How often can I color my hair, and what do I do about my roots in the meantime?

Question

I color my hair a dark auburn-red color that is quite attractive when the color is fresh and for a couple of weeks thereafter. When my brown and gray roots start becoming noticeable, however, it doesn't look quite as hot. Moreover, because red hair color tends to fade more noticeably than other hair colors, I almost always have to freshen up my overall color (by spreading the dye around to the ends for the last 10 minutes) when I touch-up my roots.

I wish I could color every 3-4 weeks, but I'm afraid to color my hair more often than every 5-6 weeks. Is coloring hair more frequently than that damaging? How often can you safely color your hair?

What can you do about roots in the meantime? Can you rotate permanent with non-permanent dye? Are there any good products you can use to temporarily color roots? (I apply a tinted toner called "Stay Red" to visible roots after washing my hair, but it's hard to apply. I wish they had a mascara-type applicator.)

Thanks for the tips!

Answer 1

your colorist will tell you how often you should color safely. there is something called hair mascara that will fill in your roots. red dye molecules are HUGE compared to our hairs, thats why it comes out so easy. use shampoo specifically for red hair.

Answer 2

You can just touch up your roots every 2-3 weeks, but to completely color it I would say between 6-8 weeks.

Answer 3

well you should be okay to just do your roots every 4 weeks i do just dont color the rest of your hair because it could dry it out. well you do your roots just get it on the roots growth. you shouldnt have to do the rest of your hair at all i dont. pluse use color care shampoo. i like loreal preferance because it has a conditioner so you can use it. helps your hear last longer color.

Answer 4

* Hair coloring tips
http://homebeautytips.blogspot.com/2006/12/hair-color-tips.html#name1

* Hair Dyeing Tips
http://homebeautytips.blogspot.com/2006/12/hair-dyeing-tips.html#name1