The Perfect Root Shadow | How To Smudge Tutorial

Learn the EASIEST technique for a root shadow | smudge!
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Knowing how to properly add a faux root, or “shadow root” as it’s most commonly referred to, has become an essential skill for all colorists to master. Notice how I said “all” colorists. This technique isn’t just for balayage clients, it’s for any client looking for a more natural grow out and less distinctive line of demarcation. If you haven’t taken the time to learn this technique, there’s no better time to get started than right now.
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Here are some reasons for adding a shadow root:
⁃To blend or mute the color at the line of demarcation
⁃To reduce (or eliminate) warmth at the transition area
⁃To add depth to a look
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So how do you decide what color to use? If I’m not worried about covering gray, then I will almost always reach for a Demi-permanent color, 1-2 shades lighter than the natural root level. For instance, if the root color is around a level 5, I’ll most likely aim for a 6/7 depending on the brand. That’s because my goal is to mute the color at the line of demarcation, not completely erase it. I still want to see it, I just want to drop the highlighted areas down to create a more seamless blend from roots to ends.
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As for tone, if we intend to cover up warmth that was created from highlighting or balayaging on darker colors, I’ll use an Ash, or Natural Ash. If it’s level 9 or 10 highlight that we are trying to blend into a darker, natural root color, we might want to add back in some Gold and Copper, if we are afraid an Ash might make the final effect too muddy.
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Processing time can vary, and it’s important you mix according to manufacturer’s instructions to get the most depth and longevity out of it. However, it’s important to watch it closely to make sure it’s doing what you’ve intended. Some artists I know will purposely use a darker level with more pigment, but only leave it on for a few minutes. Others will leave it on the full time. And then some, like me, will leave it on for 5-15 minutes depending on the depth and effect we are going for.

[@eden8817]

Simple and precise technique! 😍 I was gifted a blonde wig that’s just waaaayyy too blonde for me and instead of giving it away I’ll try this method so it looks more natural! Thank you! 😃

[@ImAMann929]

The way you explain everything is perfect! What a great way to do that

[@fkoff0407]

U just boosted my confidence so I can do this to my regrowth. Thanks

[@luaneketcherd7996]

More videos like this one! Your work is amazing 👌

[@jessimolina2330]

What product can be used to smudge dark brown roots and blonde?

[@Kenzingo]

Root smudge for dummies!!! Just what I needed, thank you!

[@RyanWeeden]

Glad you like it!! It’s always my Go-To!

[@debrahswamber2232]

Really great technique, thanks for sharing.

[@cindysayavong8513]

Love your technique and learn so much from you. Thank you.

[@RyanWeeden]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@jessicacorson2040]

What formula did you use on her?

[@SueWho_00]

I totally screwed it up~Look so easy : (( O'well look's better than what I had : )) Thank's Ryan

[@Kenzingo]

Wanna know a self proclaimed do it at home hair stylist secret? We’ve ALL given our self hair disasters. Practice makes perfect!

[@B33333]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@Bmwbaybe]

Thank you for this vid!

[@KAYSWORLD365]

Amazing thank you I’ll be trying it

[@WLottie1]

Hi Ryan, the consistency of your toner looks almost like a "gel". What is the difference between this and a traditional cream toner mixed with developer? Does this make application easier or create more saturation? What would happen if this whole application was done on dry hair? Looks amazing!

[@Kenzingo]

Never recommended to put toner on dry hair

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

@@Kenzingoi do it and it's fine. I have asked several colorists and they said it's fine

[@tm5346]

I enjoyed it quick into the point

[@rinadmaram604]

Ur video was so helpful... Thank u so much...

[@leenelson6976]

can I use shades eq for a shadow root done on gray/white hair that's been highlighted to a.level 9/10?

[@RyanWeeden]

@@leenelson6976 Yes, but it may only blend the gray, it won’t cover it fully. You would need a permanent gray coverage color for that.

[@avril.227]

Any tips to prevent bleeding when dragging it down? Thank you

[@letgall85]

Apply conditioner to the ends

[@pamelac7891]

How do you keep the root color from spotting on the blonde hair? Thank you

[@Kenzingo]

By following these instructions

[@ancaas7945]

Wash off with cold water.

[@rebekah3426]

would you do the same kind of application on a bleached level 10 all over color? she is looking to grow out her natural hair color.

[@meredinkles]

Rebecca Kelley I bleached to level 10 and did this a couple days ago so i could grow out my natural color. I used clairol natural instincts, and if you do too i'd recommend you go a level or 2 darker than her natural hair. My natural hair is a level 4 or 5 and it showed up on my head as a reddish 6.

[@randolphhagan926]

Do you rinse out the root shadow before toning ?

[@erinellis9213]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@plantsarecool3828]

Yes

[@amamuffin]

Vvv nice Tysm

[@jeanmc73]

Wat I'd its orange,yellow level 7 and u want a natural brown back, would u use ash or natural, an the bottom of the hair is blonde,

[@katielouise6828]

Thank you 🙏

[@chloedenlinger3217]

3:09 finished product *for the non hair dressers*

[@Lovepinkx]

hi! i was just wondering would it be better to add a shadow root before my tape in extensions are applied or after?

[@Kenzingo]

Before

[@mitityuk18]

So do you apply toner over the color or you rinse the color then apply toner?

[@123xsinead]

Rinse then tone x

[@tatylete]

Hola, si quiero oscurecer todo mi cabello rubio, debo empezar por las raíces o puntas?

[@RyanWeeden]

¿Eres un estilista?

[@tatylete]

@@RyanWeeden No 😔

[@tatylete]

Me encantaría ser estilista

[@RyanWeeden]

Es difícil oscurecer el cabello, así que no recomendaría hacerlo tú mismo. Recomiendo hablar con un estilista. Si lo haces en casa, el color podría ser desigual y difícil de arreglar o aclarar en el futuro.

[@xxxxxx3978]

She looks like a doll. Who is she?

[@carranza2789]

So scared to try this but my hair looks like shit without a root smudge lol

[@carranza2789]

Do it !!!! It looks sooooooo good so worth it thank you so much

[@bodyjewels]

What products and color did you use on her

[@RyanWeeden]

Cynthia Lopresti For the toot shadow, I used Wella Color Touch 7/71 + 6vol, and for the Toner I used Redken Shades 20ml (9P) + 20ml (clear) + 40ml (processing solution).

[@bodyjewels]

Ryan Weeden your the Best. !!#:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) THANK YOU. You always answer your followers. Can you do a slicing toning video,???

[@RyanWeeden]

You're sweet! Thanks for your support! When you say "slicing toning" what are you referring to specifically?

[@gia6689]

@@bodyjewels ATV mm b nnlłoh9iuio mklllpppp g m v v gd vc A z z za aż sz dc lllp0

[@RyansChannel0203]

Is that Cassidy?

[@RyanWeeden]

It is!

[@RyansChannel0203]

@@RyanWeeden Knew it. Am I able to find her anywhere? She's very beautiful.

[@h.v.8200]

Amateurs, please use gloves for dye and toner. These are nasty chemicals.

[@HarmlessComment]

Mind your business 🙃

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

@@HarmlessComment you definitely should use gloves, because they ARE nasty chemicals