Q: How can I make dark roots less visible between trips to the colorist? —Maggie, via email
DORRAM-KRAUSE'S RESPONSE: Start with something as simple as parting your hair differently. You can also try a tinted hair powder or hair mascara —both mask roots and wash out easily. A hair glaze can tone down your allover color slightly so the contrast is less obvious. Root touch-up kits that contain permanent color can be useful, but proceed with caution. Test the shade first on a less visible strand and leave it on for ten minutes. Wipe it off and see if you need more; if so, put the dye on for another five minutes. At your next appointment, ask your colorist to make you an emergency color kit. Then, when you're desperate, you can touch up your exact color yourself with a cotton swab.
Dorram-Krause is the Color Director at Nexxus and co-founder and colorist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York City.