How Often Should You Touch Up Your Roots?

Our color aftercare guidance is a root retouch every three to six weeks. Where you land depends on how much gray you have and how much your color contrasts with your regrowth. It also depends on how much a visible line bothers you. High contrast and full coverage sit toward the shorter end. Soft, blended color can usually go longer.

How often do most people need a root touch up?

Most guests who cover gray come back somewhere in our three to six week range. That's the aftercare guidance we give for a root retouch, and it's a range for a reason. Two people with the same shade can need different timing.

A gray coverage root touch up treats only the new growth, so each visit is about keeping the line at your scalp in check. Related guide: gray hair coverage options, compared side by side.

Why does my gray seem to show up so fast?

Gray shows fast because of contrast, not speed. Hair typically grows around half an inch a month, which is the same whether it's gray or not. What changes is how much you notice it.

A deep brunette with bright silver regrowth sees a clear stripe within days. A soft blonde with the same regrowth might not notice for weeks. The part and the hairline also show first, since that's where you look in the mirror. That's why guests with darker shades often sit at the shorter end of our range.

What can stretch the time between my touch ups?

Softer contrast is the biggest thing that stretches time between visits. There are a few ways to get there:

• Blend instead of cover. Lowlights let some gray stay so the regrowth line is gentler.
• Go a touch softer. A shade closer to your natural gray blends more as it grows.
• Change your part. A zigzag or side part hides regrowth for a little longer.

If blending sounds good, read about blending gray hair with lowlights before your next visit.

The right touch up schedule is the one you can keep without stress. We'll help you find it.

Elevate Salon + Spa

Is it a problem if I wait longer than usual?

Waiting longer isn't a problem for your hair, but it can change your appointment. More regrowth means more area to cover, and your stylist may need extra color to reach it evenly.

Every color service includes a standard product allotment. If your regrowth is longer or denser than usual, a little more product may be added. Your stylist will talk it through before starting. If you've gone a long stretch and your ends have faded too, all over color might be the better booking this time.

Should I book my next touch up before I leave?

Yes, booking before you leave is the easiest way to stay on rhythm. Planning ahead also means you get the day and time that suit you.

You'll get a confirmation email when you book and a reminder by email and text ahead of your visit. We ask guests to confirm twenty four to forty eight hours before. If life shifts, changes can be made by calling or texting, and our policies are laid out when you book. Current pricing is always on our Service Menu.

Setting your own touch up rhythm

1. Notice when the line bothers you Keep track of how long after a visit you start to see regrowth.
2. Share it at your consultation Tell your stylist so they can suggest a shade or technique that fits.
3. Book ahead Reserve your next visit before you leave so the timing stays steady.
4. Adjust as your gray changes As more gray comes in, your stylist may suggest blending or a new rhythm.

What can I do at home between root visits?

At home, focus on protecting your color and softening the line until your next visit. Cool rinses, fewer washes and a color protecting shampoo keep your shade from fading around the new growth.

For gray roots, it's worth waiting for the salon rather than reaching for box color. Box color on top of salon color can build up and make your next appointment harder. Not sure if you need a touch up or a color glaze, text the salon and we'll help.