Why do my roots not hold color?

Author: Raina Thompson  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Why this mismatch only shows up at the roots is because your virgin roots are less resistant to the dye than your previously-colored lengths. New hair growth is much more reactive to dye than previously dyed hair.

Why are my roots not holding hair dye?

The dye may not adhere to the roots because it has been decolored several times. The hair has grown and taken on a different color. The recommendation is to let the hair grow and apply the dye again on natural hair, not on already decolored parts. It will be difficult for the dye to take the same tone.

Why do my roots lose color so fast?

A common reason behind fast-fading hair color is insufficient processing time, meaning the hair color did not stay on long enough. Grey hair cuticles are tightly packed down and take longer to open and absorb artificial hair color molecules.

How do you get color to stick to roots?

Leave the color solution on the roots for a longer period of time before rinsing it out. So, if the time on the box says 20 minutes, leave it on your roots for 30 minutes. This will give the chemicals more time to get into the hair.

What to do when hair won't hold color?

Best Ways to Help Hair Color Last
  1. Wash your hair with cool water every other day.
  2. Use products that are formulated for color-treated hair.
  3. Style and dry your hair without using heat tools.
  4. Apply a SPF spray to protect your hair from the sun.
  5. Deep condition your hair before and after dyeing it.

PART 1: HOW I FIXED EXTREMELY DAMAGED HAIR

Why is hair color not sticking to my hair?

Another reason could be that your hair has already been sensitised by products which are too harsh for your locks or the heat from a heating device. If the cuticles are damaged, logically colour will not hold as well. As a result, it is very important to revive your locks with targeted treatments before colouring.

Why does my hair color only last two weeks?

That's right: One of the biggest reasons for faded hair color is hard water. The same hard minerals that cause limescale around your home can also strip away hair dye. The more you wash your hair with hard water, the worse the problem will get.

Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair?

Pick a lighter hair colour

A lighter colour will then look better. Your hair follicles produce less pigment as you're turning older. If there's no more pigment being produced in the hair follicles, your hair turns pigmentless.

How do you make root color last longer?

How to make your hair color last longer: 6 easy steps
  1. prep your hair before coloring. ...
  2. rinse and wash your hair with lukewarm water. ...
  3. wash less often if you can. ...
  4. use a color safe, ph balanced shampoo. ...
  5. condition well after coloring. ...
  6. don't overuse hot tools.

Why do my roots show after 1 week?

It could be that your hair is resistant to tint, especially when the hair texture has changed as a result of going white. But also it could be that by going lighter, either all over, or by introducing (subtle) highlights you would not see the regrowth strip quite as quickly as if it were lighter.

What is the best color depositing conditioner?

Our favorite color-depositing conditioner is the dpHue Gloss+ thanks to its wide range of shades, easy application, and ability to soften and hydrate hair. For a clear gloss that adds shine to any hair color, we recommend the Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer.

Why do my roots turn gray so fast?

Your hair follicles have pigment cells that make melanin, a chemical that gives your hair its color. As you age, these cells start to die. Without pigment, new hair strands grow in lighter and take on various shades of gray, silver, and eventually white.

Can you dye your hair again if you didn't take the dye?

You should wait at least two weeks after your last dye session to re-dye your hair, regardless of the reason. If you're maintaining your color, stylists recommend returning to the salon every four to six weeks for a touch-up.

Why is my GREY hair not holding dye?

Pigment loss occurs naturally in hair as we age. Along with the changes in pigmentation, grey hairs can also undergo structural changes Grey hair is often also coarser. The outer cuticle layer of greys can be more tightly packed and layered, making them resistant to colour absorption.

How to prep hair for dye?

For best results, we recommend washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before dyeing, but no sooner. You can use your normal conditioner, but we'd advise against using a deep conditioner before dyeing your hair due to potential product build-up.

How to cover gray hair without dye?

How can I conceal grey hair?
  1. Root sprays. Light roots are easily concealed with root sprays until the next time the hair is washed. ...
  2. Hair mascara. Special hair mascaras for individual strands or light roots work similarly to root sprays. ...
  3. Toners. ...
  4. Highlights. ...
  5. Shampoos with colour effect.

Why are my roots not holding color?

Why this mismatch only shows up at the roots is because your virgin roots are less resistant to the dye than your previously-colored lengths. New hair growth is much more reactive to dye than previously dyed hair.

Why does my root color fade so fast?

Hair color can fade due to a variety of factors, including frequent washing and styling, using products containing sulfates, added salts, and even alcohols, exposure to sunlight, UVA and UVB rays, and even minerals in your water, chlorine and other chemicals. Here's a deep dive into each cause…

How do you stop roots from growing so fast?

Burning the roots. Filling in the hole left behind with concrete, rocks, or soil. Installing root barriers around their property's perimeter. Planting grass over the area.

What hair color hides grey best?

Cool shades like ash blonde and mushroom brown are among the best hair colors to hide grays, since the cool tones won't clash with your silvery streaks.

What happens if you put grey hair dye on brown hair?

If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.

What color cancels out gray hair?

What Color Cancels Out Gray Hair? You can use any color to cover gray hair, from copper reds to golden blonde tones, but if soft regrowth is your goal, consider working a shade that's similar in tone to silver hair.

Why will my hair not hold color?

Both protein (keratin) and moisture are essential components of healthy hair—if they're missing, your hair color could fade quickly. If hair is in poor condition (we're looking at you split ends), a protein or moisturizing treatment may be needed before you color.

Why do hairdressers hate box dye?

Certain harsh chemicals in popular box dyes have given many stylists pause. Common concerns include: Ammonia - This mixing agent lifts cuticles to deposit colour but is quite drying over time. Peroxide - High volumes like 30+ developer cause more damage to delicate hair.

Does salon dye last longer than box dye?

Longevity of color

However, it's important to consider other factors, such as your hair type and condition, desired result, application method, and cost, before making a decision on whether to choose salon hair color or box dye. Salon hair color is often more long-lasting than box dye.

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