Root retouch, smudge or shadow? Quick explainer + maintenance

4 Aug

Regrowth — we all get it. Here’s how we keep yours looking blended and beautiful.

Root retouch

Covers greys or refreshes your all-over tint at the roots only. Maintenance: about every 6–8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.

Root smudge

A softening glaze at the roots to blur the line between natural hair and lighter ends. Great after highlights or balayage to avoid a harsh demarcation. Maintenance: typically 8–10 weeks, with gloss/toner between.

Root shadow

A slightly deeper root (close to your natural) to create depth and dimension, perfect with balayage for that salon-fresh grow-out. Maintenance: 8–12+ weeks — very forgiving.

Which is right for me?

Covering greys or maintaining a block colour → Retouch
Want softer grow-out after foils → Smudge
Love a rooted, dimensional look with balayage → Shadow

Patch test: All colour services require a skin test 48h before.

James Walby