A shadow root is a coloring technique where the roots are kept or colored slightly darker than the rest of the hair and blended softly into the lighter lengths. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Shadow root at a glance
- Type: Technique
- Tone: A shade close to your natural root color
- Lightening needed: No. It's done with a deposit-only color at the root.
- Maintenance: Low
- Touch-ups: 8 to 12 weeks
What makes it different
It makes lightened hair look more natural and hides regrowth, so you can go longer between appointments.
Who it suits
Blondes, balayage and highlights of every kind, especially on naturally dark hair.
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What to ask your colorist
- Say how far down the darker root should extend.
- Ask for a shade close to your natural color.
- Ask for a soft blend with no line.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use color-safe shampoo. The root color is demi-permanent and fades gradually.
Shades and variations
- Root smudge: a small blur right at the root, about half an inch, to soften foil lines.
- Shadow root: a deeper root, one to two inches, for a lived-in look.
- Root melt: the longest blend, where the root color melts into the mid-lengths.
- Root tap: the lightest version, just touching the root.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see a shadow root on your own hair before you book.
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FAQ
What is a shadow root?
A shadow root is a coloring technique where the roots are kept or colored slightly darker than the rest of the hair and blended softly into the lighter lengths.
Who suits a shadow root?
Blondes, balayage and highlights of every kind, especially on naturally dark hair.
Do you need bleach for a shadow root?
No. It's done with a deposit-only color at the root.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 8 to 12 weeks.
