A hair color that works with your roots is as elusive as finding a comfortable pair of heels. Enter shadow roots — the gorgeous, low-maintenance style that works with your hair’s natural color, even if your locks fall on the darker side. Rather than camouflaging your roots, the technique works with them so regrowth isn’t so awkward.
Shadow roots involve coloring the first 2 to 3 inches of hair from the scalp two to three shades darker than the rest of your hair to create depth and dimension, according to Chaz Dean, celebrity hairstylist and founder of WEN Hair and Body Care. Antonio Prieto Salon colorist Daniella Vassallo adds that the difference provides a lived-in effect.
Shadow Roots vs. Ombre
Think shadow roots are the same thing as ombre hair? Think again. The latter is much more dramatic. “[Ombre] gives you extremely dark roots and mid-shaft color [with] contrasting light ends,” says Dean. “It is a color technique that is not very forgiving as opposed to shadow roots, which are complementary and can be worn by anyone.” Vassallo points out that ombre is a solid, noticeably bold transition from dark to light, while shadow roots are more seamless and subtle.
Picking the Right Color
Finding the right shadow roots hair color depends on the individual. For traditionalists, Vassallo recommends only going one to two levels darker than your natural hair color. Opt for cooler or more neutral shades because hair dye oxidizes on the warmer side. A demi-permanent color works well since it allows seamless regrowth. Dean says a good rule of thumb is to start off subtly and progressively dive deeper into different color choices.
Just a quick scroll through Instagram proves shadow roots can be as intense and bright as your heart desires. Some rainbow hair fans contrast darker roots against vibrant hair colors. Others swap traditional shadow hair color in their roots for a bold (likely temporary) color. Think blue or purple “shadows.” The darker roots plus lighter, brighter lengths still result in a shadowed finish.
Whether you’re after something subtle or craving drama, there’s a shadow roots hair color for you.
17 Stunning Shadow Roots Hair Colors That Work With Roots
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Underneath It All
The contrasting shadow roots are still visible beneath the beautiful blond curls. Play up the darker section with a diagonal part.
Image: @salonpuremtl
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Embrace Regrowth
When you want to try hot pink hair, but you have naturally dark tresses and don't want to live at the salon — this dark shadow roots look is the stunning solution.
Image: @hairbykristen_
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Neon Sunset
Ground a gorgeous neon color melt with dark shadow roots. The effect adds dimension and will grow out into a cool, lived-in look.
Image: @jaymz.marsters
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Dark and Dusty
This beautiful look is an understated yet absolutely striking combination of dark shadow roots with dusty purple and rose pink lengths.
Image: @frances_hairartist
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Fade to Blue
When straying this far from your hair's natural color, you can either embrace your roots or constantly book color touch-ups. Here, the dark shadow roots fade to gray, white blonde and blue with beautiful results.
Image: @rossmichaelssalon
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Lived-In Blonde
A short, wavy, blond hairstyle with a touch of shadow roots is effortless #hairgoals.
Image: @sarah_louwho
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Hot, Hot, Hot
For maximum impact, contrast shadow roots with an electric Hawaiian Punch-inspired shade on the rest of your strands.
Image: @ilikeyourbangsdotcom
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Natural Beauty
Prominent shadow roots create the perfect canvas for golden curls. The contrast creates the illusion of more hair.
Image: @_danielledoeshair
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High Contrast
Instead of constantly fighting to keep your dark roots hidden, embrace them with distinct shadow roots and a mix of cotton candy pink and blond lengths.
Image: @thehairstandard
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Bit of Blue
Yes, highlights still work with shadow roots. Any color has potential, but an icy baby blue with gray and mushroom blonde is a playful pairing.
Image: @ktucker_32
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Turn Up the Intensity
Everyone addicted to rainbow hair can take shadow roots to the next level by dyeing their roots a darker, unconventional color. Choose a complementary lighter shade for your lengths for a harmonious finish.
Image: @hl_hairstyles
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Undercover Roots
Is it the lighting or the hair color? Keep them guessing with this natural shadow roots hairstyle.
Image: @brysonblonde
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Blue Waves
Dark shadow roots with the boldest blue hair color produce a dreamy night sky effect. The touch of purple on the tips adds even more dimension.
Image: @llinzstagram
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So Many Shades
Can't get enough color and shadow? Exaggerate shadow roots by dyeing the hair close to your part a few shades darker than the lengths. Leave a hint of your natural roots right at your scalp. Add some more fire with a contrasting color on the very tips.
Image: @thehairmegician
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Polished Purple
It is possible to combine ombre and shadow roots as evidenced by this stunning style. The dark roots play really well off the deep purple and the gradient color seamlessly melts into a lighter purple on the tips.
Image: @pinkdagger
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Show the Shadow
This shadow roots look slays from all angles. The darker part adds some edge to the silver-lavender lengths.
Image: @cosmopoletan
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Ice Queen
Add some color with vibrant shadow roots. Experiment with temporary hair color for a no-fuss, wash-out finish. The style is made for festival season.
Image: @_hair.jordan
