Is a root smudge or a root drop the right hair colour technique for you?

Root drop and root smudge are two colour techniques for blonds. Photo by Nadia Albano /Handout

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If you’ve noticed blonds with a softer, more natural-looking grow-out, chances are you’re looking at a root drop or root smudge.

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Both techniques are often applied after highlights or a full blond service to create a more shadowed effect in order to enhance and create contrast. It also gives the hair a more natural, “lived-in” appearance.

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What is a root smudge?

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A root smudge uses a demi-permanent toner to gently blur into the root area and is often 1 to 1½ shades darker than the highlight colour. The goal with this technique is to soften the line between highlights and the natural root colour and is typically place 1-2 inches from the scalp. Because it’s done with a toner, it gradually fades over time and the effect is soft, diffused and natural.

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What is a root drop?

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A root drop is when a darker colour is placed at the root and is pulled farther down into the hair to create depth and contrast between the blond lengths. The result is more noticeable and can make blond hair appear more dimensional and slightly darker overall.

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The benefits of a root drop or a root smudge is longevity. Because the darker root mimics natural regrowth, clients can often go longer between salon visits without an obvious demarcation line. It also helps bright blond tones look richer and more dimensional. On the other hand, some clients find that adding depth to the root area makes the blond appear less bright overall.

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When customized correctly, both techniques are great options for blonds seeking a more natural, blended finish with less obvious regrowth.

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