How to Darken Roots

Co-authored by April Ferri

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

There are lots of reasons why someone would want to darken their roots. Some people may want to freshen up a dye job or cover gray hairs. Others may simply be looking for something new. Using hair dye is the longest-lasting method, but it also takes more time. If you are looking for easier, semi-permanent or temporary options, then there are other choices that do not involve dyeing at all.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dyeing Your Roots Darker

1
Find a boxed dark hair color that suits you. Look at the side of the box to see what the shade will look like based on your current hair color. Black will almost always turn out black, regardless of your natural hair color, but other shades may not turn out what's on the box.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- This method is also known as "reverse ombre." Instead of bleaching your ends lighter, you are dyeing your roots darker.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Prepare the dye according to the instructions. Each brand will be a little different. In most cases, you will need to empty the dye into the bottle of developer, close the bottle, then shake it. Some kits also contain a tube of conditioner--set this tube aside for later.

Advertisement
3
Apply the dye to either side of your part. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to part your hair down the center. Apply the dye to one side of the part. You can do this with a special applicator brush, or you can apply the dye straight from the bottle.
- If you used an applicator brush, lightly feather the dye down your hair as far as you want.
- If you didn't use an applicator brush, comb the dye downward using a comb.
4
Create a vertical part and apply the dye to either side of it. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a vertical part on the left side of your head. Apply the dye to either side of the part using the same technique as before.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Start as close to your face as you can.
5
Work your way towards the back of your head. Continue creating vertical parts down the side of your head, and applying dye to them. Stop when you reach the back of your ears. At this point, you can do the right side of your head, or move onto the next section.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Continue with horizontal parts on the back of your head. These parts should extend from the last vertical part to the center-back of your head. Start with the parts from the back of your neck, then work your way up towards the crown of your head.
7
Create a vertical part down the back of your head, and apply dye to it. Once you have finished this part, repeat the entire process on the right side of your head: vertical parts until you reach your ears, then horizontal parts until you reach the back-center of your head.^{[5]
X
Research source}
8
Allow the dye to process for the time recommended on the box. Again, each brand will be a little different. In most cases, however, this will be around 25 minutes. Avoid tucking your hair under a shower cap, or you will risk getting dye on the ends of your hair.
9
Rinse the dye out using cool to lukewarm water. Cold water would be the best, but not everyone can handle that. Avoid using hot water, as this will cause the dye to wash out.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

April Ferri
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.} Do not use any shampoo.^{[7]
X
Research source}
10
Follow up with conditioner. If your kit included a tube of conditioner, apply a generous amount to your hair now. If your kit did not come with a conditioner, use a sulfate-free conditioner mean for color-treated hair. Leave the conditioner in you hair for the time recommended on the tube (2 to 5 minutes), then rinse it out.
- If you got dye on the ends of your hair, rinse it out with hot water and shampoo. This may not remove all of the dye, but it will help fade it.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
11
Dry and style your hair as usual. You can use shampoo the next time you wash your hair, but make sure that it is sulfate-free and intended for color-treated hair. Always follow up with conditioner, and limit the heat-styling. If you must heat-style your hair, apply a heat-protectant first.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Darkening Your Roots without Dye

1
Use a dark-colored root touch-up pen, powder or wand. You can find these products online and in well-stocked salons and beauty-supply stores. The pen looks like a felt-tipped eyeliner, while the powder looks like eyeshadow. Hair mascara contains a wand that looks like a mascara brush. These are intended to be used in hair for covering up roots between dye jobs.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- These kits will contain all of the products you need to apply them.
- Follow the application instructions included with your kit as each brand will be different.
2
Try makeup in a pinch. Makeup products, such as mascara, eyebrow pencil, tinted brow gel, or eyeshadow are all great options. They aren't going to be as concentrated or long-lasting compared to root touch-up pens or powders, but they work in a pinch.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Apply mascara with a clean spoolie; don't use the same one you'd use on you lashes.
- Apply eyeshadow with a larger brush. You can even use a flat paintbrush that has kanekalon, sable, or taklon bristles.
3
Use a spray-on hair color. Spray-on color is a cheap, quick option that comes in many natural or bright colors. It won't last very long, however. You can find sprays online and in salons and beauty-supply stores.^{[11]
X
Research source} To use the spray-on color:^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Hold the can 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) from your roots.
- Spray on the color using a sweeping motion.
- Wait for the spray-on color to dry
- Brush your hair to further blend in the color.
4
Use a root-coloring kit. They are a miniature versions of hair dye kits. They come with dye and developer, as well as a fine-toothed, flexible comb. Prepare the dye according to the directions on the package, then apply it to your roots. Allow the dye to process for the recommended time on the package, then rinse it out.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Root-coloring kits are typically semi-permanent and can last several washes.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Can you change your natural hair color?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can change it temporarily, but there is no way to permanently change the color that your hair grows out of your scalp. However, there are scientists currently working on creating a hair color pill, so this could be possible someday!
Question

What is a smudge root?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

A smudge root is one that is applied with a soft edge instead of a clean line for a softer appearance. It creates a look similar to natural outgrowth.
Question

Can toner darken bleached hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It can, especially if you are using a cool color—cool colors like ash always look darker than warmer ones like gold—or if your hair is porous. If you are worried about darkening, you can mix some clear gloss or conditioner into your toner.