Best Root Touch-Ups for Every Hair Type

The best fixes for pesky regrowth, no matter what delivery system you favor.

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Published on March 24, 2020

Social distancing comes with a major drawback when it comes to beauty, in that most spas and salons are closed for business. If you color your hair regularly, your roots are a dead giveaway to how much time you've been shuttered indoors. Since it's hard to make it out to the experts lately, take your scalp into your own hands with these effortless root touch-ups. They won't give you a major hair transformation, but they'll do a great job at concealing expired roots and bridging the period between your next salon appointment. Simply spray, swipe, or brush on, and nobody will be able to tell that you've been stuck in quarantine.

01 of 08

Quickest Fix: Batiste Tinted Dry Shampoo

If it's been a minute since you washed your hair or touched up your roots, kill two birds with one stone with this tinted dry shampoo. The temporary formula is perfect for giving your entire head of hair a little color refresh while soaking up excess oil on your scalp.

To buy: $10, ulta.com.

02 of 08

Most Waterproof: Bumble And Bumble Bb. Color Stick

bumble-and-bumble-color-stick — Courtesy of brand

This water-resistant stick has a velvety, balm-like texture that swipes on to instantly cover peeking roots. This twist-up crayon format ensures your application is mess-free, and the dry fiber formula delivers fills in sparse spaces that won't wash out.

To buy: $26, sephora.com.

03 of 08

Best Spray: L'Orèal Paris Root Cover-Up

Available in six shades, this quick-drying spray is highly pigmented, so you can hide grays in one shot. The pointed nozzle offers a precise application, and the sweat-proof formula lasts until your next shampoo.

To buy: $10, walgreens.com.

04 of 08

Best Powder: Color Wow Root Cover Up

With seven subtly shimmery hues to mimic hair's shine, this compact is makeup for your hair. The dual-tip brush makes it easy to hit large or small sections, and the bristles are densely packed, so the powder won't fall onto your forehead.

To buy: $35, ulta.com.

05 of 08

Best Long-Term Fix: dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit

Too busy for the salon? Extend the life of your dye job at home with this permanent hair color kit. It contains everything you need for two applications and takes less than an hour. Choose between eight neutral shades that won't fade.

To buy: $30, ulta.com.

06 of 08

Best for Blondes: Everpro Back2Blonde

Dark regrowth on blondes can look ashy or gray when covered up. This spray keeps the tone bright. "My roots start to show after just a week. This buys me a week or two before my next appointment," raved one tester.

To buy: $13, walgreens.com.

07 of 08

Best Crayon: Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch-Up Stick

Stash this crayon in your bag for rogue grays you notice on the go (say, under the brutal fluorescent lights of your bathroom). The waxy pigment is ideal for detailing the hairline and even works well on brows.

To buy: $25, dermstore.com.

08 of 08

Best Marker: TouchBack Marker

This combines the strong color of a liquid with the precision of a pen. Simply color in your grays for a naturally shiny finish (as in, not that matte shoe-polish look) and use the comb to distribute and blend. The wide tip lets you cover your whole part in just a few passes.

To buy: $30, bedbathandbeyond.com.

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