The "roots" (re-growth) of your hair is virgin hair. It is hair that is not damaged, therefore, it is not overly porous and does not have "left over" color on it. This will make the hair appear to be brighter/ lighter (hot roots). The color on the roots is going to be the true color. To avoid having "hot roots" and dark ends...put the color onto the roots only for the specific time recommended by the manufacturer and in the last 5 minutes run the color from the roots down to the ends.

Clariol makes a product for just coloring your roots. I use it. I have auburn hair and I don't like my gray streaks. This procuct blends in with my natural color the best and is easy to apply without damaging my hair. You can get it at any drug store and the box says you can use it with any brand of hair coloring.

if you have lightish brown hair, and its just one plain colour like mine, you should probably get highlights! but what if you don't want to pay the great expences of the hair dresser? What i do, is i just squirt some lemon juice in my hair, and sit out in the hot sun for about 30 minutes or so! it should lighten your hair in no time! and it doesn't wash out in t the shower!