Roots Coming Out Lighter

Coloring the roots and new hair growth
Photo: Alex Oakenman/Shutterstock
Q: Help! I have been dying my hair for years. Recently, I noticed that when I color my hair my roots are coming out lighter than the rest of my hair. What the heck is that all about?
 
It is very noticeable, and I just can't figure out what the problem could be. I have used the same color range, and haven't changed anything else. Can you help me to understand what the problem might be? Thank You.
 
A: Ok, first of all I need to address this from two separate possible standpoints because I am not certain what you mean in your statement above. To save time, I will answer both possible situations:
 
If you mean that when you color your hair now, that the new growth that comes in is lighter than it was the likely cause is simple aging. As we get older, the follicles in which the hair grows can begin producing less pigment which results in lighter hair.
 
The hair color naturally becomes lighter as we age, though typically it is so subtle a transition that you do not notice the change. It's when we experience drastic shutdowns of the pigment production in the follicle that we see the emergence of gray hair.
 
If you mean that the coloring process has begun resulting in the hair at the scalp becoming lighter than previously experienced, then there are a couple of possibilities. The aforementioned natural lightening of the hair could be affecting the color results you get from your hair color process. In addition, as we age the texture of our hair can change, and if your hair has become finer in texture, then the color process could cause a lighter result.
 
The fact is it could even be a combination of factors. I cannot offer more than suppositions since I have no way of physically examining the hair and have no previous experience with the hair by which to form a comparison.
 
My suggestion is to first make sure that the color you are using is NOT a lifting color formula. You also want to carefully examine the hair and see if the texture is different than you previously experienced it to be. Even a color using ten-volume developer can lift the natural color in fine-textured hair at the scalp (where there is more warmth).
 
At least on a consulting basis, I would look to speak with a professional who can examine your hair and see what might be the actual cause of the problems you are experiencing.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Hair coloring
 
Hair and the older woman
 
Why and how hair turns gray