution.
- Developer: Use a developer with the appropriate volume for your hair type and desired result. For grey coverage, a 10 or 20 volume developer is usually recommended. A lower volume developer will process more slowly and gently, helping to prevent hot roots.
- Tools: Invest in good quality applicator bottles, brushes, and clips to ensure precise application and avoid overlapping.
Preparing Your Hair for Coloring
Proper preparation is key to achieving even color and avoiding hot roots.
- Clean Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Avoid using heavy conditioners or styling products before coloring, as these can create a barrier and prevent the color from penetrating evenly.
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into four sections: top, bottom, left, and right. This will ensure you apply the color systematically and avoid missing any spots.
- Barrier Cream: Applying a barrier cream around your hairline can help prevent staining your skin.
Applying the Color Correctly
The application process is critical to preventing hot roots.
- Focus on Roots: Apply the color to your roots first, focusing on the new growth where the grey is most prominent.
- Process at Room Temperature: Allow the color to process at room temperature, avoiding the use of heat.
- Check Regularly: Check the color every 10-15 minutes to monitor the development.
- Apply to Lengths (If Necessary): If you’re also refreshing the color on the rest of your hair, apply the remaining color to the lengths and ends during the last 10-15 minutes of processing time. This helps to avoid over-processing and darkening the already colored hair.
Tips from the Experts
Here’s what leading colorist, Amelia Dubois, has to say about avoiding hot roots: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too high a developer volume. Start with a lower volume, like 10, especially if you’re prone to hot roots. You can always increase the volume next time if needed.”
Another expert, Johnathan Reed, adds: “Remember the heat from your scalp can accelerate processing. Applying color to cool, dry hair can help control the development and prevent those unwanted warm tones.”
Post-Color Care
- Cool Water Rinse: Rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in the color.
- Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your color.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish moisture and keep it healthy.
Conclusion
Avoiding hot roots when coloring grey hair requires careful attention to detail, from choosing the right products to applying the color correctly. By following these tips and taking preventative measures, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking result and banish those pesky hot roots for good.
FAQs
- What causes hot roots? Hot roots are caused by the hair closest to the scalp processing color faster due to heat and porosity, resulting in unwanted warm tones.
- What developer should I use for grey roots? A 10 or 20 volume developer is typically recommended for grey coverage.
- Should I wash my hair before coloring? Yes, start with clean, dry hair for optimal color penetration.
- How can I prevent overlapping color? Sectioning your hair and applying color methodically can prevent overlapping.
- How often should I color my grey roots? This depends on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable the grey is. Typically, every 4-6 weeks is recommended.
- Can I use heat to speed up the coloring process? No, heat can exacerbate hot roots. Process at room temperature.
- How do I maintain my hair color after coloring? Use color-safe products and deep condition regularly.
Need Help with Your Hair Color?
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