We’ve all been there—you book your salon appointment, but life gets in the way and suddenly your roots are screaming for attention.
Whether you’re stretching your budget or just can’t find the time, visible regrowth doesn’t have to ruin your look.
With a few clever tricks and products you probably already own, you can camouflage those roots and feel confident for another two weeks or more.
1. Root Touch-Up Spray
Instant coverage is just a spray away. Root touch-up sprays are like magic in a can—they deliver temporary color that washes out with your next shampoo but hides regrowth perfectly in the meantime. Just shake the can, hold it a few inches from your roots, and mist lightly over the areas where your natural color is peeking through.
The formula dries quickly and won’t transfer to your pillowcase or clothes once set. Choose a shade that matches your current hair color as closely as possible for the most natural blend.
This hack is perfect for last-minute events or photo ops when you need a quick fix without commitment.
2. Root Touch-Up Powder
Precision is the name of the game with root powders. Unlike sprays that cover broader areas, powder formulas let you target specific spots along your part and hairline with pinpoint accuracy. Most come with a small brush or sponge applicator that you dip into the powder and gently pat onto your roots.
The powder adheres to your hair and scalp, creating seamless coverage that looks surprisingly natural. It’s buildable, so you can layer it until you reach your desired level of camouflage.
Root powders work especially well for fine hair or smaller problem areas where a spray might feel too heavy or obvious.
3. Tinted Dry Shampoo
Why choose between fresh-looking hair and covered roots when you can have both? Tinted dry shampoos are double-duty heroes that absorb oil while depositing just enough color to blur the line between your natural roots and dyed lengths. Simply shake the bottle well, spray onto roots from about six inches away, and massage it in with your fingertips.
The tint blends beautifully while the dry shampoo adds volume and texture, making your hair look fuller and fresher. Available in shades for blonde, brunette, and red hair, these products have become a staple in many beauty routines.
Bonus: your hair smells amazing and looks like you just styled it.
4. Color-Depositing Conditioner
Soften the harsh line between your roots and the rest of your hair with a color-depositing conditioner or mask. These products work gradually, adding pigment each time you use them in the shower. Apply generously to damp hair, focusing on the root area where demarcation is most visible, and leave on for three to five minutes before rinsing.
Over a few washes, the subtle color deposit helps blend your regrowth into your colored hair, making the transition far less obvious. It won’t completely cover grays, but it definitely minimizes contrast.
Think of it as a gentle, gradual refresh that extends your color between salon visits.
5. Root-Blending Hair Mascara
Hair mascara wands offer the ultimate in precision coverage for those stubborn gray hairs or small patches of regrowth that other products miss. These portable wands look similar to regular mascara but contain hair-specific pigments. Simply brush the wand along your roots, targeting individual hairs or small sections that need attention.
The formula dries quickly and stays put through your daily activities without flaking or transferring. Hair mascara is small enough to toss in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day.
It’s particularly useful for the hairline and temples where grays tend to appear first and are most noticeable, giving you flawless coverage exactly where you need it most.
6. Change Your Part
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Switching up your part from a straight center line to a deep side part or even a playful zig-zag can work wonders in disguising regrowth. When you move your part, you’re essentially redistributing your hair and changing which sections are most visible.
A zig-zag part, created by weaving a comb back and forth, breaks up the solid line of roots and makes regrowth blend more naturally. A deeper side part adds volume and drama while hiding the root line under layers of hair.
This zero-cost trick takes seconds but makes a noticeable difference in how your roots appear.
7. Add Texture and Waves
Straight hair shows every millimeter of regrowth, but textured waves create dimension that naturally camouflages your roots. Grab your curling iron, wand, or even some braids before bed, and add loose waves or beachy texture throughout your hair. The movement and bends in wavy hair catch light differently, creating shadows and highlights that distract from the root area.
Curls also add volume at the crown, lifting hair away from your scalp and making the root line less defined. You don’t need perfect ringlets—loose, lived-in waves work best for this purpose.
Style with texturizing spray for an effortless finish that hides regrowth beautifully.
8. Hair Accessories
Fashion meets function when you use accessories to strategically conceal your root area. Headbands, especially wide or padded ones, cover the hairline and top of your head where regrowth is most noticeable. Silk scarves wrapped turban-style or tied as headbands add a chic touch while hiding roots completely.
Hair clips, whether decorative or minimalist, can be positioned to cover problem spots along your part. Even a simple baseball cap or beret does the job on casual days when you want zero-fuss coverage.
The best part? Accessories elevate your entire outfit while solving your root dilemma, making you look intentionally stylish rather than just covering up.
9. Slicked-Back Wet Look
Embrace the sleek, sophisticated wet-look trend while minimizing root contrast. Apply a generous amount of gel, mousse, or styling cream to damp hair and comb it straight back from your face, smoothing everything down close to your scalp. The shine and uniformity of the wet look makes roots far less noticeable because there’s less contrast between your natural color and dyed hair.
This style works beautifully for both casual and formal occasions, giving you an edgy, fashion-forward vibe. Secure with a low ponytail or bun, or leave it down for maximum impact.
The glossy finish reflects light in a way that naturally blends your root line into the rest of your hair.
10. Eyeshadow Emergency Fix
Running out the door and just noticed a glaring strip of roots? Raid your makeup bag for eyeshadow in a shade close to your hair color. This genius hack works in a pinch for small, visible areas that need immediate attention. Use a small, firm brush to apply the eyeshadow powder directly onto your roots, blending gently as you go.
Matte shadows work best since they don’t create unwanted shine on your scalp. Set with a light mist of hairspray to help the color stay put throughout the day.
While this isn’t a long-term solution, it’s incredibly effective for emergency touch-ups when you don’t have specialized hair products on hand.
11. Hair Gloss or Glaze Treatment
Brassiness and fading make your roots stand out even more than they naturally would. Combat this with a gloss or glaze treatment that tones your colored hair and softens the demarcation line. These semi-permanent treatments deposit shine and subtle color, refreshing your overall look while making regrowth less stark.
You can get a professional gloss at the salon or use an at-home version between appointments. Apply according to package directions, usually on damp hair, and process for the recommended time.
The result is shinier, more vibrant hair with a smoother transition from roots to ends, buying you precious extra time before your next color service.
12. Strategic Highlighting at Home
A few face-framing highlights can work wonders in disguising a solid line of regrowth. Using a highlighting kit designed for at-home use, apply lighter pieces around your face and along your part where roots are most visible. The varied tones create dimension that naturally blends with your regrowth, making it look more like intentional lowlights than obvious roots.
Focus on thin sections rather than chunky pieces for the most natural result. This technique is especially effective for blondes or anyone with lighter hair colors.
While it requires a bit more effort than other hacks, strategic highlighting can genuinely extend your time between full color appointments by several weeks.












