Easy ways to touch up your roots without dye

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If your last colour appointment was just five weeks ago, the last thing you probably want to do is invest even more money on your stubborn roots.While box dyes may seem like the most obvious solution for concealing your greys, finding the time to dye your hair at home can often seem impossible — there’s the prep time, the colouring process, the wait time and of course, the clean up.

Luckily, there are other ways to cover up your greys that don’t require you to break the bank or your time. To keep you and your hair covered until your next salon appointment, we’ve rounded up the best root touch-ups on the market. From a compact solution that you could literally carry in your bag to a creamy sticks that conceal unwanted colour while filling in the gaps along your hairline, scroll through our top picks.

ALSO SEE: These are the best shampoos for grey hair

Garnier Express Retouch

This compact retoucher, great for quick, on-the-go coverage, is designed with a soft cushion applicator that allows for precise and complete concealment of grey roots without mess or transfer. Enriched with mineral pearls and pigment, the water-resistant formula will last until your next wash. To use, shake the bottle, dab the sponge applicator on both sides of your hair to deposit the colour, let it dry for three minutes and then brush the roots for a natural feel.

“I have tried many different root camouflage products such as powder you apply with a brush as well as a mascara type. This is by far the best product for root touch up. It’s so compact, easy to use, and has great grey coverage,” said one reviewer.

SHOP IT: Shoppers Drug Mart, $13

Bumble and Bumble Bb. Color Stick

A velvety, easy-to-apply, long-lasting twist-up colour pencil that effectively covers up grey hair, hides roots and adds a vibrant pop of colour to hair. The natural shades are perfect for refreshing roots and filling in sparse spaces. Use the portable pencil whenever, wherever—with no drying time needed.

“This stuff is like magic to me. Was easy to learn how to apply. Amazing value for your money. Removes the stress when my greys start to show and I have a work meeting but can’t see my colourist before the meeting. Overall, this has saved me a ton of money because I can extend [the] period between colourist visits, too. Also, washes out, which I appreciate, but I understand why that’s annoying to some ladies,” reads one review.

SHOP IT: Sephora, $34

Color Wow Root Cover Up

This award-winning no-mess mineral powder is best known for its insane ability to conceal grey roots and, believe it or not, extend highlights by covering even dark roots. It is available in seven flexible shades with pigments formulated with reflective particles to blend in seamlessly. Best of all, it’s water resistant, so you don’t need to worry about rain or sweat.

“Best root touch up ever,” raved one five-star reviewer.

“Perfect coverage. Light powder, not oily, applies nicely. My colourist recommended it for between colour treatments. Great recommendation. More expensive than most root cover-ups but you only apply a small amount for a lot of coverage,” said another reviewer. “Compact lasts for months.”

SHOP IT: Amazon, $38

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up

This root touch up spray, perfect for short-notice events and last-minute dinner plans, instantly transforms the look of unsightly grey roots to salon-quality colour with just a quick spritz. To use, spray directly on dry hair using light steady pressure. Let it dry for up to one minute, and voila! The Magic Root Cover Up is available in seven shades.

“I didn't have time to dye my hair so I thought I'd try it. I was holding off not thinking it would work, but when I used it went on great to hide my greys in a couple of minutes. It is perfect when you don't any time or are in a rush,” said one happy customer.

SHOP IT: Amazon, $10

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Stick

A multi-purpose touch-up stick that does it all. It covers up fast-growing greys, fills in the gaps around your hairline and helps define the shape of naturally sparse brows. The lightweight cream formulas contain custom blend pigments that glide on smoothly and are buildable to work on almost every hair colour and type. To use, divide hair into small sections and pull hair straight, and swipe the stick across grey roots in long strokes. It stays on until your next shampoo.

“Perfect for hairline greys,” said one reviewer. “Love it! I had been using the same annoying waxy stick for years ... it was the pits. This one is so easy peasy on my greys that sneak in at my hairline in between colouring sessions. So easy for quick touch ups, glides on. Great colour too!”

SHOP IT: Sephora, $31

Toppik Hair Building Fibres

Toppik is made with natural, coloured Keratin protein that is statically charged. Fibres intertwine with your existing hair for completely natural-looking fullness and colour. It resists wind, rain, and perspiration, so you can go all day worry-free.

“This is a great product for a woman with dark but sparse hair. Just a quick shake on areas that seem a little bare, a quick brush and you're good to go. Definitely makes hair look fuller and hairdo much more attractive. Have tried different sprays - messy - Toppik is definitely my go-to product now. Love it,” reads one five-star review.

SHOP IT: Amazon, $28

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