Deeply Rooted

Roots. Let’s talk about them.

Roots are a hot topic of conversation these days. Intentionally rooty color has these days become, well, something way past the intentional stage. Or you may be in a position where you are seeing your true color shine and sparkle through. If you haven’t started referring to your grays as glitter, now is the time to start!

I know it is tempting to run to whatever store is open or click “buy now” online, but I’m here to help you wait it out and explain exactly why your hairstylist cringes at the mere mention of box color. I also have a couple of tips to make it through with ease and style.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL, ANYWAY?

First off, I get it. I understand the temptation of a low cost, less time consuming, at your finger tips root cover up option. If I had a dollar for every text/dm/email from clients during this pandemic, asking what box color they can purchase, I’d be living large.

You are not created equal. Your hair is unique to you and you alone. A box can’t predict if you have had previous color services, are resistant, or “pull warm”. It is not mixed for your precise needs.

There’s science too, folks. Most box colors use ammonia to open the cuticle. Your cuticle needs to be open in order to push the new color molecules in. The problem with this, is that box colors typically use a much higher level of ammonia than your hair would need. In fact, the levels of ammonia tend to be so high that the cuticle can’t properly close. If you’re still following, this means that not only is your hair going to be damaged and show signs of splitting, it also runs the risk of not holding the color properly.

If this immediate damage isn’t enough to scare you away, then the next two words should: METALLIC SALTS. Metallic salts are to blame for those horrifying “black box dye” removal pictures and videos. But they are found in all colors of the rainbow, not just in black dye. If you ever have a desire to go lighter, it may not be possible to achieve it because metallic salts are almost impossible to get out, even by the most patient and skilled colorist. Metallic salts literally cling on to your hair, and build up over time. This causes hair to feel awful, and in the worst cases- actually break off. Have you ever seen scary videos of hair smoking? Hello metallic salt build up.

Now that I’ve (hopefully) scared the box dye out of you, what can you do in the meantime?

SPRAY ON, SPRAY-ER

Root concealer spray is a godsend. My favorite is L’Oreal Professional Root Concealer Spray. I use this bad boy for so much more than covering grays. I use this product to fill in any thinning hair, filling in hairlines for epic ponytails, and to cover up sections when doing updos and give an overall fuller appearance to hair.

To use, determine your shade of color, and spray 4- inches away from the scalp. My pro-tip is to use your blow drier on a low setting, over the area where you applied the spray. This locks your concealer color in, and gives it a softer feel.

Use your root concealer only where you need it. I recommend only spraying your part and hairline for everyday use. There’s no need to drive yourself mad, covering every inch of your head. Save money, save product, and just touch up the areas you see until you are back in your stylist’s chair.

HAT HEAD

I am all for getting creative. Drastic times call for drastic measures. When all else fails, get creative! Hats are in. Warmer weather is coming and a cute hat can not only cover up those roots, but it can also cover up that precious face enough to ward off unwanted sun damage. Don’t skimp on your SPF. It’s still necessary.

If hats just aren’t your thing, think of cute headbands, head wraps, or even those adorable faux braids. Any of these are totally trendy ways to make a statement, conceal your true hair color, and score you high points for creativity.

LOVE YOURSELF

Lastly, I am a big advocate for embracing you. Beauty comes from within. I could shout from the rooftops that rooty color and gray hair is very in-style, but the fact of the matter is, if you are not comfortable, you will not be happy. My singular goal is to help you feel good about yourself, to embrace the real, natural you, and to have fun with all things beauty related.

As always, if I didn’t cover something, or you have a topic specific question, comment below. I’m here to help.