You are bored with your current hairstyle, but you are also not great with maintaining hair color or hair as your routine does not offer time; that is when your hair stylist recommends root shadowing. Now, what is it? And is it really a low-maintenance hair color trend? Let’s find out.
What Is Root Shadowing?
Root shadowing is a type of hair coloring technique where you apply a darker color to your hair roots that slowly fades away and gives gradient to your hair. This hairstyle gives your hair a gorgeous look and helps you maintain your hair color for a long time.
So, how to do root shadowing? Read the blog to know more.
How Root Shadowing Differs from Traditional Root Touch-Ups
When you do root touch-ups on your hair, you apply dark hair color on your new hair growth, whereas root shadowing embraces your new development. Root shadowing creates a gradient with your growth, blending easily into your hair.
Root Shadowing vs. Balayage vs. Ombre
If you think root shadowing, balayage, & ombre are one shade, then you are wrong.
Root Shadowing |
It means soft gradients at the roots of the hair. |
Balay |
It means hand-painted highlights with no root coverage on your hair. |
Ombre |
It means dramatic fade from dark roots with light ends. |
Why Root Shadowing Is the Hottest 2025 Hair Color Trends
In 2025, root shadowing is the hottest trend in the market. A few of the reasons why it stands out are:
- Low maintenance: One of the perks of root shadowing is that it is low in maintenance, meaning you can stretch out your salon visit as it works with your natural growth.
- Add a new dimension to your hair: Root shadowing adds a new layer of depth to your hair, as when you color your roots, it adds volume.
- Works on all types of hair: A lot of hair color might work on different hair types, but root shadowing works on all hair types.
Best Shades for Root Shadowing
- Root Shadowing for Brunettes
If your hair color is along the shade of Brunette, then you can opt for espresso, mocha, or chestnut roots, which blend directly to caramel or golden mid-lengths for a warm, radiant finish.
- Root Shadowing for brunettes/blondes
If your hair color is in shades of blonde, then it will look great with ashy, beige, or honey root shadows blending into icy or buttery ends. It will give the perfect vibe to your look.
- Bold & Unconventional Colors (Pastels, Reds, etc.)
It is not important that you have natural hues for root shadowing; you can even try it with different colors such as rose golds, lilacs, vibrant reds, or even blue denim hues.
How to Get the Perfect Root Shadowing Look
If you want to get the perfect root shadowing look, then ask your hair stylist to keep the following things in mind:
- Apply dark shades to your roots.
- Make sure that your current hair color blends seamlessly into your root shadowing.
- Add a custom tone to your hair that goes with your overall look.
DIY Root Shadowing Tips (At-Home Kits & Techniques)
If you are someone who loves DIY and has done a lot of experiments on your hair during COVID or in general. You can try doing semi-permanent root shadowing at home.
- Start by picking up a root shade that is 1–2 levels darker than your mid-length.
- Apply the color to your damp hair and level downwards for a gradient effect.
- Now, make sure that the hair color is distributed naturally. You should blend it with a tooth comb for a natural transition.
- Make sure you search for the best root shadowing shades before you apply any color and have done your research.
Pro tip: You can also use Caaru’s henna-based hair color for your root shadowing as it is natural and easy to apply, and you can quickly see the results.
How Long Does Root Shadowing Last? (Maintenance Tips)
Recommended Touch-Up Schedule
Once you have done a root shadowing, it stays for 6-8 weeks, but as root shadowing grows naturally, you can drag it up to 10 weeks before a touch-up.
Best Products to Maintain Root Shadowing
- Shop color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Use hair SPF when going out in the heat
- Use hair protection before using any heating tool on your hair
- Use sulfate and paraben-free products
Root Shadowing Before & After (Visual Examples)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does root shadowing damage hair?
You might think root shadowing damages your hair, but that is untrue. Root shadowing is a gentler way of coloring your hair, as you just apply the hair color to the roots. If unsure, you can use henna-based hair colors from brands like Caaru, a natural way to color your hair and get the desired root shadowing effect.
Can root shadowing be done on short hair?
100% yes, you can do root shadowing on your short hair as it not only adds gradient to your hair but also adds depth that can make your short hair look fantastic and adds volume.
How much does root shadowing cost?
The prices can vary, but it usually takes around INR 3000 and above, depending on your hair length, location, area, and type of root shadowing you choose.
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