Hot Roots. A dreaded sight for Blondes and Colourists alike and one that draws confusion to those not in the know because it has a) nothing to do with your roots looking good or b) the physical temperature of your roots. So let us paint a picture and put it into context for those in the back.

Hot Roots are Warm and brassy (hot) Regrowth (roots) that are Warmer and brighter than the rest of your Hair that creates a clear Colour band of difference between your Regrowth Colour and the Hair Colour through the ends of your Hair.

How do you get Hot Roots?

Reason 1
When the Hair Colour you used on your Regrowth doesn’t match the Hair Colour of your Coloured ends, because it is Lighter or Warmer.

Reason 2
When you are Lightening your full head of Natural Hair, the heat that is generated from your scalp will Lighten and Warm up the Hair closest to your scalp quicker, processing your Regrowth Colour faster than on your ends making them Lighter.

Reason 3
Similarly, when you’re touching up your Regrowth and the Colour develops quicker than expected because of the heat coming from your scalp.

How do you prevent Hot Roots?

Tip #1: Keep your Colour the same
Your Regrowth Colour and Colour through your ends need to match for a smooth Colour, so avoid touching up with a Lighter, Warmer shade — it’s an instant guarantee for Hot Roots. Use the same Colour on your Regrowth that you used through your ends for one consistent Hair Colour.

Tip #2: Flip your Application Routine
When Colouring your whole head Lighter, apply the Colour mixture to the lengths of your Hair first, painting your Colour mixture down to your ends, while completely avoiding your Regrowth, to allow the cooler parts of your Hair more time to process. Then go back and apply your Colour mix to your Regrowth, where the heat from your scalp will help with processing.

Tip #3: Do anything for a clean application
When it’s time for a touchup, using tools like an Applicator Bottle or Tint Brush will keep your Colour application clean while helping you stick to your Regrowth and not overloading your Hair with Colour mixture.

And if I need to fix my Hot Roots?

If you’re suffering from a case of Hot Root-itis, you can calm it down by Toning it away. Apply your Toner mixture to your Regrowth line and smudge down slightly to soften the line between your Regrowth Colour and Hair Colour through your ends.