Bella Hadid’s Dark Hair Comeback: Grown-Out Roots, Done Right

Bella Hadid has been photographed wearing her darkest hair in months, leaning into a grown-out root moment that looks deliberate rather than overdue. It’s a look that sits at the intersection of celebrity hair and real-world wearability: darker lengths with visible root contrast, styled cleanly so the finish reads “polished” even when the colour looks lived-in. For UK salons, it’s a familiar conversation—how to make darker hair look expensive, and how to keep regrowth intentionally soft.

The trend: ‘Grown-out’ roots with an expensive dark finish

Root show-through is no longer automatically interpreted as a colour appointment missed. In the last few years, fashion and beauty have helped reframe visible regrowth as a styling choice—especially when the overall colour story is cohesive. Hadid’s darker tone paired with a distinct root zone speaks to what many colourists call a “shadow root” or “root smudge” effect: a deeper base at the scalp that gradually transitions into the mid-lengths and ends.

Where this becomes genuinely trend-led is the contrast. Rather than a seamless, barely-there blend, the look embraces a noticeable shift between root depth and the rest of the hair—provided the hair is glossy, the parting is crisp, and the rest of the styling is intentional. In UK hair terms, it complements everything from sleek blow-dries to a modern, slightly undone ‘model-off-duty’ texture.

What makes “darkest hair in months” newsworthy is not just the shade itself, but the cultural swing back toward high-impact brunette. After years of ultra-bright blonde and copper trending, deeper tones are resurfacing as a fashion statement—often worn with less frequent maintenance and more emphasis on condition, shine, and line.

How to ask for this in a UK salon (and avoid harsh regrowth)

If you love the idea but worry about that stark “box dye line”, the key is language and placement. Many stylists recommend describing the finish you want—soft, glossy, dimensional—rather than focusing purely on the darkness. A well-executed dark shade should still have movement, especially under UK winter lighting where flat colour can look more severe.

• Ask for a shadow root or root melt: This keeps the root area intentionally deeper and helps the regrowth look planned as it grows.
• Choose a brunette with dimension: Even “nearly black” can be tailored with cool, neutral, or warm reflects so it doesn’t appear flat.
• Discuss your natural base: The most believable grown-out root looks use your natural as the blueprint—so the contrast reads authentic.
• Consider a demi-permanent gloss: Ideal if you want depth and shine without a long-term commitment; it can fade softly rather than leaving a hard line.
• Plan maintenance around your lifestyle: If you stretch appointments, your colourist can build in softness at the root so it grows out more gracefully.

Real-world practicality: take a few reference photos into your consultation and point out exactly what you like—whether it’s the depth at the root, the shine level, or the contrast at the parting. That one step can save weeks of “it’s not quite what I meant” styling frustration.

Styling matters: why grown-out roots look best with polish

A root-forward colour moment tends to look most intentional when the rest is crisp. Hadid’s overall look underscores the same principle many session stylists live by: if one element is “undone” (like visible roots), the finish elsewhere should feel deliberate. In practical terms, this often means a clean parting, smooth edges around the hairline, and a controlled texture through the lengths.

For everyday wear, the easiest way to elevate a darker shade—especially in the damp UK climate—is to prioritise shine and frizz control. Dark hair reflects light dramatically, but it also shows dullness more quickly if heat styling, hard water, or winter dryness creeps in. Many stylists suggest rotating in a weekly conditioning treatment and being consistent with heat protection to keep the surface smooth.

To keep the “office-siren” energy modern rather than costume-y, aim for one strong hair statement at a time: sleek and straight with a sharp parting, or softly waved with a brushed-out finish. The goal is a controlled silhouette that frames the roots as intentional contrast, not accidental regrowth.

Colour care: keeping dark hair glossy without constant dye

Darker shades can be relatively low maintenance compared to high-lift blonde, but they still benefit from smart upkeep—particularly when the look relies on depth and shine. If your hair has been lightened previously, going darker may require careful filling (adding back warm pigment) to avoid the colour looking hollow or fading oddly. A professional colourist will assess this based on your hair history.

At home, the priorities are gentle cleansing and gloss-preserving habits. UK water hardness can contribute to dullness; if your hair tends to feel rough or looks lacklustre after washing, many salons recommend chelating or clarifying occasionally (not daily) followed by a moisturising mask. If you’re heat styling regularly, keep temperatures sensible—overheating can roughen the cuticle, taking away that “expensive” dark finish.

• Wash cooler when you can: Lukewarm water helps reduce fade and supports shine.
• Use colour-kind formulas: Look for sulphate-free options if your hair is prone to dryness or fade.
• Boost shine between appointments: A clear or brunette-toned gloss service can refresh depth without full coverage.
• Protect from friction: A satin/silk pillowcase can help reduce frizz and preserve smoothness.
• Mind your parting: Switching your part occasionally can help reduce visible scalp line emphasis if roots are your focus.

If you notice irritation or persistent flaking around the hairline after colouring, it’s wise to pause and seek professional guidance; dermatologists often suggest addressing sensitised scalps early, and your stylist can help adapt timing and techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Bella Hadid’s darkest-hair moment spotlights a modern approach to regrowth: visible roots that look intentional, not neglected.
• In the salon, “shadow root” and “root melt” techniques are the safest way to create grown-out contrast without harsh lines.
• Dark hair reads most “expensive” when it’s glossy—so conditioning, heat protection, and frizz control matter as much as colour.
• If you’re going darker from previously lightened hair, a colourist may need to “fill” first to keep tones rich and even.
• Next step: save 2–3 reference images and book a consultation asking for a dimensional brunette with a deliberate, soft root zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is having visible roots still considered stylish?
Yes—when the contrast is intentional and the rest of the hair looks polished. A planned shadow root can make regrowth look chic and wearable rather than accidental.

What should I ask my colourist for if I want grown-out roots on dark hair?
Ask for a “shadow root” or “root melt” with a glossy brunette through the lengths. Mention whether you want subtle blending or a more noticeable contrast at the parting.

Will going darker damage my hair less than going blonde?
Often, yes, because darkening typically doesn’t require high-lift lightening. However, previously bleached hair can be porous and may need careful toning, filling, and conditioning to stay glossy.

How do I keep dark hair from looking flat?
Request dimension (neutral, cool, or warm reflects) and maintain shine with conditioning and heat protection. A gloss service can refresh depth and reflect between full colour appointments.

How often do I need to top up a dark shade with a shadow root?
It varies by your natural growth rate and the contrast you like, but many people can comfortably stretch appointments when the root is designed to grow out softly.

Can I achieve this look at home?
You can mimic the styling—sleek blow-dry, clean parting, shine-focused finish—at home. For the colour placement (especially a soft root melt), most professionals advise a salon appointment to avoid patchiness and harsh bands.