Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $100 (2026)

We ranked products under $100 by value score using factors like shade range, color-safe formulation, gray-coverage effectiveness, user ratings, and versatility for different hair types

This roundup covers hair mascaras and root touch-up powders under $100, focusing on quick color fixes, gray coverage, and temporary thickening effects for at-home styling. Selections were made by evaluating color match range, color-safe formulas, user ratings, and value score across salon-grade and consumer brands

Top Picks

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

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

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Root touch up powder creates the look of fuller hair, matching color for a natural blend. Transfers stay on until shampooed out, with easy 10-second application. Customer feedback notes good coverage and durability, with mixed views on color accuracy

    • full head illusions with powder
    • color-safe blending
    • includes dedicated application brush
    Check current price on Amazon →
  2. 2
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)

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

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    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

    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 →
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    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Temporary hair color for light blonde roots, highlights, and grays. Conceals with a mineral-infused formula and precise sponge application. Customers note easy application and lasting coverage until next wash

    • instant concealment of roots
    • color-adaptive pigments
    • sponge applicator for precision
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Root touch up powder with mineral-infused binding conceals grays or re-growth. Precise application with a unique sponge applicator for targeted coverage that lasts until the next wash. Customers note effective gray coverage and easy use

    • innovative binding powder
    • color-adaptive pigments
    • precision sponge applicator
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Match to your natural or dyed shade

Choose a shade that aligns with your natural or current hair color—brands here include multiple brunettes, blondes, red shades and salt-and-pepper options to avoid visible contrast

Check formula and finish

Look for color-safe, non-staining formulas or powders that blend with hair texture and provide either matte or slightly glossy finish depending on your hair

Prioritize gray-coverage performance

If covering grays is the goal, evaluate products labeled for instant gray coverage or root cover up to ensure sufficient pigmentation and staying power

Consider texture and thickness effects

Some touch-up powders and mascaras add volume or a thicker-look—pick those with hair-thickening claims if you want both coverage and fuller appearance

Review user ratings and value

Use average ratings and value score to compare longevity and overall satisfaction; high-rated options from established brands often balance performance and price