Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you dye your hair frequently, you may notice the reappearance of grays, regrowth, and mismatched color between your salon visits. A quick fix? The best root touch-up products to conceal your hair color problems. These handy products are quite simple to use and apply.
Keep reading for a curated list of the best root touch-up products for you. These products are available in both temporary and permanent options. All you have to do is dab or spray the color into your roots until your next salon appointment.
Top Picks
14 Best Root Touch-Up Products
1. Best Overall: Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color Crème
This touch-up hair color by Clairol is quite popular and claims that it gives long-lasting gray coverage that is resistant to sweat, touch, and rain. This expert-recommended permanent hair color can blend easily with your current hair color and work well even with salon hair color. The highly moisturizing root touch-up cream also contains lotion. Check out this review video to learn more about the root touch.
Pros
- Color lasts up to three weeks
- Takes barely ten minutes to complete the coloring process
- Available in a variety of color shades
Cons
- Strong odor may irritate the sensitive nose
- Glove in the package may be too small
"I've found this hair color product effective over the years for touch-ups, particularly for white patches around my ears and forehead. It's been a convenient solution to darken my eyebrows too. I wish the smell wasn't as strong as it is, but the easy application and satisfying results keep me happy."
2. Best Water-Resistant: Clairol Root Touch-Up Concealing Powder
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,787 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
You may be waiting for your hair to grow out so you can try a new hair color. All you may need is a root color-refresh product to cover your gray hair before the next appointment with your hairstylist. This results-driven concealing powder can help cover the graying roots until you color it.
Pros
- Covers single strands and wider hairline
- Can be used for eyebrows too
- Resistant to water
- Washes off easily with shampoo
Cons
- Light shade requires multiple coats to look dark
- Leaves behind residue after every application
"My search for an easy-to-use root touch-up ended with this product. It easily hides graying roots and washes off without a hassle. The compact size is travel-friendly too. I like that the formula is buildable. I can even sleep with it on, as it doesn't transfer onto my pillowcases."
Quick tip3. Best Easy-To-Apply: Style Edit Root Touchup Powder For Light Brown Hair
The root touchup powder by Style Edit hides the gray or fixes hair root regrowth with one swipe of the puff. Its pigmented powder adapts to the existing hair color and binds to the hair fiber, giving the strands a natural-looking hue and shine. In addition, the powder is free of toxic chemicals, and its resistance to wind, sweat, and rain provides long-lasting gray coverage. So amp up your style with an effective root camouflage product like this!
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Available in multiple shades
- Does not stain the skin or clothes
- Easily washes off with a shampoo
Cons
- Might be slightly time-consuming
- May require reapplications
"I love this product as it helps me cover bald spots and gray hair easily. It's easy to use, and the sponge applicator is conveniently stored. However, I wish the sponge was fixed more firmly as it tends to pop off. Although the amount is less than I expected, it lasts long, and I found it great for a quick fix!"
Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color Crème Best Overall | Clairol Root Touch-Up Concealing Powder Best Water-Resistant | Style Edit Root Touchup Powder For Light Brown Hair Best Easy-To-Apply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 6R Light Auburn/Reddish Brown | Dark Brown | LIGHT BROWN |
| Dimensions | 3.56 x 2.19 x 6.13 inches | 1.26 x 2.79 x 5.81 inches | 2 x 2 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 3.84 Ounces | 0.07 Ounces | 1 Ounces |
| Hair Type | - | Normal | All |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,572 | 2,787 | 1,466 |
| Price | $12.97 | $9.99 | $35.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Non-Sticky Formula: Rootflage Root Touch-Up Hair Powder
If quick-fix root touch-up products suit you best, this professional-grade root touch-up powder not only helps cover grays instantly, but its powder formula also helps add volume to the hair. Its direct applicator allows mess-free use for gray haircoverage, so you can use it even when on the go. Check out this product review video showcasing a tester’s experience to learn more.
Pros
- Mineral-based, non-sticky formula
- Helps tone down brassy hair
- Large Kabuki style brush enables faster coverage over a larger area
- Comes with a detail brush to cover smaller areas
Cons
- Large brush does not allow control over the amount of powder used
- Makes hair look dull
"I'm fond of this product; it is one of the few products on the market that offers a match for my red hair and other bright colors that aren't neutral. It covers the grays well, although it has a slightly peculiar texture. I wish it wasn't so matte, but it's worth it."
Quick tip5. Best For Adding Volume: AGEbeautiful Root Touch-Up Hair Color Spray
One of the best root touch-up sprays out there, the AGEbeautiful root touch-up spray helps camouflage your gray hair strands. It is specially formulated to provide coverage for light golden brown to dark blonde shade. The quick color change formula makes this product unique, and it is sweat- and stain-resistant and lasts until the hair is rinsed.
Pros
- Available in multiple shades
- Adds volume to hair
- Non-sticky formula
- Quick-drying formula
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May not be suitable for an itchy scalp
- May transfer to clothes
"This root cover-up spray provides great color matching and impressive gray coverage, but it leaves the hair somewhat stiff if overapplied. Nevertheless, I appreciate its quick-drying quality and easy application, making it a handy quick-fix solution. However, touching the sprayed area may cause it to transfer. This spray has become a go-to choice for me."
6. Best Sweat-Resistant: Premium Root Touch-Up
For semi-permanent root concealment, this touch-up powder comes with a dual brush stick–one end can be used for application on grown out roots and the other end helps dust off excess powder. It lasts till you shampoo your hair.
Pros
- Reflective pigments keep hair from drying
- Resistant to water and sweat
- Helps maintain hair’s natural shine
- Can be used on eyebrows too
- Does not leave an oily residue
Cons
- Powder is likely to stick to the scalp instead of hair
- May not be suitable for coarse hair
- Not long-lasting
"This product proved to be a great temporary solution for my graying roots. For a natural look, I find holding my hair up during application prevents unwanted scalp coverage. Bonus: it even acts as my brow filler! I do wish there were more color options for the in-between shades, yet it's still a touch-up product worth considering."
Do remember7. Best Non-Clump: Daggett and Ramsdell Color Stick Instant Hair Color Touch-Up Stick
Easy to apply, easy to remove, this hair color offers an instant touch-up solution and helps cover gray roots in no time. These tiny root touch-up sticks can be taken anywhere and used anytime.
Pros
- Does not mat or clump
- Offers long-lasting effect
- Offers natural-looking coverage
- Can be used on sideburns too
Cons
- Makes hair greasy
- Brand offer a very limited range of shades
"The brown shade of this touch-up stick matches my hair perfectly. Its application is easy, and lasts long even under the hot sun. As my hair turns gray, this product has been a lifesaver as it blends well, particularly on my edges. I've used this for years and plan to continue."
8. Best Ammonia-Free: Style Edit Root Cover Up Stick
If you are most comfortable using a stick for lining your eyes or lips, have a look at this stick-style root cover-up. This result-driven product makes hair touch-up quick, easy, and mess-free, and the root regrowth cum gray hair concealer is super effective.
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Does not transfer to clothes
- Resistant to water
- Free of ammonia and peroxide
- Safe to use for any hair texture
Cons
- Can make hair look greasy
- Wipes off easily and need frequent reapplication
"I found this root touch-up stick surprisingly effective on my hair. It helps cover my grays, blending in well, and it doesn't leave my hair feeling brittle. I wish the color descriptions were more accurate. Takes a bit of time to apply and distribute, but the results are worth the effort."
9. Best Moisturizing Formula: Roux Tween Time Instant Root Concealer 4.0/16
Using this instant root concealer is as easy as applying lipstick. One swipe and you get the color you are looking for. This moisturizing gray hair concealer comes with a soft fragrance and is easy to clear off with shampoo.
Pros
- Easy to spread over a wider area
- Thick applicator makes application easy
- Stick lasts long
Cons
- Makes hair sticky
- Rubs off easily
"I appreciate this product for its easy usage and effectiveness in covering grays in between salon visits. It can be slightly messy and stiffens hair if overused, but I value its precision, long-lasting formula, and portable packaging."
10. Best Paraben- & Gluten-Free: Madison Reed Root Touch-Up
If you are on the hunt for precision root touch-up tools, pause right here. This makeup artist-approved touch-up color comes in a compact powder form and can be used on eyebrows too. Color lasts until you shampoo your hair.
Pros
- Resistant to rain and sweat
- Product offers around 60 applications
- Multiple swipes help darken the color
- Does not contain titanium dioxide, parabens & gluten
Cons
- Can stain hand when touching the scalp
- Difficult to apply
"I've been using this product for some time, and it's especially handy between salon visits. It's great at concealing my occasional gray roots. I've only faced one hiccup; it once washed away a bit in the rain. Compared to other products like sprays and dye sticks, this has a more natural feel with no heaviness or stickiness. All in all, I'm quite pleased."
11. Best For Gray Hair: Cover Your Gray Fill-In Powder
Rather than spending a fortune on root blending treatments in salons, opting for fill-in powder should be an effective and affordable option. Besides, gray hair, even hair thinning can be covered up with this professional-grade fill-in powder that helps cover up the widening hairline. The brand claims that the product contains the patented component Procapil that can boost hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Pros
- Helps conceal bald spots
- Covers gray hair
- Can rejuvenate hair
- Rain and sweat resistant
- Easy to wash off with shampoo
- Does not clump
- Matte finish enables easy blending with current hair color
Cons
- Available shades may be too light
- Brush may be of poor quality
"While I appreciate the satisfactory hair coverage this powder provides, it can get a bit messy and sometimes leaves traces on my pillowcase. I've found that mixing two colors yields the best results to mimic your natural hair color. It is perfect for touch-ups and is user-friendly."
12. Best Pocket-Sized: Beauty Dust Root Touch-Up
Here is yet another quick-fix hair solution and the root color corrector of your dreams! The caked color is easy to pick in a brush and apply over your grays and grown out roots. It comes in a variety of shades, so you can easily blend it with your current color and get visible results instantly.
Pros
- Lasts till washed off with shampoo
- Powder form does not make hair greasy
- The pocket-sized box makes it travel-friendly
- Light shade offers natural finish
- Ideal for an emergency, quick solution
- Free of palm oil, talc, and mineral oil
Cons
- Powder tends to smear excessively
"This product is my go-to root powder between my hair color appointments. The medium to light brown matches my roots perfectly and it offers a natural look. However, it's a bit too powdery for my taste. That said, I am thrilled to have discovered a non-toxic, easy-to-apply solution that saves me time."
13. Best Travel-Friendly: Cover Your Gray Hair Color Touch-Up Stick
When you have lots of gray hair, and absolutely no time to visit the salon, you can count on this touch-up stick. This lipstick applicator is broad, so that you can cover maximum hair in less time. It is temporary and lasts for a day. So, if you are looking for innovative root touch-up options that require less effort and save your time, this is it.
Pros
- Quickly covers a large area of gray hair
- Does not mat or clump
- Easy to wash off with shampoo
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Available in eight different hair colors
Cons
- Makes hair slightly sticky
- May be ineffective on thick hair
"Gave this black hair dye stick a try, and it did not disappoint me. Though it can get slightly messy during the hot summer months, it helped me chuck my monthly dye routine as it covers all my grays. Definitely something I'd recommend."
14. Best Blendable: Lisa Rachel Cyg C Brush-in Wand
Imagine you have just returned from work and have to head to a party in no time. One last check into the mirror, and you notice a nice long line of gray hair. Is it possible to fix it in a jiffy? Yes. With this temporary root coloring solution, all you have to do is twist open the brush-in wand applicator, apply the color, and you are good to go.
Pros
- Blends with other hair colors
- Does not require water or mixing
- Ideal for a temporary, quick fix
- Can be used for sideburns and single strands of grey hair
Cons
- Formula can be thick and sticky
"I like using this product for my medium brown roots. It lasts long without smearing and matches my natural hair well. The application was a bit tricky for me, and it can leave a sticky residue if applied in excess. I use it for my eyebrows, too, but I wish it had a smaller brush for more precise application. Overall, I recommend it for quick touch-ups."
How To Use Hair Root Touch-Up Products?
If you scroll through the products above, you will notice that these touch-up products come with different application methods depending on the type of product.
- Liquid base: This is similar to a regular hair color that comes with tubes containing color and a developer that has to be mixed and applied to the roots with a brush.
- Powder base: Like an eyeshadow, this powder-based product comes with a brush to apply the powder directly to the roots for seamless root coverage.
- Brush-in wand: Similar to mascara, the applicator wand comes attached to the lid while the liquid color comes in the bottle. Dip the applicator in the bottle and swipe over your hair for instant gray hair coverage.
- Stick color: It looks and works like a regular lipstick. It comes in a roll-up tube with a thick semi-solid color that can be swiped over hair to cover grays.
Do Root Touch-Up Products Cause Any Side-Effects?
Like any other makeup item, these coloring products also are made of several chemicals, and it is rare to find a chemical-free root touch-up product. These chemicals may or may not necessarily suit every user. So, you must check the ingredients of a product before buying it. Do a patch test before applying the product to your scalp. This becomes imperative if you are allergic to specific makeup components.
Important Safety Tips Before Using Root Touch Products
Since these products are handy and easy to use, buyers are likely to overuse them, which is not advisable. Remember that these products contain chemicals, and the fewer products you use on your hair and scalp, the healthier it will feel and look.
A lot of coloring products can cause allergies, which is why a patch test is compulsory before, especially before using liquid base colors. If you are not sure about a product’s safety, you can also seek your dermatologist’s advice before buying it.
How To Choose The Right Hair Root Touch-Up Product?
Touch-up products are available in a variety of bases. If you are comfortable using a powder base, then go for it. If the lipstick applicator seems easy to use, then you can select that for yourself. Each of these product types offers different coverage.
For instance, if you have a wide area to cover, then you can opt for the powdered type or the stick applicator. But if you have a few scattered strands to cover, then you can try the brush-in wand. Similarly, if your gray roots are too dense and clearly visible, look for gray hair touch-up products specifically designed for gray hair.
Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “Root touch up products are extremely useful and help you cover grays until you have enough time to visit your hairdresser. When choosing one for permanent hair color, consider the shade and the results you are looking for, and always do a patch test. When unsure, always choose a washable product.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I use root touch-up products?
Root touch-up products are mainly used between hair coloring sessions. However, applying too much chemicals to your hair can prove damaging in the long run. It is best if you use these products occasionally, after about four to six weeks.
2. How should I clean my hair after applying a touch-up product?
Most touch-up products are water-resistant, so you may wash your hair with your regular shampoo. These products offer temporary gray hair coverage, and the residue comes off easily with shampoo.
3. How do I touch up roots at home?
You can use a hair touch-up spray or box dye to cover the grays at home. These are easy to apply at home and easy to wash.
4. How do I touch up roots on highlighted hair?
Follow these steps to touch up the roots on highlighted hair: section your hair into three or four parts following the T-Zone method or the bottom-top method; apply the dye along the lines if you are following the T-Zone method; and split each section horizontally and work your way up if you are following the bottom-top method; Leave the hair dye for the recommended time and then wash it off.
5. Is root touch-up good for hair?
Root touch-up products are suitable for coloring your growing hair between your salon appointments. However, frequent use of these products might not be healthy for your hair.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a seasoned writer and reviewer of makeup, hair care and skincare products. She has reviewed the best hair root touch-up products and professional-grade root touch-up kits by considering the intensity of the colors, the ease of application, longevity, and availability of various shades. She has also analyzed the ingredient list of these products to make the selection. Moreover, Poulami has included a buying guide to assist you in choosing the perfect shade and product type for your hair.
The Bottom Line
Coloring your hair is all fun and games until you notice greys between salon visits. An inexpensive and efficient way to combat this problem is by investing in the best root touch-up products that permanently or temporarily color your roots, leaving them looking fresh and healthy. Thus, we recommend the Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Colour Crème, which provides long-lasting coverage, and the travel-friendly Roux Tween Time Instant Root Concealer. You could also get the multipurpose Clairol Root Touch-Up Concealing Powder. However, before choosing the perfect one for your hair, ensure the applicators fit your needs with ideal coverage. Moreover, always do a patch test before to see that the formula does not irritate your scalp or lead to other complexities.
Infographic: How To Use Hair Root Touch-Up Products Properly?
Hair colors tend to fade first at the root of the hair. Hair root touch-up products allow one to cover the faded root sections between salon visits while hiding the hair gaps due to hair loss. Check out some tips on using different types of hair root touch-up products in the following infographic. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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