A root retouch refreshes just the new growth at your scalp, blending it seamlessly with your existing colour and covering any grey. It's a maintenance service designed for clients who already have an all-over colour and simply want it kept looking fresh, rather than starting a new colour from scratch.
More information
What Happens During the Appointment
Each visit is focused, precise, and typically takes around 45 minutes.
- Consultation to check colour history, regrowth length, and any allergies or sensitivities
- Formula matching to your existing shade
- Careful sectioning and application to the regrowth only (usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches from the scalp)
- A processing period, often 25 to 45 minutes depending on the colour used
- Rinse, condition, and style to finish
Who This Service Suits
Root retouch is ideal if you're maintaining an established colour rather than changing it.
- Clients with visible regrowth or grey at the parting or hairline
- Anyone wanting to extend the life of a previous full colour or lightening service
- Those who prefer to protect mid-lengths and ends from repeated colouring, which helps avoid banding and over-processing
- Clients with heavier grey coverage needs may prefer bookings closer to every 4 weeks, while others can comfortably stretch to 8
How Often, and What to Expect
Most people rebook every 4 to 8 weeks, in line with natural hair growth.
- Colour may look slightly deeper immediately after application and soften over the first few washes
- Avoid washing hair for 24 to 48 hours afterwards to let colour settle fully
- Use sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and cooler water to help the colour last
- If you're blonde and lightening rather than depositing colour at the roots, a bleach retouch works differently and may need more precise timing, best discussed at consultation with the team
Making the Most of Your Colour
At Jayne Elliott Hair Company in Lutterworth, our stylists, including Lisa Reeve, Donna Brookes, and Kasie Pearce, can advise on pairing a root retouch with a gloss or toner through the mid-lengths and ends for extra shine and uniformity, without over-processing hair that doesn't need it.
Client Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
- S
Sandie Leeming
Always a great experience. The colour and cut are always spot on. I especially love the organic colours this salon uses — I’m allergic to conventional dyes and can only use organic, so it’s a perfect fit. The atmosphere in the salon is always warm, welcoming, and friendly.
- H
Helen Walters
Great cut and colour today by Kasie. She was extremely friendly and listened carefully to exactly what I wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root retouch take?
How often should I book a root retouch?
Will only my roots be coloured?
Can a root retouch cover grey hair?
What should I do after my root retouch?
Is a root retouch the same as a full colour?
What if I'm blonde with dark regrowth?
Can I add a toner or gloss to my root retouch?
What if I have an allergy or sensitive scalp?
Related Services
Complete your experience with these services