Ever since I started dying my hair, the terms “roots” has become somewhat of a dirty word. For anyone who has strayed from their natural hair color or is experiencing graying for the first time, you know that gut-sinking feeling of looking in the mirror and seeing that first quarter inch of grow out.
As someone who is a natural brunette but has done everything from blonde to red to pink and purple, I am very familiar with the dreaded grown-out roots. Nearing the end of my red-hair era, I’ve decided for the first time in years to go back to my natural color. While my first instinct was to dye my whole head back to brown, I started thinking, how do you grow your roots out? Whether you’re looking to go from blonde to brown or embracing your grays, here is an expert-guide to all things roots.
Featured Experts
- Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist and Garnier partner
- Johnny Lavoy is a celebrity hairstylist
- Kimberlee Blakley is the senior director of product development and trichologist with The Mane Choice
- Paul Labrecque is a master stylist and colorist, and founder of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
What is the best way to grow out your roots?
“The best way to grow out your roots is to embrace a low-maintenance approach and keep your hair healthy,” begins Garnier stylist Dimitris Giannetos. “Opt for transitional hairstyles that blend your natural color with dyed hair, such as balayage or root smudging, to create a more seamless and natural look as your roots grow out.”
The best way to grow out your roots varies based on whether you’re growing out grays or color, adds celebrity hairstylist Johnny Lavoy. “If you are growing out color on natural color that is not gray, you have a couple of options. If your natural color is darker than your ends, I suggest coloring your hair to match the roots. There are also products that remove direct dye from the hair, but this type of treatment should be done by a professional in a salon. If you are growing out gray, patience is necessary. For that I would consider keeping your hair at a shorter length and slowly cutting every six weeks.”
How long does it take to grow out your roots completely?
While I wish there was a magic answer for growing out your roots quickly and painlessly, when it comes to root growth, patience is the name of the game. In terms of just how long it will take to fully grow out your roots, it “will depend on the length of your hair,” says master stylist, colorist, and founder of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, Paul Labrecque. “At minimum, it will take one full year to grow out your roots if you don’t want to opt for something like a pixie cut.”
What salon and at-home treatments help with growing out your roots?
While patience is the most important part of growing out your roots, there are some salon and at-home treatments you can do to help with growing out your roots. As senior director of product development and trichologist with The Mane Choice Kimberlee Blakley explains, “Proper scalp care is key to growing your hair. Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp.” She recommends “proper and frequent cleansing with a gentle cleanser like The Mane Choice Easy On The CURLS Detangling Hydration Shampoo ($13).”
“Just like your body, your skin and scalp can get dry and depleted affecting how well your hair grows,” Blakley continues. “I like to use a lightweight, nutrient-packed hair oil like The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil ($13) which replenishes moisture without clogging the follicles or making the hair greasy. With proper hair-care and treatments, while also incorporating these tips, you can see your roots grow out in 3-6 months.”
In terms of salon treatments, Giannetos recommends “regular visits for gloss treatments, root smudging, and balayage can to blend your roots with the rest of your hair. These techniques soften the line between your natural hair color and dyed hair, making the grow-out process less noticeable. I also always suggest using deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.”