What Happens During a Root Touch-Up at the Salon?

A Beginner’s Guide to Coloring Your Roots Professionally

What Is a Root Touch-Up?

A root touch-up is a salon service where your hairdresser recolors the new hair growth near your scalp to match the rest of your hair. This small area—usually 1 to 2 inches of growth—is where your natural color shows after your last dye job.

You may need this service if:

• Your grey hairs are coming in

• Your natural roots look different from your dyed hair

• You want to keep your color even and fresh

This treatment is quick, affordable, and helps you keep your color looking like new.

Why Should I Get My Roots Touched Up?

Here are some common reasons people choose to retouch their roots:

• Hide grey hair that starts to show after a few weeks

• Maintain a consistent hair color all the way from root to ends

• Refresh your appearance without getting a full dye job

• Extend the life of your hair color, saving money over time

Root maintenance keeps you looking polished, especially if your roots are a different shade than the rest of your hair.

How Do Salons Do a Root Touch-Up?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect at your appointment.

Step 1: Hair Color Consultation

Your stylist will ask:

• When was your last color treatment?

• What color are your roots now?

• Do you want to match your previous shade or change it?

They may also examine your scalp and hair health to choose the right product.

Step 2: Hair Sectioning

Your hair is divided into small sections for precise color application. This step ensures even coverage.

Step 3: Color Application to the Roots Only

The stylist applies hair dye only to the new growth, not the already colored hair. This helps avoid over-processing and color buildup.

Step 4: Processing Time

You’ll wait 25 to 45 minutes for the color to set. The stylist checks the progress to ensure the color is developing correctly.

Step 5: Shampoo, Rinse, and Condition

After the color sets, your hair is washed using color-safe shampoo and moisturizing conditioner to protect it and remove the dye.

Step 6: Blow-Dry and Style

Your stylist blow-dries and styles your hair, so you leave the salon with a fresh, clean, even look.

How Long Does a Root Touch-Up Take?

Most root touch-up appointments take about 1 to 1.5 hours, including:

• Consultation

• Application

• Processing time

• Washing and styling

If you’re adding other services like a haircut or gloss treatment, expect a bit more time.

How Often Should You Touch Up Your Roots?

Here’s a simple guide based on your hair type and color:

Hair Type or Color	Touch-Up Frequency
Grey hair coverage	Every 3–4 weeks
Regular hair dye	Every 4–6 weeks
Fashion shades (red, purple, etc.)	Every 3–5 weeks

Waiting too long can make blending harder. Regular touch-ups help keep the color smooth and natural.

How Much Does a Root Touch-Up Cost in Vancouver?

Prices vary by salon, but here’s a general idea:

• Basic touch-up: $60–$100

• With blow-dry: $80–$130

• Add-on treatments (gloss, toner, etc.): $100–$150+

Tip: Some salons offer packages or loyalty discounts if you book regular visits.

Is a Root Touch-Up Safe for Your Hair?

Yes—when done professionally. Salon colorists use:

• Gentle formulas suited to your hair type

• Precise techniques that avoid overlap or breakage

• Conditioning treatments to protect your hair

If done too often at home or with poor-quality products, root touch-ups can cause dryness. Stick with professional services for best results.

Can I Do a Root Touch-Up at Home?

You can, but here’s why going to a salon is better:

Feature	Salon	At-Home Kit
Color matching	Accurate and seamless	Often mismatched
Hair protection	Professionally managed	Risk of over-processing
Product quality	Salon-grade	May use harsh chemicals
Styling included	Yes	No

Unless you have experience, leave it to the experts to avoid hair damage.

How to Make Your Root Touch-Up Last Longer?

Try these tips to get more time between appointments:

• Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo

• Wash your hair 2–3 times a week, not daily

• Limit heat tools like straighteners or curling irons

• Avoid chlorine and heavy sun exposure

• Use a root touch-up spray or powder to hide roots between salon visits

FAQs: Root Touch-Up Questions Answered

What is the difference between a root touch-up and full color?

A root touch-up only targets new growth at the scalp, while full color covers your entire head from roots to ends.

Can a root touch-up cover grey hair?

Yes. It’s one of the most common reasons for root touch-ups. Salons use permanent or demi-permanent dye to blend greys smoothly.

Will the touch-up match the rest of my hair?

Yes, if done by a skilled colorist. They’ll mix the formula to match your current color exactly.

How soon can I wash my hair after a root touch-up?

Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before shampooing to allow the color to fully lock in.

Does touching up my roots cause damage over time?

If done too often or incorrectly, yes. But with proper care and spacing between appointments, professional touch-ups are safe.

Final Thoughts

Getting your roots touched up at a salon is a simple and smart way to maintain your hair color. Whether you’re covering grey hairs, blending natural roots, or just keeping things neat, a salon root touch-up ensures professional results every time.

With expert application, quality products, and personalized advice, you’ll leave the salon looking polished, confident, and refreshed.

Book Your Root Touch-Up in Vancouver Today

Don’t let visible roots ruin your look.
Book a professional root touch-up at our Vancouver salon today and enjoy:

• Color that blends perfectly

• Soft, healthy-looking hair

• A smooth salon experience

Call now or schedule online to get started. Your hair will thank you.