You might need to book something different from your usual
“To put it simply, the length of any colour appointment will have to be extended to compensate for the root re-growth,” Carly points out. When you’re booking your appointment you should err on the side of caution, opting for the treatment that gives your stylist the most time – “It’s better to have more time to correct serious re-growth than to book a shorter appointment and have to rebook”. Think of this as just another ‘new normal’.
If you normally get highlights
Book: A full head of highlights
With highlights, you can usually alternate between a full-head and half-head (or a T-section if you’re short on time). When you’re heading back to the salon after a long break though, it’s better to book a full-head, “otherwise the lower section of your hair will look quite stark in comparison,” Carly explains, “and it will be more difficult to blend in the future”.
If you normally get a root bleach and tone
Book: A full head bleach and tone
When your roots are too long, bleaching them can lead to banding (not good). Carly suggests booking a full head bleach, “this gives your stylist enough time to bleach the root in stages to avoid getting a yellow, brassy mid-band – if not, you’ll probably have to rebook a second appointment”.
If you normally get balayage
Book: A balayage
Ah, balayage. The low maintenance style of our dreams. “It’s fine to stick to your normal appointment with balayage because the extended root is part of the look”, Carly explains. Your stylist can add bleach as they normally would without the element of colour correction that services like a root bleach require.
If you normally get a permanent colour root touch-up
Book: A full-head permanent colour
“If your roots are longer than they would be normally at your touch-up appointment, your stylist will need more time so book a full-head”, Carly suggests “especially if you have greys to cover”. It’s likely your colour could use a refresh by now anyway.
Your stylist may recommend an add-on to your service
Don’t be surprised if your stylist recommends something additional (and trust them – they know what they’re doing). This could be a treatment – like Olaplex – to strengthen the hair and smooth the shaft, a toner to get rid of any brassiness or a pre-pigment to make sure you get to the desired tone (and your hair doesn’t turn green). You’ll thank them later.
Whatever you’re booking, you should get a patch test
A lot can change in a couple of months. You should head for a patch test 48 hours before your appointment (even if you’ve had your hair coloured before) to make sure you don’t react to it. Nobody needs a trip to A&E right now.
It’s nearly time for salons to reopen (finally). With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
Which colour appointment should you book if you have long roots?
You should book a longer appointment than usual to allow enough time for your stylist to manage serious re-growth. Opting for a full-head treatment rather than a half-head or root touch-up gives your stylist flexibility to blend and correct uneven colour.
What should you book if you normally get highlights after a long break?
Book a full head of highlights when returning to the salon after a long break. This ensures the lower section of your hair blends well and avoids stark contrasts that can occur with just a half-head or T-section.
When do you need a full head bleach and tone for your roots?
If your roots are too long, you need to book a full head bleach and tone. This allows your stylist to bleach the roots in stages, preventing yellow, brassy bands and reduces the risk of needing a second appointment for corrections.
Do you need a patch test before every colour appointment?
Yes, you should get a patch test 48 hours before any colour appointment, even if you have coloured your hair before. This is important because your skin may have changed over a couple of months, and a reaction could result in a medical emergency.
Why might your stylist recommend add-ons to your colour service?
Your stylist may recommend add-ons like Olaplex, a toner, or pre-pigment to strengthen hair, correct brassiness or ensure you reach your desired tone. Trusting their advice helps prevent unwanted colour results, such as brassiness or green tinges, and supports hair health.