65 Blonde Hair with Dark Roots Looks to Inspire a Color Change

There is a lot to love about the blonde hair with dark roots trend. It is low maintenance, very chic, and is a great way to fresh up hair with minimal effort.

As a hair colorist I have plenty of experience with both blonde and dark hair. So, if you are looking to get the best of both worlds, I have just the inspiration for you!

Check out these gorgeous blonde hair with dark roots ideas to see which one is perfect for you:

Barely There Dark Roots with Blonde Hair

Do you like the dark roots blonde hair look but aren't sure you want to commit fully? No worries, with barely there dark roots, you can dip your toes into this trend:

This aesthetic is known as shadow roots. Here, the stylist gently taps in a darker color at the roots. Only an inch or two of the roots will be darkened.

While this process can be carried on any hair color, it is typically a favorite among natural blondes. This is because it can freshen up your whole cut with minimum effort. At the same time, it is a gentle contrast so you don't feel like you are taking too much of a risk.

This is also a great option for someone who does want to warm up lighter hair but wants the results to be quite subtle.

Check out how much warmer this icy blonde hair looks after the shadow root process:

In this case, it can be a great way to make your color change look more authentic when you are going several shades lighter than your natural shade. The dark roots prevent the style from appearing too drastic:

High Contrast Dimensional Hair

At the opposite end of this trend you have high contrast hair. Not only are the dark roots more noticeable here, but the blonde hair tends to very light. Due to this, it shows up against the dark roots even more.

A good example of this would be the platinum blonde hair with black roots that you can see here:

The contrast between the dark roots and blonde hair is even more prominent in this half updo:

As far as the dark roots blonde hair trend goes, this is certainly the most bold and daring route to take.

If you have cool undertones, then this is the ideal look for you. The jet black roots and platinum blonde hair are perfectly suited to your complexion and will really make it pop.

In case you have warmer undertones, you should be more careful as this color combination can wash you out. You may want to look for slightly lighter shade of dark roots and a darker blonde.

If you aren't quite ready to make such a daring leap, here is a look you can settle for:

As you can see, the black roots are closer to the scalp, leaving light blonde strands. You should also note that the ends are a warm buttery blonde to prevent the contrast from being too strong.

Baby Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

As you are well aware, platinum blonde can be quite a commitment. Not only is it an incredibly bold color but if you don't have naturally light blonde hair, then it will take a lot of effort to get your locks to the right shade.

Well, this is where the baby blonde hue comes in. While this shade is pretty light, it has warmer undertones with a certain sun-kissed look. This blend of colors also looks more natural.

Best of all, this shade is absolutely perfect for the dark roots blonde hair aesthetic:

While the contrast between dark roots and blonde hair is still obvious, the two shades blend together a little better, creating a beachy vibe.

Ash Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

Ash blonde hair with dark roots is actually a great idea. Since ash blonde has dark, ashy tones incorporated, the dark roots work to complement the shade.

There are several levels of matching this hair color with dark roots, though.

If you want more blonde than black hair, this is a great idea. The black is peppered at the roots but much of the hair is colored a light, silvery blonde. This is a good option for anyone who is looking for an overall cool toned appearance.

While the blonde hair still takes center stage here, the dark roots are far more noticeable. As you can see, there are also hints of a warmer blonde throughout the silvery hair to create a warmer and more even toned look.

Want the best of both worlds? Then this is the look to go for. The section of dark and blonde hair even out:

Ash blonde hair comes in different shades as well. If you want a warmer approach to this look, opt for a blonde shade with touches of caramel. You can also strategically place darker blonde, almost brown, tints throughout the hair too:

Buttery Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

This gorgeous buttery blonde shade strikes just the right balance between warm and cool. Due to this, black isn't really appropriate for the dark roots look here.

Instead, brown is far better option. In fact, if you take a close look you will see that the dark brown is further lightened to a dark blonde/light brown shade before intersecting with the blonde shaft.

If you want to make this look really pop, go with a hazelnut brown - perfect for Fall!

Beige Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

It is important to understand that there isn't just one shade of beige blonde hair. This aesthetic can come in lighter or darker shades. The key to this trend is a lovely and natural combination of cool and warm shades of blonde.

If you wish to go with the cooler toned version of this blonde hair with dark roots trend, black roots is a good choice. The end result will be similar to ash blonde hair but with more warmth:

If you prefer darker blonde hair with your dark roots, take inspiration from this style:

As you can see, there are two layers to the dark roots. It starts off as black, is lightened to a medium brown, and this gives way to a golden blonde balayage.

Champagne Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

Champagne blonde is a brighter and bubblier shade of blonde hair that has notes of rose gold pink running throughout. As a result, it has a warm undertone.

Due to this, adding dark roots to this shade of blonde hair brightens it up even more:

This is the perfect look for someone who has warm blonde hair with roots darker than the rest of the shaft. A simple touch up with black or brown roots will blend in perfectly.

Golden Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

Golden blonde is yet another color that falls into a range of shades of blonde hair instead of one solid hue. You have lighter, sunnier options and darker hues with coppery undertones.

If you want a more dimensional look for the blonde hair with dark roots trend such as balayage highlights, then the roots can be black. This will be followed by a golden blonde section, and then lighter blonde ends:

In case you prefer to go lighter throughout, brown roots may make more sense. This is especially true if you want a more realistic effect and don't want clashing hues between your dark roots and blonde hair.

Dark Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

If you have brown or black hair, you aren't going to want to go too light too soon. This means that you will first have your hair lightened to a darker blonde.

As you are aware, there is a fine line between dark blonde hair and light brown hair. This is why, in general, dark brown serves as a better root color for this shade of blonde:

Does this mean that you can't incorporate black? Not at all! Have black at the very base of the root, and let this give way to a dark brown, and then this shade can transition to blonde.

Bronde Hair with Dark Roots

There are as many ways to go bronde as there are shades of blonde and brown. After all, this is exactly what this trend does - combines blonde and brown for a more natural, sun-kissed look.

For this look, the dark roots are blended more haphazardly into the rest of the hair length. Most of the dark roots are near the front of the face and towards the back, the darker colors is extended for a greater length.

In this case, there are levels to this bronde style. If you look closely you can see that it is only the roots closest to the scalp that are black. These are blended into black-brown roots, followed by a slightly lighter shade of brown. This creates a more natural transition into the honey blonde hair from the dark roots.

Here, the brown roots a part of the bronde aesthetic. They extend, becoming a part of the highlighted pieces. This is a great look for a dark brunette as you only need to get blonde touch ups at intervals.

You can stay true to your natural hair color with your dark roots but still brighten things up.

Now, this is a truly inspired take on this trendy hair color. The roots are a lighter brown and transition to an iced blonde look. The transition here is seamless because these two shades complement each other so well.

Blonde Bob with Dark Roots

You will often find dark roots on bobbed blonde hair. This is because the haircut can be fairly severe. So, if you want to add dimension and texture to the look, dark roots are a great way to achieve this.

Here, the dark roots are used to warm up the blonde bob, allowing her skin tone to look warm and glowing:

In this cut, the dark roots prevent the blonde hair from falling flat. Instead, the style looks piecey and tousled:

This look proves that dark roots are an excellent way to add volume to the hair. The distinction created here gives lift to the roots making it appear that the hair is thicker than it actually is:

Short Blonde Hair with Dark Roots

With short hair, you will find that the shading process is a little different. This is because unlike with long hair, the hair closer to the scalp can be seen from all angles. This is especially true if you have an under cut at the back or the sides.

This is why in addition to the roots, the shorter hair also must be dyed dark:

This way, it looks more natural with your blonde hair than simply have dark roots alone.

Blonde Hair with Brown Roots

Now, much of this post has contained inspiration for blonde with dark roots that are black. While this is a great combination, brown dark roots are just as much of a hit.

I have always found natural brunette roots to be a better match for blonde hair. It certainly creates less of a contrast.

Of course, this does depend on the shade of blonde that you are going for. Typically, dark brown roots work best with warmer blondes.

This is why brown goes so well honey blonde hair - it creates a gorgeous syrupy look. Best of all, a dark roots blonde hair combo like this works equally as well for the summer and fall months:

Dark brown roots on blonde are particularly gorgeous with curly hair:

Here, the distinction between dark brown roots and blonde hair isn't as clear as with straight hair. This allows you to create a beautiful and slightly riotous aesthetic.

Blonde Hair with Gradient Dark Roots

Lets face it - black and blond or even brown and blonde can make for a rather sharp contrast. While this is exactly what some people are looking for, you may appreciate a color gradient.

This means that the darkest color is at the roots and ever few inches the color lightens.

Here, the gradient stops near the crown of the head, leaving the rest of the hair a lighter blonde. This is the more typical example for blonde hair with dark roots.

If you want the color change to be more gradual, let these dark roots blonde hair styles serve as inspiration:

The mix of warm and icy blonde tones makes this dark roots blonde hair a color combination that will work all year round.

If you have really long hair, you can make this an even more pronounced effect:

Making Blonde Hair with Dark Roots Look Good

There is no denying that the dark roots blonde hair aesthetic can be a tricky look to pull off. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can ensure you get the perfect aesthetic.

First, make sure that the colors of the roots match your eyebrows. This is only a must if you want to make it appear like the root hair is your natural color.

If you are going much lighter or darker with your roots than your natural color, you should ask your stylist about dyeing your eyebrows accordingly.

The other trick is to match the shade of blonde to your skin tone.

If you are cool undertones, look for lighter shades such as an icy blonde:

For warmer undertones, look for darker shades, something with a summer blonde vibe to it:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Do You Call Blonde Hair with Dark Roots?

This look goes by a lot of different names - shadow root, balayage, ombre, and sombre - it all depends on the effect that you are looking to create.

2. Can You Add Brown Roots to Blonde Hair?

Yes, you can! This often has to be done carefully and the stylist has to essentially paint on the dye, but you can get your roots dark this way.

3. What is Blonde with Shadow Roots?

This is when the stylist leaves only the very base of the root dark and the rest of the hair is blonde. It is great for growing out dark hair with blonde highlights.

Well, there you go! The most stunning blonde hair with dark roots images for you to choose from. All that's left to do is to pick one and share it with your stylist. You will be on your way to a gorgeous new look!