Reviewed by Anna, owner and educator at Elevate Salon + Spa, who trains every stylist through Elevation Training. Updated September 2026.
Color only where you need it
Gray usually shows first at the part and hairline, and regrowth can make color look faded long before the rest of your hair needs anything. A root touch up treats just that new growth. Your stylist mixes one shade to match the color you already wear, or a slightly deeper one if you want richer roots, and applies it through the regrowth only. Your lengths and ends are left alone, which keeps them from building up darker with every visit.
This is the maintenance service in the Go Darker + Gray Cover family. If your ends have faded too, or you want the whole head deeper, all over color carries the shade from roots to ends. If you want depth and contrast rather than one flat shade, lowlights weave deeper pieces through the hair. The consultation that opens every service is where you and your stylist decide which fits.
Root touch ups are offered across the team, including Justin, whose specialties include dimensional gray coverage, Rachel for brunettes and reds, Nicole and Madison for dimensional brunettes, and Mei Leigh for dimensional color, and others on the team.
Frequently asked questions
How is a root touch up different from all over color?
A root touch up puts one shade on your regrowth only. All over color runs from roots to ends to deepen, blend gray or shift tone across the whole head. If only your roots have changed, the touch up is usually the right fit.
Will my gray be fully covered?
Covering gray at the roots with a single color is exactly what this service does. At the consultation your stylist looks at how much gray you have and tells you honestly what to expect. To soften gray instead, ask about lowlights.
How often should I come back?
It depends on how fast your hair grows and how much gray you have, since more gray makes regrowth noticeable sooner. Your stylist will plan the timing with you and can help you book your next visit before you leave.
Can I go darker with a root touch up?
Yes. This service can deepen your natural color at the roots as well as cover gray. If you want your whole head darker, including faded ends, all over color is the better choice, because a root touch up leaves your lengths untouched.
Do I need to confirm my appointment?
Yes, please. You get a confirmation email when you book and a reminder by email and text, and the salon asks you to confirm a day or two ahead. A card on file is needed for color services. Text the salon if plans change.