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Hair

13 Best Root Touch-Ups to Cover Unwanted Color

 

These are the at-home fixes that get to the root(s) of the problem.

The best root touch-ups are lifesavers for those among us who dye our hair, suddenly staring down an emerging head of grays, or are in the throes of postpartum hair loss. But shake off the stress because there are bountiful touch-up options on the market to conceal any unwanted color (or lack thereof). If you're not daunted by a bit of box dye, permanent coverup options can give you up to three weeks of camouflaging, and if you want a lower commitment, daily pick-me-up, sprays, powders, and pencils come in totally clutch. And while we're all for embracing our natural hair color, unwanted visible roots can make even the best dye job look like a drag. So, with that in mind, we've narrowed down the best root touch-ups to keep you satisfied between salon trips. We also chatted with hairstylists and editors about what makes these products so divine.

Best Overall: DpHue Root Touch-Up Kit

Why it's worth it: New York City-based colorist Nikki Ferrara calls the DpHue Root Touch-Up Kit one of her all-time favorites—and for good reason. It features the greatest at-home-dye-job hits like a brush, bowl, pair of gloves, and a plastic cap to pop on while you let the color process. Like any good permanent root toucher-upper, this kit isn't meant for drastic 'do transformation; instead, it's subtle yet meaningful pick me up at the tippy top of your tête. Plus, it comes with enough dye for two applications, so you get more bang for your buck. Pair it with DpHue's editor-approved Gloss+ to bring your hair color back to life, from roots to ends.

Tester feedback: After her first tango with the kit, executive beauty editor Jenny Bailly was in love. "I have naturally medium brown hair with blonde highlights throughout and used the dark blonde shade. I woke up the next morning to a perfect match—and no grays. This wasn't my first root touch-up rodeo, and other kits just haven't been able to stamp out all my truly stubborn, pain-in-the-ass grays, and/or the color has faded away in a week or two," said Bailly. "This one gave me full coverage and rich, shiny color that lasted until the professional color appointment I finally made it to a month later. Before my next trip."

Who it's for: people who have the time and experience for a kit | Shades: 8

Best for Grays: Color Wow Root Cover Up

Why it's worth it: The ever travel-friendly, Best of Beauty-winning Color Wow Root Cover Up gets the job done and then some. This pressed powder comes in an ample range of hues, housed in a compact with a mirror and a two-sided brush—one end for broader strokes and another for narrower areas. "I brush it along the part and around the face and the nape of the neck if I do a bun or ponytail to fill in any exposed scalp," said hairstylist Jen Atkin, who uses the trick on the likes of Kardashian and Jenner clients. "It makes your hair appear fuller, especially in photos."

Tester feedback: Bailly swears by this root retoucher, noting that its texture looks a lot like real hair once it's on her head and doesn't stiffen as it dries. "It's a pressed powder (in eight shades, from platinum to black) that comes with a small brush so I can pinpoint my grays—and avoid my fancy salon highlights—better than I can with a spray or loose powder," she explained.

Who it's for: people who want a travel option | Shades: 8

Most Natural Finish: Madison Reed Root Perfection Touch Up Kit

Why it's worth it: Bicoastal colorist Rachel Bodt loves that the Madison Reed Root Perfection Touch Up Kit features a hearty eight color options that blend beautifully with roots. "This is really easy to color over other colors or even lift them, plus the finish is shiny and natural-looking," she says. A two-time Best of Beauty Award winner, this Touch Up Kit allows you to add an extra three weeks between salon trips—saving precious money and time. The whole affair only takes 10 minutes, making it easy to slot into any routine.

Tester feedback: "There is nothing that works to combat monumental postpartum hair shedding quite like makeup—and the best scalp and hairline cover-up I have found is this convenient set from Madison Reed," shares shopping director Shanna Shipin. "I love the two different applicators that can help not only with covering up sparse areas around your hairline but also work for filling in your eyebrows. I find the powder is buildable, has zero fallout, and is true to my black hair tone without making me up as Count Dracula on a Tuesday."

Who it's for: those seeking a natural finish | Shades: 8

Longest-Lasting: R+Co Bright Shadows Root Touch Up Spray

Why it's worth it: R+Co's Bright Shadows Root Touch Up Spray comes highly recommended by New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth for its ability to cover a lot of square-inchage (bear with us) with minimal product. This TikTok favorite is intensely pigmented and stays put through whatever—no transfer, smudging, or dusting involved. Bonus? Mica adds a light-reflecting sheen, tapioca starch absorbs excess oil, and pearl extract delivers amino acids to help moisturize and refresh hair. It blends seamlessly and keeps all your bases covered.

Who it's for: people who don't want to reapply throughout the day | Shades: 7

Most Versatile: IGK Permanent Color Kit

Why it's worth it: New York City-based hair colorist Lauren Paglionico calls IGK's Permanent Color Kit "one of the best at-home dying kits." And frankly? That sounds pretty good to us. "This specific kit has bamboo extract which promotes hair strength, and as a bonus, the site even allows you to virtually color match your shade," she explains. The permanent root touch-up kit contains everything you need to ace your at-home coloring refresh, including dye (which is available in a whopping 33 shades), developer, and even color-block gel to protect the skin around your hairline.

Lorena Martinez Valdes, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago also vouches for its vibrant color payoff. "It focuses on increasing the shine level, which many at-home color kits lack," she notes.

Who it's for: people comfortable wielding permanent color | Shades: 33

Best Volumizing: XFusion Keratin Hair Fibers

Why it's worth it: Toth also cites the XFusion Keratin Hair Fibers as one of his favorite "shaker" cover-ups—especially on thinning hair. Infused with (you guessed it) keratin, this powder does more than conceal. The powder's keratin fibers attach to your hair to help build and strengthen strands, lending a look of fullness and volume, especially when used over time. Rain, shine, snow, sleet—it won't budge and looks natural all day. Shake it on the areas that need recoloration or a thickened look, and tap in gently with your fingers to even out the product.

Who it's for: people with fine or thinning hair | Shades: 9

Best for Larger Patches: Boldify Hairline Powder

Why it's worth it: ICYMI root touch-up products can be used for more than just your roots. Dyed hair or not, the look of bald spots or recession around the hairline can be softened with Boldify's Hairline Powder (of course, you can use it on your roots, too). The Boldify Hairline Powder stands up to wind, water, and rain and won't stain skin, so it can also be used on eyebrows and beards. You'll appreciate the generously sized puffy applicator that swiftly tackles larger surface areas, built-in mirror, and super extensive shade range. The powder formula is also infused with squalane, which gives it conditioning abilities that leave hair smooth and shiny.

Who it's for: people targeting larger areas | Shades: 14

Best for Blondes: Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray

Why it's worth it: Don't want to go the permanent color route but aren't a fan of straight-up powders? Oribe's Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray masks roots—gray or otherwise—as you gear up for your next salon visit. Mirko Vergani, a colorist at Fabio Scalia salons in New York City, says this hair-care product is one of his favorite temporary root concealers when hair dye isn't accessible. "This spray offers easy application and is a great tool to carry in your bag for touch-ups anywhere," he says. The UV-fighting formula dries down to a grippy, powdery-but-not-too-powdery finish that functions a bit like dry shampoo by absorbing excess oil. It comes in a ton of colors and looks beautiful on blondes.

Who it's for: people seeking a quick fix | Shades: 6

Best for Brunettes: Style Edit Root Concealer Touch Up Spray

Why it's worth it: Style Edit's Root Concealer Touch Up Spray was made with all hues in mind, but we love how niche each color category gets, especially for darker hair. You can choose between five variations of brown hues for an as-close as-possible color match. The pigments adapt once you spray it on for an even closer match, and the formula sets instantly. Grab a single can or shop it in packs of two, three, or five to get ahead of your roots.

Who it's for: people with light brown hair or darker | Shades: 8

Best Powder: Tarte Big Ego Dab & Go Hair Concealer

Why It's Worth It: The power of root touchup powder cannot be understated, and Tarte's compact Big Ego Dab & Go Hair Concealer is an excellent place to start. New York City-based colorist Abby Haliti calls it a "quick and easy solution for covering up hair" and notes that the formula is waterproof, meaning your sweat needn't sweat any transfer. Its sponge applicator offers precise application and dispenses color evenly without streaking or over-saturating strands. The nourishing powder (infused with argan, grapeseed, and castor oils)  is available in seven shades, including a hue for the girlies growing out their grays and not trying to hide them.

Who it's for: people new to root concealers | Shades: 7

Best Stick: Bumble and Bumble Color Stick

Why it's worth it: Bumble and Bumble's Color Stick is a multitalented chubby crayon with some serious color payoff. This temporary touch-up stick effortlessly conceals grown-out roots and grays without any downtime. Simply swipe this velvety hair color pencil on your target areas, blend out with a finger as needed (kind of like you would a lipstick), and witness it dry down to provide mess-free, water-resistant color. It only comes in black and brown, though, so if that doesn't sound like you, steer clear.

Who it's for: people who want precise application | Shades: 3

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up

Why it's worth it: If you're looking for a quick drugstore fix (as we all are from time to time), the L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up concealer spray may be up your alley and in your aisle. Haliti says this spray-on formula is incredibly easy to use, dries instantly, and stays put between shampoos. Mist onto your roots, and you'll look like you just got them revamped—at least until you step under the showerhead. Each can has 25 doses, which should keep you covered between appointments. And at $12 a can? Go ahead and grab two for even more long-lastingness.

Who it's for: beginners and those seeking a budget option | Shades: 8

Best Permanent Color: Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color

Why it's worth it: Another beloved, permanent, affordable pick, Clairol's Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color steals the show just as much as it conceals what shows. According to Ferrara, this product is especially easy to use at home if you want color for the long haul. "It comes with a foolproof little brush that makes application a breeze," she says. Coverage lasts up to three weeks, so you'll be totally covered as you await sinking into that salon chair. Plus, it's available in 14 shades, a.k.a. you've got plenty to choose from.

Who it's for: those who want lasting results | Shades: 14

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I choose a root touch-up product?

Step one of choosing a root touch-up product is finding the right shade—easier said than done. That's why it helps to call in reinforcements. New York City-based colorist Aura Friedman, who's worked with Lady Gaga and Sky Ferreira, suggests reaching out to your usual colorist for guidance. The good news? That doesn't necessarily mean a trip back to the salon. Some colorists, like bicoastal expert Rachel Bodt, even offer FaceTime consultations. "Picking the right shade can be so overwhelming," she says. "FaceTiming is a great way to connect with my customers and help people."

Once your shade is settled, it's time to choose your format. The right pick can depend on how much product you're comfortable using. "A spray applicator will dispense the most product, a shaker uses an average amount, and a brush will use the least amount," explains New York City-based hairstylist Devon Toth. "Sprays are great further from the hairline and on your part. It can cover that up, but you don't want to spray too much near your face." Toth recommends shakers for areas with thinning and powders with brushes for hairline recession. Speed is another factor. If you need quick, on-the-go coverage, a compact powder or spray is your best bet. For a more comprehensive camouflage, a dye will seal the deal.

One more thing: People with highlights need to make sure they match the overall tone of their hair or even spray more than one color to recreate the dimension at the roots. It doesn't need to line up perfectly with their actual highlights but it will help make it all blend.

Should people with highlights cover up roots differently than people with grays?

"People with highlights need to make sure they match the overall tone of their hair or even spray more than one color to recreate the dimension at the roots," says Toth. "It doesn't need to align perfectly with their actual highlights but will help make it all blend."

For those covering gray growth on non-colored hair, the process is a bit more forgiving. But if you have highlights, you'll want to be extra careful not to undo your colorist's work. "Definitely ask your colorist which shade and option will work best for your hair," says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Cherin Choi. "Temporary sprays and powders are the best solution, coloring at home can ruin the highlights and leave spots if not done carefully and with a colorist."

Meet the experts

• Cherin Choi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist
• Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Jen Atkin, a hairstylist and founder of Ouai and Mane
• Lauren Paglionico, a colorist based in New York City
• Aura Friedman, a colorist based in New York City
• Rachel Bodt, a bicoastally-based colorist
• Nikki Ferrara, a colorist based in New York City

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best root touch-ups, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, colorists, and hairstylists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.