How to Avoid or Fix Hot Roots

Hairstylists use the term ‘hot roots’ to explain a hair condition that takes place when someone applies artificial pigment on the hair roots. The noticeable change is in the color of the hair follicles in comparison to the hair roots. The color is reddish – orange-ish in appearance. After a hair color application, the roots emerge as a different color. It commonly appears in women who are redheads, brunettes, and blondes.

Timing and Color

There are several reasons for this happening. Hairstylists have to control timing, peroxide and level of the same color used and timing from the hair roots to the end of the hair. The heat that comes from the hair scalp is also a deciding factor, causing the hair root to respond faster to the hair color formula. What action should you take if this happens to a client? Let’s take a closer look.

Fixing the Root of the Problem

If this happens, the hairstylist must fix the hot root problem by applying a deposit-only tint color. The tint must be low in peroxide. This should take care of the problem, according to many hair experts. However, if highlights are present in the client’s hair, it is best to gloss the base, which helps with blending everything. For the hair colorist, recommendations will be given on product brand, but there are some hair salons that mix their own rooting kits to fix the problem. Some may suggest using over-the-counter products, but it is the professional guidance of the hairstylist to do what is best for the client, possibly re-applying the hair color.

Experience Counts

Hairstyles who don’t have experience with hot roots will struggle to fix this hair color job. So be sure that you find a hairstylist that has done this before. Experienced hairstylist will usually take note of the heat zone and will choose a color developer that is right for your hair structure. The underlying pigment should also be determined so the hairdresser should be aware of the color wheel and perhaps use a chart for establishing the right underlying pigment. It is also crucial to determine the natural starting level so as not to use an in-between hair color, but a darker shade.

Prevention is More Ideal

If you want to prevent the challenges of hot roots, the hair color should not be applied from the hair root to the end. Therefore, the hairstylist must pay attention to how long the color is left in the hair, the strength of the peroxide and the color level. It is best, then, to color your hair at a hair salon and not at home. Always remember that the color of your hair root is different from the color on the hair shaft. Therefore, always seek the professional help from an experienced hairstylist.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stefiejones/3879236372/