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Spray, dab, and swipe on color to keep roots camouflaged.
Byrdie
When youre between appointments, use one of these handy root touch-up products to conceal yournatural color.
Wetested17 root touch-up products over 96 cumulative hourseight in the Byrdie lab and 88 in the real world.
Our testers evaluated each formulas consistency, hydration, cleansing ability, and effectiveness.
PHOTO: Ulta
Of the 17 products tested, these nine left our hair looking the most seamless.
The formula containsperoxidein the activator to make the dye last around three weeks.
Heather, tester withtype 2B hair:This is by far my favorite over-the-counter color.
Byrdie
It actually works as a root fix.
This product covers grays quickly and easily and with less mess than alternatives.
I’m very pleased and will buy this one instead of other dyes going forward!
PHOTO: Clairol
She got so many compliments it was like she had been to the salon for a professional treatment.
The results should last for three weeks and there was plenty of product left over for the next touch-up.
ElizaBeth, tester withtype 1A hair:The finish was amazing.
Byrdie
It made my hair feel healthy and fresh, and the color was a fantastic match.
This product is a dream come true for someone who needs to touch up roots.
Its dual tips allow precise targeting of the affected areathehairlineor templesenabling quick touch-ups that look virtually imperceptible.
PHOTO: Sephora
This makes it ideal for travel and can even be packed in acarry-on.
She also appreciated that it made her part look fuller.
Lisa, tester with jot down 1C hair:I thought my hair looked great after using the product.
Byrdie
The grays were immediately covered with just a stroke.
Its also waterproof, so you dont have to worry about seeing patches if it rains.
The sponge applicator lets you dab on color, blending andcovering rootswithout mess.
PHOTO: Gray Away
The formula wasnt super pigmented; it required layering to achieve the desired color and coverage.
Madison, tester with punch in 2A hair:It worked!
You have to go over the gray spots a few times, but it did the trick.
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The formula delivers a steady spray of pigment.
She found the color was easy to apply and dried fast with minimal transfer onto her gloves.
It successfullycovered up my rootsand wasnt overly pigmented.
PHOTO: tarte
A little bit was all I needed for the color to show up.
Our tester, Michelle, found this powder formula really easy to use.
First, pick the right color, says Fitzsimons.
Byrdie
This is especially true for products that deposit pigment instantly, like sticks, powders, and sprays.
I recommend using these concentrated products in your bathroom with a window open, Fitzsimons adds.
It depends on the color of your hair.
PHOTO: Sephora
But grays can look quite pronounced on darker hair, making a semi-permanent root cover-up a better option.
Byrdie
PHOTO: Gray Away
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PHOTO: Ulta Beauty
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PHOTO: Dermstore
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