You're likely experiencing "hot roots," where your roots appear lighter than the rest of your hair after dyeing. This happens because the heat from your scalp accelerates the lightening process at the roots.
Here's a breakdown of why this occurs:
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Heat: Your scalp generates heat, which acts as a catalyst for the hair dye. This extra heat causes the dye to process faster and lift more pigment at the roots than on the rest of your hair.
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Virgin Hair: The hair at your roots is often "virgin" hair, meaning it hasn't been previously colored or treated. Virgin hair tends to lift color more readily than hair that has already been processed.
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Uneven Application: Sometimes, the dye is applied more thickly to the roots, inadvertently concentrating the lightening action in that area.
Essentially, the natural hair closest to the scalp reacts to the light hair color more quickly than the already-colored hair.
How to Prevent or Correct Hot Roots:
- Apply dye strategically: When dyeing your hair, avoid applying the dye directly to the roots first, particularly if you are lightening your hair significantly. Instead, apply to the mid-lengths and ends first, then apply to the roots during the last 10-20 minutes of processing.
- Use a lower volume developer: A lower volume developer processes more gently and can help prevent overly rapid lightening at the roots.
- Cool the roots: Some stylists recommend using a cool fan or applying a cool towel to the roots during processing to slow down the chemical reaction.
- Root Smudge/Shadow Root: This technique involves intentionally creating a slightly darker root area for a more blended and natural look.
- Toning: If you already have hot roots, a toner can help neutralize the brassiness and even out the color between the roots and the rest of your hair.
