Avoiding Hot Roots Is Easier Than You Think
Hot roots may seem to have a positive meaning, but once you really understand what hot roots are, you might feel differently. Hot meaning bright, the term is used by hair stylists to describe roots that are too warm for the rest of your hair color.
Per Madison Reed, roots in general are a bit darker than the rest of the hair, so it's important to note that the difference between regular roots in the hair and hot roots is that hot roots are unnatural and unwanted. Hot roots usually appear orange or reddish, but they can really be any shade that is just lighter or darker than the rest of your hair color. Hot roots can occur on literally any hair color, ranging from blonde to black. These roots are typically caused by using color treatments (via Curl Centric). The roots of the hair near the scalp absorb color faster than the rest of the hair because the scalp is naturally hotter, encouraging the color to fade and dull quicker than the rest of the hair.
It is fairly easy to fix hot roots if you already are experiencing them, but it also is way easier than you may think to avoid them altogether.
How to avoid hot roots
If you have recently dyed your hair and are nervous about getting hot roots anytime soon, there are many different ways to avoid them. According to Kalista Salon, if you are applying a root-to-end hair application for the first time, it is important to start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots, so that the ends have more time to absorb the color than the roots do. This will aid in reducing the chances of getting hot roots. Also, per Madison Reed, the best way to color your hair is by using permanent color on the roots, and a gloss for the rest. The result is a shiny, glossy head of hair with no hot roots or dull locks.
Another way to avoid hot roots altogether is by simply using a hair color cream that is one shade darker than the color you are using for the rest of your hair. Since you now know that the root will lighten quicker, it will lighten to fit the rest of the hair color seamlessly. If you happen to be using any professional hair dye at home, remember to always clean the skin surrounding the head and face afterward, and consult with a professional before use of the product if you have any further questions about the application.
How to fix hot roots
If you are already dealing with hot roots, do not worry. They can be fixed and managed in no time. It just takes some effort. As Madison Reed noted, dark-rooted hair needs an even darker color on the hot roots in order to more evenly color the rest of the head.
If you are a blonde dealing with hot roots, something as simple as a toner could help fix the issue. The toner will work to neutralize the tone of your hair and bring it back to what you would prefer — whether that be a lighter or darker color. You can also try using a purple hair mask or purple shampoo to get rid of the brassy yellow root. This is especially great if you are looking to tone it down to be an icier white root.
There are many tricks and tips on how to make your roots look more purposeful, such as trying a root shadow glaze or dyeing your hair a shade lighter to make the roots blend in more.