If like me, you too deal with those annoying grey roots that sneak up on you every 2-3 weeks, leaving you wondering if you should just grow into the greys or go platinum even just so you can avoid the regular touch-ups needed, don’t worry, there are solutions. While we’ve got nothing against silver strands and if cared for well, can look elegant AF, it’s the half-and-half, neither here nor there look that personally annoys me. The easy solution? Temporary and instant root coverage, that is, masking your greys until your next proper hair colour or salon visit.
Now until a few years ago, there were very limited options available, but as the haircare market has grown newer selections are now at hand – that’s not to say it’s enough, there’s still a gaping hole where the instant root touch-up market is concerned (are you listening marketers?). But for now, we’ve rounded up some handy options that can come to the rescue…
Milk_Shake SOS Roots
This professional quality, ammonia-free instant touch-up spray evenly covers grey roots and blends into the hair. Available in India in dark brown, brown and black shades, it works well with all hair types and textures. Being a spray format, SOS roots is easy to apply, dries quickly and washes out easily with shampoo.
L’Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Root Touch Up Hair Colour Spray
This popular root touch-up spray has a micro-diffuser that ensures a transfer-proof, mess-proof application with a natural looking finish. It is a lightweight formula and is peroxide- and ammonia-free. Just spray it onto the grey roots and it dries in one minute. In India, it is available in two shades – black & dark brown.
Color Wow Root Cover Up
A powder formula in a compact container, this comes with an applicator brush which allows precise application and helps touch up greys whenever needed. It can also be used to thicken and perfects thinning hairlines. It doesn’t leave any waxy or stiff finish and looks completely natural. It is also a water-resistant formula, which means you can even swim in it. So, it’s a good and convenient option for holiday travel that involves swimming!
The Cosmetic Republic Root Concealer
This handy product comes with a sponge applicator and a built-in mirror. Perfect for on-the-go touch ups! It deftly covers grey roots and also absorbs any excess oil on the scalp for a clean, fresh hair feeling. It is a great way to cover grey hairs in-between colouring. Its formula, based on natural mineral pigments and clay, provides a more natural effect. While it is resistant to rain and sweat, bear in mind it does tend to stain.
Shahnaz Husain Hair Touch-Up Plus
If you want to go the herbal way, try this easy to swipe-on one. Its herbal formula is enriched with natural oils and it comes in a twist-up tube format, much like a lipstick bullet. It works well to touch up the hair and conceal grey hair instantly. With the effect lasting till the next shampoo, it provides decent coverage with ease.
BBlunt Salon Secret 5 Minute Shampoo Hair Colour
If you have a few minutes to spare, try on this quick 5-minute shampoo hair colour which needs to be applied to dry hair, massaged in and washed it off just like a normal shampoo! It gives 100% grey hair coverage, a vibrant colour while adding shine and strength. It doesn’t need any bowl or hair colour application brush, and simply needs to be applied by hand wearing gloves that come with the box.
Toppik Root Touch Up Spray
Another spray cover-up, this lightweight, quick-drying formula instantly covers roots and greys between colourings. It has a unique airbrush applicator provides precise, buildable coverage and can be used along with the Toppik Hairline Optimizer which is designed with irregular teeth to help you mimic a natural hairline when using the root touch up spray.