
If you regularly color your hair, you’ve probably heard about two popular services: root touch up and full hair color. But how do you decide which one you really need? This guide will help you understand the differences between these services, explain when each is best, and answer common questions about hair coloring.
What Does Root Touch Up Mean?
A root touch up is a hair coloring service that focuses only on the new hair growth near your scalp. When your natural hair grows out, it creates a noticeable line between your colored hair and your natural root color. A root touch up applies dye just to this new growth to blend it with the rest of your hair.
People often get root touch ups to:
- Cover grey or white hairs at the roots.
- Maintain their current hair color without coloring the entire head.
- Save time and money compared to a full color service.
This service is quick — usually done within 30 to 60 minutes — and is ideal for keeping your look fresh between full color appointments.
What Is Full Hair Color?
A full color treatment means coloring your entire head of hair — from roots to ends. This service is more comprehensive and is used when you want to:
- Completely change your hair color.
- Refresh faded hair color on all your hair.
- Add highlights, lowlights, or other color effects.
A full color appointment takes longer, often 90 minutes or more, and costs more since the whole head is dyed. It’s great when you want a dramatic new look or to restore vibrancy to your hair.
When Should You Choose a Root Touch Up?
Root touch ups are best if you:
- Want to hide new grey roots or natural growth.
- Like your current hair color and only need to fix the roots.
- Prefer a quicker and less expensive option.
- Are maintaining a solid hair color without highlights.
Many people search for the best root touch up near me to find trusted salons that specialize in this precise service.
When Is Full Color the Better Option?
Full color is the right choice when you:
- Want to change your entire hair color.
- Need to refresh faded color on both roots and lengths.
- Have highlights or color treatments that need updating.
- Want to brighten your hair with techniques like hair highlights or balayage.
Finding a top-rated hair salon near me or a good hair salon in Surrey BC ensures you get professional care for full color services.
What Are the Benefits of Each Service?
| Service | Benefits | Considerations |
| Root Touch Up | Faster, cheaper, targets new growth only | Doesn’t refresh color on mid-lengths or ends |
| Full Color | Complete color refresh, includes highlights | More time-consuming, higher cost |
How Do Salons Perform Root Touch Ups?
At a haircut salon near me or a hair salon in Surrey, experienced stylists apply color only to your roots, carefully matching it to your existing hair shade. This keeps your color consistent and natural-looking without over-processing your hair.
Can You Combine Root Touch Ups with Highlights?
Yes! Many people with highlights for the hair combine root touch ups with partial highlight refreshes. This keeps the roots covered while adding brightness and dimension with highlights. Discuss your hair goals with your stylist to create a custom plan.
How Often Should You Get Root Touch Ups or Full Color?
- Root touch up: Every 4-6 weeks depending on hair growth and how fast roots show.
- Full color: Every 6-8 weeks or when your hair color starts to fade.
Regular root touch ups keep your hair looking neat without the time and cost of a full color every visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long does a root touch up take?
A root touch up usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your hair length and stylist’s process.
Q2: Is root touch up better for covering grey hair?
Yes, root touch ups are great for covering new grey roots without coloring the whole head.
Q3: How much does full hair color cost compared to root touch up?
Full color costs more because it covers all hair, while root touch ups focus only on new growth, making them cheaper.
Q4: Can I get highlights with just a root touch up?
You can combine highlights with your root touch up if you want to refresh or add dimension, but highlights usually require a full color service.
Q5: What is the best salon near me for root touch ups or full color?
Look for salons with good reviews, experienced stylists, and quality hair color products in your area such as Surrey BC or nearby cities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a root touch up and full color depends on what your hair needs. If you want to maintain your current color and cover new growth, a root touch up is the faster, more affordable option. If you want a complete color change or to refresh faded hair and highlights, full color is the way to go.
Make sure to visit a trusted haircut salon near you or a best hair salon Surrey to get professional advice and high-quality service that suits your hair type and style.
Ready to Refresh Your Hair Color?
If you’re wondering which hair color service is right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced stylist at a good hair salon near me. Expert advice will help you choose the perfect option for healthy, beautiful hair.


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