Best Temporary Root Cover Up for Gray Hair

Are those pesky grays starting to drive you mad? I feel you. Let’s face it, we are all going to suffer from the plague of gray hair, some earlier than others, but the simple fact is, it’s a reality. 

I was blessed with my father's genes when it comes to those blessed silver strands. I am not knocking gray hair for the population as a whole. I see women sporting silver strands that look absolutely fabulous, I am just not one of them. So, what's a gal to do? The solution is simple: find the best temporary root concealer for your gray hair. 

 
Application Tips from Be Electrifying's Editor

As someone who has been using root cover up for several years, I have stained clothes, towels, even my forehead from applying it according to the directions.

Here are a few ways I have found to apply your root concealer without looking like you've been playing in wood stain:

1. Always wrap a towel around your neck so it covers your shirt. Some people would say to get dressed after applying the concealer, but I disagree as you run a chance of getting the temporary stain on your clothing.

2. If using a spray, hold the can as far away from your head as possible until you find the right distance. When I stained my favorite blouse, I was not putting enough pressure on the nozzle to avoid too much coming out and the product ended up spraying all over the place, including the white blouse I had only worn once.

3. I have found that applying the root cover up to a small brush first (I use an old brow brush) and then brushing it onto the roots closest to your scalp works great. It gives you more control and reduces the chances of getting the product on your scalp. Hold the strands up and brush from your scalp upwards and continue this process for the roots closest to your forehead and ears.

4. Allow the product time to dry (if liquid) before touching your hair. 

5. If you are covering a lot of grays, a spray is going to work better for you vs. using a powder. Powders, in my opinion do not provide 100% coverage. 

Here are Our Top Picks for Temporary Root Concealers:

Do Some Research

Before you start scouting for the best root concealer for your gray hair, it's important to do some research. Not all root concealers are created equal, and you'll want to find one that's specifically designed for covering up gray hair. Just as importantly, you'll want to find a root concealer that's easy to use and won't leave your hair looking or feeling heavy and greasy.

Reading online reviews from other women who have used root concealers to get an idea of which products are popular and which ones to avoid is a great start. Once you've narrowed down your options, take a look at the ingredients lists to see if there are any potential allergens or irritants that could cause problems. Finally, check out the color selection to make sure there's a shade that will match your natural hair color.

Choose Your Root Cover Up Weapon

Now that you know what you're looking for in a root concealer, it's time to choose your weapon. There are two main types of root concealers: powders and liquids. Both have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to personal preference.

Powdered Root Concealers

Powdered root concealers are best for covering up small areas of gray hair. They're quick and easy to use, and they don't require any touch-ups during the day. However, they can be a little messy, and they're not ideal for covering up large sections of gray hair.

Liquid Root Concealers

 Liquid root concealers offer more coverage than powders, making them ideal for touching up larger areas of gray hair. They can also be used to target specific grays, which is great if you only have a few stray hairs here and there. On the downside, liquid root concealers can be a bit tricky to apply. The biggest downside to liquid root concealers is that they don't dry 100%. If you're like me and you can't seem to keep your fingers out of your hair, you'll end up with root dye all over your hands.

 
Find Your Perfect Shade

Once you've decided on a formula, it's time to find your perfect shade. Try to find a root concealing product that matches your regular hair color (not the gray, but the color that was replaced by gray). Don't be afraid to experiment; sometimes it takes a little trial and error before you find the right shade. And if all else fails, remember that darker shades can always be lightened with a little bit of water (just be sure not test this out on your head first!).