Hot Roots: How to Fix Orange or Brassy Roots at Home & Salon

You’ve just colored your hair, expecting flawless, even tones, but instead, you notice hot roots, those orange, brassy, or yellow streaks near your scalp that stand out from the rest of your hair.

Don’t worry. Hot roots are fixable, whether at home or in a salon.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything: color-specific fixes for blonde, red, and dark hair, professional solutions, and preventative tips to avoid hot roots in the future.

What Are Hot Roots And Why Do They Happen?

Hot roots appear when the hair closest to your scalp is lighter or warmer than your mid-lengths and ends.

• Brown hair may have bright orange or brassy roots
• Blonde hair may show yellow or banana-colored tones
• Red hair looks overly bright or unnatural red near the roots

Why does it happen:

• Your scalp produces heat, which activates lighteners faster, causing overprocessing at the roots
• First-time dyeing, DIY errors, or uneven application can also lead to hot roots
• Overlapping or re-dyeing roots without adjusting formulas

💡 Tip: Hot roots are normal and fixable both at home and in the salon.

How to Fix Hot Roots at Home

Correcting hot roots at home is possible, but the method depends on your hair type and color. Always perform a strand test before application.

Shadow Roots For a Seamless Blend

Shadow roots intentionally darken the roots for a natural, dimensional look.

Steps:

1. Choose a shade slightly darker than your mid-lengths
2. Apply only to the root area using a small brush
3. Blend slightly into mid-lengths for a seamless transition
4. Check under natural light before rinsing

Color-specific tips:

• Blonde hair: use brown or dark blonde shades
• Red hair: choose a darker red or auburn
• Dark hair: use chocolate or espresso shades for subtle depth

💡 Tip: Shadow roots are low-maintenance and trendy, and can be combined with balayage techniques for added dimension.

Toners to Neutralize Brassiness

Toners neutralize unwanted brassy tones and restore balance.

Steps for DIY Toning:

1. Select the right toner for your hair color:
   • Blue: cancels orange
   • Purple: cancels yellow
   • Permanent toners: for more substantial correction (Wella Professional Liquid Toner)
2. Apply evenly to damp or towel-dried hair
3. Leave on according to product instructions (usually 5–20 mins)
4. Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner

Hair-specific advice:

• Blonde hair: Use purple shampoo for regular maintenance. Read our article on Purple vs Blue Shampoo
• Red hair: choose red or copper toners to maintain vibrancy
• Dark hair: Use shadow toners or glossing treatments

💡 Tip: Apply toners carefully to avoid uneven results learn more in our Hair Toner Application Tips.

Quick DIY Fixes for Any Hair Type

1. Strand Test: Always test a small section of roots before applying dye or toner to the whole head
2. Root-Only Application: Apply color only to the hot root area
3. Blend: Use a brush or comb to merge the roots with mid-lengths
4. Check Timing: Avoid leaving color on too long, which may over-darken roots
5. Condition: Use a nourishing mask or gloss to restore shine

💡 Tip: If unsure or nervous, book a professional session to prevent mistakes.

Color-Specific Hot Root Solutions

Hot Roots on Blonde Hair

• Use purple or blue toners/shampoos to cancel yellow or orange tones
• For dark blonde roots, consider shadow root application to create subtle depth
• Weekly gloss treatments maintain shine and even tone

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using bleach on already lightened roots — it can fry your hair.

Hot Roots on Red Hair

• Reds fade fast; use slightly darker red or auburn shades on roots
• Shadow roots help blend regrowth with mid-lengths
• Gloss or semi-permanent red toners refresh vibrancy without over-processing

💡 Pro Tip: Red hair requires careful maintenance — schedule touch-ups every 4–6 weeks.

Hot Roots on Dark Hair

• Over-lightened dark roots may appear brassy or orange
• Shadow roots or gloss treatments neutralize warmth
• Use color-depositing shampoos between salon visits

💡 Pro Tip: Section curly or thick hair to ensure even application and avoid patchiness.

Curly or Textured Hair

• Apply color in small sections
• Consider balayage or root-smudging techniques for natural blending
• Always moisturize and protect curls before chemical application

💡 Pro Tip: Curly hair absorbs color differently; monitor strands carefully.

Professional Solutions for Hot Roots

When home methods are insufficient, professional color correction is your safest bet.

What to Expect:

1. Root assessment by stylist
2. Shadow root or toning treatment
3. Blending with mid-lengths and ends
4. Optional gloss for shine and vibrancy

Hair-specific advice:

• Red or dark hair: Professionals can neutralize stubborn warmth
• Blonde hair: Salon toners prevent brassiness without over-processing
• Curly hair: Professionals ensure even application without frizz

💡 Tip: For a flawless, safe fix, book a session at Haste Urban Hair Spa.

How to Avoid Hot Roots in The Future

Preventing hot roots is easier than correcting them:

• Lighten hair gradually; avoid lifting more than 1–2 levels at home
• Use permanent color on roots and gloss mid-lengths/ends
• Match the new color to existing hair or slightly darker
• Avoid overlapping or over-processing roots

💡 Tip: Regular glossing or toning treatments maintain even color

Say Goodbye to Hot Roots

Hot roots can be frustrating, but with shadow roots, toning, or professional correction, you can achieve smooth, even hair.

Ready to fix your roots and get flawless hair? Book a session at Haste Urban Hair Spa for expert color correction and personalized advice. Your hair deserves the best care.

FAQ