Blonde Hair with Dark Roots Is the Lived-In Color Of the Summer

If you've been itching to try something new when it comes to your hair color, but aren’t too fond of the upkeep that comes with color-treated hair, don’t worry, you’ve got options. If a low-maintenance change is what you’re looking for, blonde hair with dark roots may just be your perfect match — and it’s a great solution for those with brown or black hair that want to experiment with a lighter shade. 

Because this hair color trend is all about having your roots on display, you can push that pesky root touch-up appointment to the side. Keep reading to learn about four ways to get blonde hair with dark roots.

How to Get Blonde Hair With Dark Roots 

Ready to give this low-maintenance hair color a try? We’re sharing the hair coloring techniques that can get you your desired look. 

1. Blonde Shadow Roots 

Shadow hair, also referred to as shadow-toning, shadow root, and root smudging, creates an effect that’s probably exactly as you’d imagine. Your stylist will use a hair toner or hair gloss that matches your natural hair color and apply it to your roots using a smudging technique to create a shadow effect. This will blur the line between your dark roots and your blonde lengths. As your roots grow out, you won’t have to worry about any harsh lines of demarcation. 

2. Blonde Balayage 

You likely know about the balayage highlighting technique by now, but consider this a refresher. It was created by French colorists in the ‘70s and involves hand painting highlights for a natural, sun-kissed look. The highlights are painted beneath your roots for a subtle faded look.

Since the idea behind this technique is to keep your mane natural-looking, the highlights are usually applied onto your natural hair color. This means as your roots grow out, you won’t see a strong line of demarcation. 

3. Blonde Ombré

Another rooted blonde option is ombré hair. This technique will result in dark roots that gradually transition to lighter ends for a gradient effect. It can be done using traditional highlights or balayage for a more natural-looking finish. 

4. Blonde Sombré

For a softer alternative, consider ombré’s counterpart: sombré. The name quite literally means soft ombré. The difference between ombré and sombré is that the latter uses more shades and tones for a look that’s more blended, natural-looking, and seamless. It offers a blonde hair color option that requires even less upkeep.

How to Take Care Of Blonde Hair With Dark Roots 

Once you’ve mastered your new color, you’ll need to care for it properly to keep it looking its best. 

1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner 

Keep your blonde looking fresh by using a hair care system that's safe on color. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Conditioner are great because they’re gentle on color and they work to reinforce weak hair bonds that can result from bleaching. 

2. Tone Brassiness 

It’s very common for blonde hair to turn brassy after some time. When you notice unwanted yellow and orange tones in your hair, swap your shampoo and conditioner for a purple alternative, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Conditioner. This duo utilizes the power of purple pigments to counteract the brass tones. 

You can also try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment which is a pigmented purple hair mask with extra strong toning power to neutralize your color. All you need to do is apply it to damp hair, let it sit for five minutes and then rinse it out. 

3. Tone Your Color and Enhance Shine 

Don’t underestimate how effective a hair gloss can be. The L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss is great because it works to tone your hair color while deeply conditioning and adding shine. In just fifteen minutes in the shower, it works to give your hair a salon-like refresh. 

Next: Should You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: IG/@laci.mane