As everyone knows, coloring your hair can have unexpected results. One of the most common problems that individuals face after dyeing their hair is hot roots. Hot roots refer to the situation where the roots of your hair turn out much lighter than the rest of your hair. This can be a significant problem, especially when you are attempting to darken your hair color. A common solution to this problem is using a toner, but can you use toner to fix hot roots?
Toner is an excellent solution for fixing hair color problems. It helps alleviate the brassiness and provides a smoother finish to hair. However, using toner to fix hot roots isn’t always as simple as it seems. The truth is that how effective toner is at fixing your hot roots depends on several factors, such as your hair’s texture, type, and condition. Understanding how toner works and how to use it to fix hot roots can save you from potential hair disasters. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using toner to fix hot roots.
What are hot roots and why do they happen?
Hot roots happen when the roots of the hair are lighter and warmer compared to the rest of the hair shaft. The roots seem to glow, and most times, they can show up in shades of orange, copper, or red. Hot roots are a common hair color mishap that frequently occurs during hair coloring processes, especially when depositing lighter hair color onto dark hair.
The problem happens as a result of heat generation close to the scalp, and it occurs when the roots are exposed to the hair color for a more extended amount of time than it takes the rest of the hair to process. Because the scalp provides extra heat to the hair color mixture, it may lighten more quickly than other areas on the hair, resulting in the bright, unwanted tones known as hot roots. Fixing hot roots require proper treatment, and using toner correctly could potentially help to neutralize the unwanted tones.
The benefits and drawbacks of using toner to fix hot roots
Using toner to fix hot roots can have both benefits and drawbacks. One benefit of using toner is that it can effectively neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones in the hair. This can help create a more natural and even hair color, which is particularly important if you have lightened your hair recently.
Another benefit of using toner is that it can help reduce damage to your hair. When using toner, you do not need to expose your hair to as much heat or chemicals as you would if you were using bleach or dye. However, it is important to note that toner may not be enough to fix extremely severe hot roots, and may also not be suitable for all hair types and colors. It is important to consult with a professional stylist before deciding to use toner on your hair.
The best toners for correcting hot roots
If you’re dealing with hot roots, a toner can help fix the problem by neutralizing the unwanted warm tones in your hair. But which toner should you use? The best toners for correcting hot roots depend on your hair’s natural color and the level of brassiness you want to combat.
If your hair is naturally light blonde or you’ve recently lightened it, an ash-toned toner is your best bet. Ash-toned toners contain blue or purple pigments that neutralize orange and yellow tones. If you have darker hair or you want to reduce redness, a green-toned toner can work wonders. Green-toned toners contain green pigments that counteract red tones, making your hair look cooler and more neutral. When choosing a toner, make sure to look for a color that complements your hair’s underlying tones rather than fighting against them.
How to correctly apply toner to fix hot roots
Correctly applying toner is essential when fixing hot roots. To begin with, ensure that you have the right toner shade that matches your hair. Before applying the toner, pre-lighten your hair to the desired level as toner only works on pre-lightened hair.
Next, mix the toner according to the instructions given. Ensure that you wear gloves to protect your hands from staining. Apply the toner first at the roots, where the hot roots are visible, and then work it towards the rest of the hair. Leave the toner in for the recommended time, usually between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the toner brand and shade.
Rinse the toner out thoroughly with cool water and apply a conditioner to soften your hair. Hot roots can be fixed with the correct application of toner, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions to achieve the desired results. Remember to protect your hair before the application of any hair products.
Other remedies for hot roots
Aside from using toner to fix hot roots, there are other remedies that you can try. One option is to use a color corrector. This product helps to neutralize the warm tones in your hair and can be applied before your coloration process. You can also use hair gloss to balance out the color of your roots. This treatment adds shine to your hair while eliminating brassiness and unwanted orange tones.
Another remedy for hot roots is to lighten your hair again. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can help if the first round of color didn’t lift your roots enough. However, it’s crucial to be cautious with bleach and avoid over-processing your hair. You can also opt to blend your roots by adding lowlights or highlights. When done correctly, these techniques can help soften the contrast between your roots and the rest of your hair. With these options, you can fix hot roots and achieve a more natural-looking color overall.
Preventative measures to avoid hot roots
Preventing hot roots is easier than fixing them. To avoid hot roots, it is essential to understand the cause. The most common reason is improper application of hair color. Hot roots occur when the heat from the scalp speeds up the lightening process, resulting in lighter roots than the rest of the hair. To prevent this, apply the hair color to the mid-lengths and ends first before moving to the roots.
Another way to prevent hot roots is by using a color with cool undertones. For instance, instead of using a blonde hair color with warm undertones, opt for one with cool undertones. This can help neutralize the heat effect and prevent hot roots. Additionally, retouching the hair color regularly and using quality products recommended by a stylist can also help prevent hot roots. By following these preventive measures, you can save yourself from the hassle of fixing hot roots and maintain an even, beautiful hair color.
Advice from professional hairstylists on fixing hot roots with toner
When it comes to fixing hot roots with toner, professional hairstylists have some valuable advice. Firstly, they suggest selecting the right toner shade based on the base color of the hair. If the hair is too warm, a cool-toned toner can help neutralize the warmth. However, if the hair is too cool, a warmer toner can bring back the warmth.
Moreover, hairstylists recommend using the toner sparingly and leaving it on for the recommended time to avoid over-toning the hair. They also suggest using a developer with a lower volume, as higher volumes can cause further damage to the hair. Lastly, it’s important to nourish the hair with deep conditioning treatments and minimizing heat styling tools to maintain healthy hair. With patience, proper toning, and hair care, hot roots can be fixed and avoided in the future.
Final Words
Using toner to fix hot roots is a common solution in the hair color industry. It’s a way to neutralize brassy, orange or yellow tones in the hair, which can occur when you lighten your hair too much or incorrectly. While toner can help with hot roots, it’s not a surefire solution. Using the wrong color or leaving it on for too long can cause further damage to your hair and make the problem worse. It’s important to consult with a professional hair colorist before attempting to fix hot roots with toner on your own.
In addition, toner is not a magic solution that can fix all hair color problems. It’s important to understand the root cause of hot roots and address that issue first, whether it’s over-processing, incorrect color formulation, or poor application techniques. Using a toner should be seen as a maintenance step in your hair color journey, rather than a fix-all solution. With the right care and attention, you can achieve the hair color you desire without damaging your hair or causing hot roots.