Ginger roots. Christmas party tomorrow. Help!

[Teeb]

As in the title, I have disastrous ginger roots from some foolish DIY root touch up (hairdresser is ill) which I need to get fixed tonight.

I used bleach and 30vol peroxide to lift, suspect I didn't leave it in long enough before being chicken and washing it out, with the hope that the toner I had bought would work miracles. It didn't. I've used a permanent root touch up in medium brown on the ginger area, which did actually soften it but was still noticeably coppery. I've just applied an all over semi permanent chocolate caramel, which hasn't really concealed the redness/made the lengths of my hair a bit mousy but I can deal with it.

Please someone tell me if I keep applying brownish shades it will all be okay?!

[TheSpottedZebra]

There's that root powder thing, could you try that?

[TheSpottedZebra]

Ie not a dye, just hair makeup really.

[Teeb]

Ooh root powder? Where? How does it work?

[AshesOfRoses]

Same thing happened to me (all over on short hair) and brown is working - not turning green because there is so much red in it. I have to be careful not to use warm brown though. I want to try this next.

Hope you enjoy the party

[Teeb]

I am seriously contemplating an eye shadow/mascara/shepherds pie mix disguise.

[peanutbear]

I have Charles worthington salon at home instant hair concealer
You use it after styling your hair feels a bit hair sprayed but it does work and doesn't come off until you shampoo

[TheSpottedZebra]

Yeah, hair powder. Charles Worthington have one as PP said, and M&S were doing one too. Reviews weren't amazing for frequent use, but probably fine in an emergency - and surely better than panic dyeing?!

[MimiSunshine]

Baptiste Brunette dry shampoo, spray it close to the root or literally brush mascara through.
Don't keep using hair dye all over as the lengths will get dark and you'll still have lighter roots

[Teeb]

Thanks all for your tips, I'll try to have another mad dash around boots tomorrow.

I'm currently sporting a festive red situation on top of my head.

[gingerbreadmam]

what colour is it supposed to be teeb? were u aiming for blonde or something else?

[RevealTheHiddenBeach]

as it's christmas... is a santa hat not the obvious solution?!

[Teeb]

It was originally intended to be blonde, but I don't think the bleach lifted for long enough/the toner the best shade. I've since decided I didn't want to be applying any more bleach and wanted an all over brown shade. The last shade I used was a plum deep brown which I'm pleased with on the lengths but the top is still slightly red, but at least it looks vaguely intentional this way. Would a purple shampoo tone the colour down do you think?

I've used a conditioning mask but dark hair always highlights dry frazzled hair, if anyone has any magic tips for that too! Sigh, I wish if just left my 3 inch roots be and let everyone believe I was rocking a semi ombré look.

[gingerbreadmam]

ahh damn if it was blonde i know of a product by bleach london that could have helped. if u want to go brown i would maybe shampoo it a few times with washing powder or baby shampoo (itll strip the colour a bit) then buy a cool brown. is there aby particular dye u prefer? i will have a quick google check my advice is right as i could be completely wrong lol!

[gingerbreadmam]

after a quick google i think u need to go for a dye with an ash tone. if u look in boots i would go for a dye that starts with a number 5 the after the decimal point a number 1. a lot of dyes are coded like this especially loreal and garnier ones. 5 might be a bit dark at first but will lighten after a couple of washes. should take away the red tones.

[gingerbreadmam]

loreal do a 5.15 and a 6.13 which should both be fine garnier do a 4.15 which means will be even darker but does look lovely. depends how dark u r now and how dark u want to be.