Everything looks fine… until you catch your roots in the mirror. They’re brighter, warmer, and somehow not matching the rest of your hair at all — and now you can’t unsee it.
Hot roots are one of those color mishaps that show up instantly and demand attention. The good news is they’re completely fixable, and once you know what’s causing them, they’re much easier to prevent next time.
How to get rid of hot roots.
Use a root concealers
Try a purple shampoo
Apply a toner
Get a gloss treatment
Dye your roots a different color
Visit a professional
What are hot roots?
Hot roots are when the new growth of your hair (i.e. the roots) come in a different color than the rest of your hair. This is usually due to the fact that your hair has been lightened, and the new growth is not as light as the rest of your hair.
It also happens if you have light hair or gray hair that’s been dyed a darker color and the dye is fading or growing out at the roots.
It’s most noticeable at your parting and temples and around the hair that frames your face.
They’re called hot roots because of the brassy orange and redder tones that show through and are warmer than the rest of your hair color.
And while they’re not necessarily a bad thing, this banding effect looks pretty yuck. In fact, the tell-tale stripe of orange on your parting can be pretty noticeable and can ruin an otherwise good hair color.
So, what can you do about it? don’t worry! We’ve got you covered – literally- with 6 easy ways to get rid of them.
How can I fix hot roots?
1. Use a temporary root concealer
One of the easiest ways to deal with hot roots is to use a root concealer.
Root concealers or root touch-ups are temporary solutions that come in a powder or spray that cover up your hair regrowth in between shampoos.
There are a variety of colors so you can find one that closely matches your hair color. And they’re pretty easy to use–simply apply the product to your dry, styled hair and blend it in with your fingers or a brush.
Root concealers are great because they’re a quick and easy way to cover up your roots and gray hairs until you can get them dyed again. And, depending on the product you use, they can last anywhere up to a few days.
Not all of them are created equal, so do your research and find one that suits your needs. We recommend Color Wow or L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up.
2.Use a Purple shampoo
If you have blonde hair, then you may want to try using a purple shampoo to help neutralize the brassiness of your hot roots.
Purple shampoo is specifically designed to counteract yellow and orange tones in blonde hair. So, if you have brassy new strands that are starting to show through, using a purple shampoo can help tone them down and make them less noticeable.
Simply apply the shampoo to wet hair, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. You can use it as often as you need to–but we recommend using it at least once a week to keep unwanted brassy tones under control.
3.Use a toner
If you have hot roots that are really starting to show, then you may want to try using a toner.
Toners are semi-permanent hair colors that can help neutralize unwanted tones in the hair.
And while they won’t completely get rid of all the orange warmth, they can help tone them down so they’re less noticeable.
Simply apply a cool toner to your wet hair, let the toner sit in your hair for the recommended amount of time, and then rinse it out.
Keep in mind that toners will only last a few weeks–so you’ll need to reapply it as needed. But, if used correctly, toners can be a great way to help manage hot roots.
4.Get a gloss treatment.
If you want to get rid of your hot roots without using any harsh chemicals, then you may want to try getting a gloss treatment.
Gloss treatments are basically like conditioners for your hair–they help add shine and hydration while also sealing the cuticle.
But unlike regular conditioners, gloss treatments also contain pigment that can help neutralize unwanted tones in the hair. So, if you have unwanted warmth that’s starting to show, getting a gloss treatment can help tone them down and make them less noticeable.
To get a gloss treatment, simply visit your local salon and ask for one. Most gloss treatments only take about 20 minutes and can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
5.Dye your roots a different color
This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes going a shade or two darker can help to neutralize those hot roots. This will help camouflage the new growth and make it less noticeable.
Use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent color or home touch-up kit that’s one or two shades darker than your current color. Follow the instructions to dye your hair just at the roots.
Root stretches and root blurs are so on trend right now so you can’t go wrong.
Or you can go crazy and jump on the hot new trend of purposely dyeing your roots a different color!
Embrace your roots by adding a pop of color to your hair. Check out insta or pinterest for some hot style ideas.
They can be any color you want, but the most popular colors tend to be bright and bold. The result is a two-toned look that is both unique and eye-catching.
You can go for a subtle look by choosing colors that are close to your natural hair color, or you can go bold with brighter colors like pink or blue. You can also mix and match multiple colors to create a truly unique look.
Keep in mind that dying your roots is a temporary solution–so you’ll need to touch up your roots every few weeks. But, if done correctly, it can be a great way to deal with hot roots.
5. Visit a Professional
If you’re struggling to get rid of hot roots on your own, then it may be time to consult with a professional colorist.
They’ll be able to assess your individual situation and provide you with customized recommendations for achieving the perfect shade –minus the brassiness!
Brassy roots before and after
Watch and learn: How to fix hot roots and orange hair at home.
Here’s a great video by an expert professional colorist who shows you the best ways to deal with eliminate brassiness and get rid of orange hair at home.
Why am I getting hot roots?
There are a few reasons why you may be getting afflicted with hot roots.
First, it could be due to the type of hair dye you’re using. If you’re using a box dye or a drugstore hair dye, then it’s likely that the color is not as high quality as salon-grade hair dyes.
As a result, the color may not take as well to your hair–leading to brassiness and unwanted warmth.
Second, it could be due to the way you’re applying the hair dye. If you’re not using the right technique, then you may end up with hot roots. Virgin hair (that’s new, natural hair) takes hair dye differently to hair that’s already been dyed or bleached.
Finally, it could simply be due to your natural hair color. If your hair is naturally darker, then it’s more likely that you’ll experience hot roots–even if you’re using a high-quality hair dye.
No matter what color your roots are dyed or bleached, when your natural hair starts to show through, it can create a brassy effect.
If you want to avoid this altogether, the best thing to do is touch up your color every 4-6 weeks.
Do hot roots go away on their own?
Unfortunately, these pesky warm strands will not go away on their own.
As your hair grows, your natural hair color will start to show through–leading to brassiness and warm-colored roots.
The best way to get rid of rid of them is to touch up your color every 4-6 weeks. This will help ensure that your hair always looks its best!
How to avoid hot roots.
There are a few things you can do to prevent them from happening, or tone down the ick factor a little at least:
Protect your hair from the sun: Believe it or not, sun exposure can actually make hot roots worse by amplifying any unwanted warmth in your complexion.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to apply a heat protectant before spending time outdoors and try to limit your exposure to direct sunlight whenever possible.
Wash your hair less often: If you can, try to wash your hair every other day or every two days instead of daily. This will help preserve your color and prevent your roots from fading too quickly.
Get regular trims: One of the best ways to combat brassiness is by getting regular trims–even if you’re trying to grow your hair out.
That’s because split ends can cause your hair to appear dry and dull, which will only accentuate any unwanted warmth in your complexion.
So be sure to schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking healthy and lustrous.
Parting words
We hope this article was helpful in teaching you how to get rid of hot roots.
Remember, the best way to avoid them is to touch up your color every 4-6 weeks and to use a high-quality hair dye.
At the end of the day, you can’t stop your hair from growing so regular maintenance is the way to go.
Good luck!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
