Color touch-up has come a long way, baby
Hair mascaras and root touch-ups products were a bit unwieldy in the past.
Things have come a long way in recent years. There are many on the market now that have a very low if any learning curve to use.
Still, I recommend using temporary ones because there is little risk, other than the cost of the product. One shampoo, and it’s as if you never did anything.
Note of caution: Please don’t use any of the products discussed on this page to go temporarily darker, especially if you are a high-lift blonde: it could stain your hair.
About this list
I have compiled a list of touch-up products that are Amazon’s best sellers.
The items in these lists were ranked by the number of stars from customer reviews on Amazon (at the time this post was written.) This is not an exhaustive list. There are several other products out there that will do the same job. I decided to include the ones with four-star or higher ratings.
That being said, I have included two with less than four-stars (a 3.8 and a 3.9) because I investigated the negative reviews that dragged their ratings down and asked around for first-hand experiences from people I trust. It is my opinion some of the negatives around them were caused by user error. I heard only good things about these items from people whose opinions I value.
Please check the reviews for yourself to be sure nothing has changed. If you find a severe discrepancy, please contact me and I will look at updating the list.
Have a secret weapon of your own that you don’t see listed here? Please let me know in the comment section below so I can share it with our community in the future.
Shopping for these products in physical stores might be easier
Right now, I am finding that most of the products on the list are set to take much longer than the usual time to arrive, as Amazon is prioritizing other items.
When I was out shopping for necessities, I popped into a few haircare sections at stores and found that both Walgreens and Target, here in the Chicago metro area at least, have shelves full of these products in stock, and it might be better for you to purchase them there. A few of the photos I have used on the root touch up post I took in the actual stores.
Remember to follow all the safety guidelines from the CDC if you do go out — and I am certainly not advising that you make a trip just for haircare products alone. Only if you are already going to a pharmaceutical or food type store for other essential items already.
Two main types of root concealers
The two main types of root concealers are “powder”, and “spray”. The difference lies in how they are applied.
Powder root concealers
Powder root concealers typically come in the form of a compact, much like eyeshadow, and are applied with a brush or sponge, There is also a crayon type that goes on a bit creamy then dries to a powder consistency.
Spray root concealers
Spray root concealers are sprayed on the hair from approximately six inches (15 cm) away, allowed to dry briefly, and then brushed gently to blend.
Preparing the hair to use root concealers
From all my research I found most people saying that these products tend to work best in hair that is a bit “dirty”.
If your hair is freshly cleaned, I suggest that you use a bit of product to “dirty it up a bit”.
Spray a bit of hairspray at the roots, let it dry, then brush out the hair so it is not clumped together.
Alternately you can also use a bit of dry shampoo or a thickening powder to “dirty it up a bit” as well.
Tips to “dirty it up a bit”
When using hairspray it is always a good idea to:
- Spray a light coating into the hair roots;
- Let dry a moment;
- Brush through.
When using dry shampoo it is always a good idea to:
- Apply it to hair roots;
- Let it sit a moment;
- Use a cool blow dryer and brush to distribute the product.
This will ensure even coating of the hair and avoid clumping.
When using thickening powder it is always a good idea to:
- Sprinkle a bit of powder on your fingertips;
- gently rub in at the roots;
- Brush through as needed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
POWDER ROOT CONCEALERS
What to look for 
Powders seem to be much easier to control where you apply them.
This makes them great for around the hairline and temples.
One reviewer on Amazon said she found it much easier to manage the product using a make-up application sponger rather than the blotter applicator that comes with some of them.
Several people have said that the powder tends to adhere better on slightly dirty hair.
If your hair is freshly clean, applying a bit of hairspray to “dirty” your roots up might help you get more longevity from the concealer.
Just do a quick shot of hairspray at your root area and then brush it out before applying the root concealer powder.
Everpro Gray Away Temporary Root Concealer Root Touch Up Magnetic Powder
About
- 3 shade options;
- Color technology that self-adjusts, helps match hair color perfectly;
- Sponge applicator for control and coverage;
- Mineral-infused powder for soft shiny natural to the touch;
- Shampoos out;
- Small enough for travel.
The price point
$4.90 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
A few reviewers said it takes some practice to apply, and some feel the size is too small.
Tips
Use it sparingly and follow the instructions. I would use this mainly with the gray-away spray. It would give you more control along the hairline and reserve the spray for your part.
Links
Video
Everpro Gray Away Root Touchup Quik Stick
About
- 4 shade options;
- Cream to powder stick;
- Color adaptive pigments;
- Water-resistant;
- No waxy or sticky residue;
- Compact 3-inch (7 cm) travel-sized;
- Can be used on brows.
The price point
$6.28 at time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
Someone said that her stick was damaged but the item is returnable. Another said it didn’t work well on her hair but she uses it on her eyebrows.
Links
Clairol Root Touch-Up Concealing Powder
About
- 6 Shade options;
- Lightweight, precise coverage;
- Non-staining/water-resistant;
- 40-60 applications;
- Lasts until shampooed out.
The price point
$9.96 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Tips
A little goes a long way, so use sparingly and dab on hair layering until you have the coverage you desire.
Many say order a shade lighter than you think you need, as it tends to run a bit darker.
Links
Video
Protégé CoverAge Premium Root Touch-Up
About
- 5 shade options;
- Quick and easy;
- Dual tip precision brush applicator;
- Contains 2x the powder of leading brands;
- No oily residue;
- 365-day money-back guarantee;
The price point
$24.99 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Tips
Use sparingly. The small end of the brush is used to apply the product. The larger end is used to brush the excess away.
Biggest complaint
Several people say it comes off when you sweat, but others say it doesn’t. I can only assume the ones who have it come off might be using a bit too much.
Links
Videos
Style Edit Root Touch-Up Powder
About
- 10 shade options;
- Unique color binding complex glides over gray roots locking color in place;
- Washes out with shampoo;
- Fills in gaps instantly.
The price point
$33.99 at time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
Someone said that the applicator is more of a blotter, and she preferred to use a make-up applicator wedge to apply the powder; this gave her more control of the product.
Links
Videos
Style Edit Root Cover Up Stick
About
- 4 shade options;
- Cream to powder stick;
- Color adaptive pigments;
- Water-resistant;
- No waxy or sticky;
- Compact 3-inch (7 cm) travel-sized;
- Can be used on brows.
The price point
$33.99 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
3.9 stars at the time of posting.
Tips
A little goes a long way, so use sparingly and dab on hair layering until you have the coverage you desire.
Links
SPRAY ROOT CONCEALERS
What to look for
Learning to control how much you spray on at one time seems to be the hardest part of using this type of concealer.
A short quick burst appears to be best, layering the product until you achieve the desired result.
Always spray into hair then give a moment to set/dry.
Follow up with a brush to soften the effect and blend the product.
I have noticed as I researched that Amazon will not take returns of these, as they have chemicals.
I have found that Walgreens, Walmart, and Target carry most of the items on this list. It might be better for you to purchase initially at these retailers to ease any returns.
Once you are sure of your product choice, you can use your Amazon prime membership for worry-free future purchases.
Clicking the photo of the product will take you to Amazon to see more information about each one.
We do earn a small commission from affiliate links but it does not raise the cost to you.
Everpro Gray Away Root Concealer
About
- 3 shade options;
- Self-adjusts to match any hair color;
- Pinpoint applicator;
- Transfer and rain resistant;
- Washes out with shampoo;
- Approximately 40 applications.
Links
Tips
Make sure you keep the can a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) away from the scalp. Short bursts are best to help apply it evenly. One reviewer mentions that she found that by only using the spray on her part and her sides, she can make a can last her about a month.
The price point
$8.97 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.4 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
A few reviewers said that it felt a bit stiff in their hair and took a bit to get used to, but they still liked it.
Style Edit Root Concealer
About
- 5 shade options;
- Quick and easy shake, spray, comb, let dry;
- Will not run;
- Washes out with shampoo;
- Color adaptive pigments adhere to the hair to match the color.
Tips
Make sure you keep the can the full 6 inches (15 cm) away from the scalp. Using a short burst is best to help apply it evenly. Comb to blend, let it sit for a minimum of 1 minute before doing any additional styling.
The price point
$24.99 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.3 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
One reviewer said that she had an issue with the nozzle not working. It could be a good idea to test them when they arrive, to not miss the return window, especially if you order a multi-pack.
Links
Video
L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray
About
- 10 shade options;
- Aerosol spray;
- Conceals roots in 3 seconds;
- Lasts until your next shampoo.
Tips
Make sure you keep the can the full 6 inches (15 cm) away from the roots. Use short bursts to help control the spray.
A little at a time is best with this. From the reviews, it seems some people get too much product on at one time. Easy does it.
Use a hairbrush once the product is applied to help blend.
The price point
$7-10 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.2 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
It seems to be easy to overuse.
LINKS
Video
Clairol Root Touch-Up Spray, Two Count
About
- 5 shade options;
- Sprays your gray away in seconds;
- Water-resistant;
- Fast drying;
- Last, until you shampoo it out.
Links
Tips
Make sure you keep the can the full 6 inches (15 cm) away from the scalp. Short bursts are best to help apply it evenly.
The price point
$9.97 for two cans at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
4.2 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
A few reviewers said it takes some practice to apply.
Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray
About
- 5 Shade options;
- Aerosol Root concealer;
- Waterproof;
- Transfer Proof;
- Shampoos out easily;
- Buildable color pigments work with any hair color.
Tips
Before ordering through amazon, I would check out the Rita Hazan website Link in this post.
They give a pretty detailed description of the colors that each version is best for.
Apply with short even strokes. Repeat the application to let the color build up until your desired level of intensity is achieved.
The price point
$25.00 at the time of posting.
Customer reviews
3.8 stars at the time of posting.
Biggest complaint
One review mentions that dark brown is very black and suggested that if you think you need dark brown purchase, the light brown.
I suggest you check out the Rita Hasan website for more insight as to color choice.
Links
Video
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