7 Hair Shades That Look Better Grown Out (And 5 That Just Don’t Work)

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Coloring your hair is fun—until it starts growing out and suddenly your roots are making more of a statement than the shade itself. Some colors fade in a way that still looks intentional, even a little cooler with time. Others… not so much. The difference often comes down to how the color blends with your natural shade and how it’s placed.

If you’re thinking about switching things up or just want something that won’t demand constant upkeep, it helps to know which tones age well between salon visits. Ahead, we’re looking at seven shades that still look good weeks later—and five that might leave you reaching for a hat faster than you expected.

Sun-Kissed Blonde

Sun-Kissed Blonde
© Southern Living

Sun-kissed blonde, reminiscent of endless summers, thrives as it grows out. The natural roots seamlessly blend with the lighter ends, creating a lived-in look that is both effortless and chic. This shade captures the essence of sunlit days and carefree beach outings.

As the hair grows, the contrast between the roots and tips softens, adding depth and dimension. This gradual transition is ideal for those who appreciate a low-maintenance style without compromising on style. Whether you’re at a board meeting or a beach party, sun-kissed blonde offers versatility.

Moreover, this color exudes a radiant glow, perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate Brown

Chocolate Brown
© Southern Living

Chocolate brown hair, rich and inviting, enhances its allure as it grows out. The deep, warm tones create a sophisticated look that suits any occasion. This shade is perfect for those who prefer a classic yet modern appearance.

As the hair grows, the rich hues develop a natural depth that feels both timeless and contemporary. This color suits various skin tones and can easily transition from casual to formal settings.

Chocolate brown hair embodies elegance and warmth, making it a favorite for those who seek a polished yet natural style.

Caramel Highlights

Caramel Highlights
© All Things Hair MX

Caramel highlights, with their warm, golden hues, become more appealing as they grow out. The natural blending of darker roots with lighter strands creates a sun-kissed effect that is both refreshing and sophisticated. This color is ideal for those who enjoy a soft, radiant glow.

Over time, the highlights evolve into a beautiful gradient, enhancing the hair’s texture and movement. The result is a stunning, natural look that requires minimal upkeep.

Caramel highlights are perfect for adding a touch of warmth and light to any hairstyle, offering a balanced and vibrant appearance.

Ash Brown

Ash Brown
© The Right Hairstyles

Ash brown, with its cool tones, develops a unique charm as it grows. The subtle blend of natural and dyed hues results in a modern, edgy appearance that appeals to trendsetters. This shade offers a refreshing departure from traditional browns.

As it grows, the natural roots add depth, creating an effortless, lived-in look. This hue is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance option without sacrificing style.

Ash brown provides a sleek, contemporary vibe that works well in both casual and formal settings, making it a versatile choice for any lifestyle.

Pastel Pink

Pastel Pink
© blondieshair

Pastel pink hair adds a whimsical touch that evolves beautifully as it grows out. The playful hues blend with natural roots, creating a unique, artistic look that stands out in any crowd. Ideal for those who embrace bold, creative styles.

As the hair grows, the contrast softens, offering a dreamy, ethereal feel. This color radiates youthful energy and is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with their appearance.

Pastel pink is more than just a color; it’s an expression of individuality, ideal for anyone looking to make a fashion-forward statement.

Silver Grey

Silver Grey
© Salon Halo

Silver grey, often associated with wisdom, gains elegance as it grows. The blend of natural grey and silver tones offers a sophisticated and graceful appearance. This color is perfect for those who embrace their natural beauty with confidence.

Growing out, the silver grey develops a soft, shimmering effect that enhances the hair’s natural texture. It’s a stylish choice for anyone wanting to showcase a refined and timeless look.

This shade is not just a trend; it’s a celebration of aging gracefully and confidently, making it a popular choice among mature individuals.

Copper Red

Copper Red
© Latest-Hairstyles.com

Copper red, with its fiery intensity, maintains vibrancy as it grows. The blend of red and orange hues creates a striking appearance that commands attention. This shade is perfect for those who love bold, energetic colors.

As it grows, the color develops a natural dimension, highlighting the hair’s richness and vitality. Copper red suits various skin tones, adding a warm glow that’s hard to ignore.

This color is ideal for anyone looking to make a bold statement, offering a vibrant and dynamic look that’s both captivating and memorable.

Jet Black

Jet Black
© pallure

Jet black, with its deep, intense hue, can lose its appeal as it grows out prominently. The stark contrast between dark ends and lighter roots often disrupts the sleek, polished appearance that defines this shade.

Maintaining jet black requires frequent touch-ups to prevent a striped or patchy look. The color’s intensity is best appreciated when kept uniform and freshly dyed.

For those who love the boldness of jet black, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure it retains its luxurious, glossy finish. This shade demands dedication but rewards with striking beauty when well-kept.

Platinum Blonde

Platinum Blonde
© Landis Lifestyle Salon

Platinum blonde, known for its striking brightness, loses some allure as it grows. The drastic difference between light ends and darker roots can create an unwelcome contrast, requiring frequent salon visits.

This shade demands commitment to keep the color even, as it tends to show regrowth quickly. Despite its challenges, platinum blonde remains a favorite for its eye-catching brilliance.

To maintain its stunning appearance, regular upkeep is essential. Those who choose platinum blonde must be prepared to invest in regular treatments to sustain its vibrant, dramatic look.

Bright Blue

Bright Blue
© emilyapril2003

Bright blue hair, while exciting, struggles as it grows out. The strong contrast between vivid blue and natural roots can appear harsh and uneven, detracting from the color’s stunning impact.

This shade requires frequent touch-ups to maintain its boldness and prevent a patchy appearance. Those who favor bright blue must be ready for regular maintenance to keep the color fresh.

Despite its high upkeep, bright blue offers an adventurous and daring look. It’s an ideal choice for those who relish standing out, provided they’re willing to keep up with its demanding nature.

Violet Purple

Violet Purple
© Latest-Hairstyles.com

Violet purple, with its rich and vibrant tones, can diminish in appeal as roots grow. The stark contrast between the vivid color and natural hair creates a visual clash that may not suit everyone.

Keeping violet purple looking its best requires regular salon visits to maintain vibrancy and evenness. Despite this, the color remains alluring for its creative, bold statement.

Ideal for those who embrace individuality, violet purple is a standout shade that demands attention. However, it does require dedication to preserve its stunning, artistic hue over time.

Cherry Red

Cherry Red
© Jenny’s Salon – Mechanicsburg PA

Cherry red, with its lively and bold hue, faces challenges as it grows. The striking contrast between the bright red and darker roots can lead to a less cohesive look, requiring frequent salon visits.

To keep the color vibrant, regular maintenance is necessary to blend roots seamlessly and prevent visual disruption. Despite the upkeep, cherry red continues to captivate with its energetic and youthful spirit.

For those passionate about vibrant colors, cherry red offers an exciting choice, provided they are committed to maintaining its intensity and uniformity.