Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups for Cover Gray Roots (2026)

• 5 products compared from 1 brand • avg ItemOracle score 4.1/5

We ranked items by coverage effectiveness, shade variety, formulation suited for color-treated hair, application ease, and overall value

The Verdict

This roundup covers hair mascaras and root touch-up powders aimed at camouflaging gray regrowth and adding temporary thickness at the part and roots. Picks were chosen for coverage, color range, formulation safety for color-treated hair, and value across common hair shades

Top Picks

  1. 1
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)

    Best Overall Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for mixed gray coverage: powder that adds density and blends salt-and-pepper roots naturally

    Root touch-up powder to create fuller-looking hair with color-safe formula. Includes a custom brush for even application and transfer resistance until shampooed. Customers note easy use and lasting coverage, with some color accuracy mixed

    • fills in color for fuller look
    • transfer-proof until shampooed
    • free brush for even application
    Buy at Amazon →
  2. 2
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Best Value Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for warm red tones: targeted powder that camouflages red-root contrast and builds visible density

    Root touch up powder that adds the look of fuller, thicker hair. Color-safe formula with transfer-proof wear until shampooed. Includes a custom brush for even application. "Customers say it makes thin hair look thicker and stays on until washing."

    • full head appearance with color-fill
    • transfer-proof until washed
    • includes application brush
    Buy at Amazon →
  3. 3
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best neutral powder option: dependable root coverage with a focus on even, natural-looking finish

    Root touch-up powder for a fuller, thicker look with color-safe formula. Includes a custom brush for easy application and transfer-proof wear until shampooed out. Users note quick 10-second application and improved coverage between color appointments

    • full head of hair look
    • color-safe blend
    • included brush for even application
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for light blondes: light-toned powder that conceals gray roots while maintaining a natural finish

    Root touch up powder for fuller-looking hair with matchable color and transfer-proof wear. Includes a custom brush for even application. Customers report easy 10-second use and longer between color appointments

    • full head illusion with powder
    • color-safe blend
    • brush included for even coverage
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Best for dark brunettes: deep shade powder that masks grays at the part and thickens fine-looking hair

    Root touch up powder to create fuller, thicker-looking hair. Color-safe formula; transfer-resistant until shampooed. Includes a custom brush for easy application

    • included custom brush for even application
    • fill-in powder for fuller look
    • color-safe formulation
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Match color to your base shade

Choose a shade that closely matches your natural or dyed hair to avoid obvious contrast at the part and roots

Pick formulation by hair type

Powders and mascaras perform differently: powders add density for thicker appearance, while creamy mascaras give targeted coverage on short or stubborn grays

Check color-safe labeling

Look for formulas labeled color-safe to avoid disturbing professional hair color or causing unexpected fading

Consider application and finish

Brush or sponge applicators offer precision; choose matte or natural-finish products to blend seamlessly with real hair

Evaluate staying power and transfer resistance

Prefer products that resist transfer and sweat for all-day coverage, especially near the hairline and part