Adding depth at the roots and transitioning to a softer color in your lengths is one of the bigger coloring trends of the last decade.
Root smudges add depth and dimension and leave a gorgeous, natural-looking finish.
What is a Root Smudge?
Root smudging is a coloring technique in which a darker shade is applied to the roots and feathered into lighter lengths. Smudges buffer and blend the demarcation line of colored hair at the roots.
Root smudging can cut down on hard color lines. Adding subtle depth with a soft, seamless contrast between a darker root and lighter lengths lets you create more dimension and visual volume. A seamless transition to lighter lengths can reduce lightening at the roots, which supports healthier, stronger hair.
We’ll show you how you can replicate the effect at home, with colorist guidance to assist you to successfully achieve root smudging at home.
Lighter lengths reflect light to your face. This effect can also be used to maintain and emphasise balayage colors applications. Adding depth to your roots will naturally emphasise lighter lengths, and the effect can be striking. Neutral, darker roots are very low maintenance and a root smudge can be a great way to stay on top of fast-growing grays in particular, as the application is easy and effective.
Root Smudge Color Selection
Our best advice for your root smudge color selection is to get colorist advice for your color selection.
Our colorists are available 7 days a week to provide (free) color advice and personalised color recommendations. They will consider your hair history, texture and goals and recommend color/s and application techniques which work for your needs.
The best colors for root smudges are usually either very close or just one level lighter than your natural color.
Cool colors are generally best if you are lightening, because lightening always reveals natural warmth and cool colors will tone and mute unwanted warmth.
You can also use a root smudge to create eye-catching contrast between darker roots and lighter, brighter lengths, for a more dramatic effect. A clear difference in color levels at the roots and lengths gives you two distinct colors, with a flattering, fun finish.
Healthier Hair, Perfect Color
If you are looking to keep your regrowth regularly covered, and to keep your hair as healthy as possible, then root smudges can be a great approach to meet your color goals. The key is to apply permanent color only at your roots, so that each section of hair only undergoes one permanent color process, which gives you color coverage, and preserves the health and condition of your hair.
Cover your roots with a a color blended with either a 20 or 27 vol (for resistant grays) developer to achieve permanent growth of your regrowth. Boost the color and tone in your lengths with a color blended with 5 vol developer, which will deposit tone and shine only, leaving your with complete coverage, and healthy, beautiful hair.
Duo Root Smudge
Duo color blends create a perfect root smudge opportunity. Add depth, dimension and volume at your roots, with a lighter, brighter blend which shares the base color on your lengths.
Use one of the two colors in your blend (the darker, cool or neutral color is often the best choice) as a root smudge which blends beautifully with brighter lengths.
Root Smudge Color Application:
A root smudge application is similar to a roots only color application. The difference is that root smudges only extend the color down an inch or two before it diffusely blends with the lengths, without extending color to the ends.
It can be helpful to spritz the roots with 2-3 sprays of water from a spray bottle before applying color to your roots. Applying color to damp hair makes it easier to glide the product through the hair, creating a natural transition with the lighter lengths.
Follow the instructions in your color pack to section your hair and mix your root smudge color.
Use your tint brush to tap the color to your roots only. Then use a wide tooth comb to extend the color down an inch or two. This approach will feather the color transition, softening the lines between roots and lengths.
Top Tips for Root Smudges:
- Personalised colorist advice is critical
- Use a wide tooth comb
- Apply the color to damp hair
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