When you hear the words root smudge, what do you think?...It is not a glamorous sound when you say it is it? Sounds more like a colour gone wrong, as opposed to a colour gone right. Well at Swanky's a root smudge is a technique that has left many clients swishing their hair with love as they walk out the door!

First off I will say a root smudge is best suited for those who have lightened hair throughout. However come in and see us if you are unsure your hair is compatible.

So what is a Root Smudge?

A root smudge is somewhere between having grown out foils and an ombre/balayage. For a little while now it has been a popular go to service by our staff to offer the client. Like the ombre/balayage it offers a low maintenance style. However, unlike an ombre/blayage it doesn't require hours on end in the salon provided that the lighter hair is there to work with. It also allows to still have light pieces through the top as you would when having foils, just not as close to the scalp as usual. So you are adding roots but in a more Swanky way than grown out from foils and not as exaggerated as an ombre. If that makes sense? Its hard this blogging stuff haha.

Root Smudge vs. Shadow Roots

You might have heard about shadow roots too. The terms 'root smudge' and 'shadow roots' refer to the same process – applying gloss or dye to the roots. However, shadow hair adds gloss or toner to the mid-lengths for a more natural overall appearance. An extension of the root smudge, if you will.

Root Smudge vs. Root Melt

While root smudging camouflages regrowth by darkening the roots slightly, a root melt creates a softer, blended look throughout your hair. I love doing a root melt on my lighter clients, adding just a slight bit of depth to help with beauty and longevity. But, back on topic, Root smudging is perfect for those who want to avoid a harsh colour line and maintain a chic, lived-in style. Always on trend in my opinion :)

How to Achieve Root Smudge

Achieving the perfect root smudge requires expertise and precision, making it a job best left to professionals. Here's what typically happens during a root smudge session:

Lightening: Your colourist will lighten your hair using techniques like baby lights or balayage to create a blonde base.
Applying the Root Smudge: They'll mix a gloss or semi-permanent dye matched to your ideal shade and gently apply it to your roots. This application and motion create the signature smudged effect, transitioning about an inch down your strands for a natural look. The length of application can vary depending on the desired finish.
Toning: A hair toner is applied to neutralise any brassiness and/or add warmth/depth to the blonde, to ensure a seamless blend between your roots and the length of your hair, and the desired shade.

How to choose the right tones for a root smudge

Choosing the right tones has a big part to play in this as you do not want the contrast to be too great between the roots and the ends! Here is a perfect example by one of our stylists Laurence on a regular client of his. Notice how the blonde still breaks up the colour toward the top of the head and the root drag is very natural looking. Gorgeous!

At-Home Care

If keeping a cool tone through the blonde is your cup of tea then maintain your stunning new colour with a purple shampoo and conditioner designed to combat brassiness and preserve your blonde tones. If keeping the blonde more on the warmer/sun-kissed shades, there are now darker-toned shampoos available as well as custom-coloured conditioners. Ask your colourist for advice on this at-home maintenance.

Root smudging is truly a game-changer for achieving gorgeous lighter/blonde locks with minimal maintenance. Consult with your colourist to see if this technique is right for you and say hello to effortless, beautiful hair days!.. Happy days ;]

Swanky love x

The Root Smudge, Shadow Root & Root Melt Techniques