Visible roots are inevitable if you dye your hair, but squeezing in time for a professional root touch-up every couple of weeks can be tough (on your schedule and your wallet). That’s why we love root sprays—these temporary color sprays allow you to quickly and easily conceal regrowth without the need to pencil in a visit with your favorite colorist. Better yet, they’re incredibly easy to use, even if you’re a DIY color novice. Below, we’re sharing a rundown on what root sprays are and how to use them, plus details on our favorite root cover-up spray to snag next time you hit the drugstore.
What Are Root Touch-Up Sprays, and How Do They Work?
A root touch-up spray is a sprayable hair color designed specifically to camouflage root regrowth. These pigmented formulas deposit color pigments onto the hair to help blend gray (or otherwise visible) roots with the rest of your mane. Unlike traditional hair dyes, root sprays are temporary—they’ll typically last about one day or until your next shower. While they’re not a permanent solution for visible regrowth, root color sprays can be incredibly useful for those who need to cover up errant grays in a pinch. You can also use them to help extend the time between salon appointments or DIY hair coloring sessions.
The Best Root Touch-Up Spray From L’Oréal Paris
If you’re sporting visible roots and are looking for a quick and easy solution to tide you over until your next permanent root color touch-up, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up. The easy-to-use root spray comes in nine quick-drying shades to suit a range of hair colors from blonde to black (there are even two red shades for redheads). The lightweight formula is water-resistant, non-sticky, and designed to stay put without smudging or flaking once dry. Plus, it’s ammonia-free and suitable for all hair types and textures, making it an excellent pick for anyone in need of a quick root retouch.