If you’re noticing roots within a few weeks after getting your hair highlighted or colored, you should ask your stylist about root tapping. This technique creates a natural transition from the base of the scalp to the rest of the hair, eliminating the dreaded line of demarcation that reveals grow-out. We’ll tell you how root tapping and similar procedures can help your color last longer.
How is Root Tapping Applied?
After removing foils or applying balayage and then rinsing out the hair color, we “tap” a bit of color about a ½ inch from the roots, in a shade just one or two shades darker than the natural color. This allows roots to seamlessly blend into the color of the lengths and creates a more uniform and consistent color throughout the hair. Many clients can wait 10-12 weeks before touch ups.
A root tap can also give the illusion of denser and thicker hair by adding dimension and depth at the root level. Root tapping is beneficial for clients who color their hair darker, or who just want to warm up their color for fall.
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Is Root Tapping Beneficial for Brunettes?
For clients who color their hair lighter than their natural dark color, the goal is to keep dark roots from showing so soon. Instead of root tapping, we use a technique called root smudging, in which we apply a color that’s one or two shades lighter than the natural root color. Root smudging is generally applied further down on the crown, about 3 inches from the roots, and then pulled down towards the ends of the hair. The slight darkening effect is commonly known as a shadow root. This technique not only works well for low-maintenance grow-out for brunettes, but also softens the contrast between gray roots and the rest of the hair.
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What Technique Creates the Most Seamless Blend?
For gradual, gradient grow-out, we recommend root melting. We choose a tone that matches the natural color, and apply it about 5 inches away from the roots and then drag it down with a comb so it blends in with the dyed hair. Root melting provides the most lived-in look because it essentially erases the line between natural and dyed hair. Best of all? It can last up to 3 months.
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Ready to Space Out Your Hair Color Appointments? Talk to Your Vakkar Stylist
While it’s not uncommon to touch up hair color every 4-8 weeks, it’s possible to stretch out the time between salon visits by using the techniques we discussed. Root tapping, root smudging, and root melting are all great ways to add depth and dimension to your hair while also keeping your hair healthy for as long as possible. Our stylists can discuss your preferences regarding whether you want no roots to show, you’re okay with a transitional look, or you prefer a lived-in look. Then we will show you what we’ve done with some of our clients and make recommendations for giving you color you will love.
Even though we love seeing our clients, we understand that you have a busy life! We will make every effort to make your hair color last as long as possible between visits to Vakkar. Contact us today to make your next appointment.
