Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups
This category covers hair mascaras and root touch-up products for temporarily covering roots, grays, and sparse areas, including wands, powders, and sprays. About 100 products are indexed with an average rating of 4.30 and mid-range pricing (avg ~(price varies)); brands include STYLE EDIT and Madison Reed
Top Products
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette)
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up: instant grey coverage touch-up
COLOR WOW
Budget
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
Root Cover Up: Instant Grey Coverage & Highlight Touch-Up
COLOR WOW
Budget
Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)
Joan Rivers Beauty
Budget
Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Red Hair
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Root Cover Up: Instant Grey Coverage and Touch-Up
COLOR WOW
Budget
Color Wow Root Cover Up - Grey Coverage Touch-Up
COLOR WOW
Budget
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up Instant Grey Coverage and Highlight Touch-Up
COLOR WOW
Budget
Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Blonde
Style Edit
Mid-Range
Style Edit Root Concealer Touch Up Spray | Auburn/Red
STYLE EDIT
Budget
Style Edit Root Concealer Touch Up Spray - Dark Brown 2oz
STYLE EDIT
Budget
Style Edit Light Brown Root Concealer Spray
STYLE EDIT
Budget
Root Touch Up Powder for Dark Blonde Hair
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder for Roots & Grays
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder for Light Brown Hair
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder for Light Red Hair
STYLE EDIT
Mid-Range
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up — instant grey coverage touch-up
COLOR WOW
Budget
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up Instant Grey Coverage
COLOR WOW
BudgetRoundups
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups for Extend Time Between Salon Visits (2026)
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups for Cover Gray Roots (2026)
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $200 (2026)
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $100 (2026)
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $50 (2026)
- Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hair mascara or root touch-up and when should I use one?
Hair mascara is a pigmented, brush-on product for temporarily covering roots, gray hairs, or small color gaps; use it for quick, targeted fixes between salon visits or to conceal regrowth for a day or until washed
How do I choose the right shade and formula for my hair?
Match the product to your natural or dyed hair root color rather than highlights, choose water-resistant formulas for longer wear or non-waterproof if you want easy removal, and test on a small strand or inner area to confirm color and texture compatibility
How long does the coverage last and how is it removed?
Coverage typically lasts until you shampoo the hair; many formulas are water-resistant but come off with regular shampoo or a clarifying wash, while some require oil-based removers—check product instructions for removal method
Are these products safe for sensitive scalps or chemically treated hair?
Most are formulated for topical use on hair fibers rather than skin, but if you have a sensitive scalp or recent chemical treatments, check ingredient lists for irritants (like certain alcohols or fragrances) and patch-test behind the ear before full use
What formats are available and how do they affect application?
Formats include wand mascaras (precision brush), sticks/pencils (spot application), powders, and sprays; wands and pencils offer more control for small areas, sprays cover larger sections quickly, and powders can blend for softer results
How much should I expect to spend and what influences price?
Prices vary by brand, size, and formulation; budget options are commonly under $20 while premium color-correcting or longer-wear formulas can be higher—cost is influenced by pigment quality, applicator design, and added claims like water resistance or conditioning agents
Can hair mascaras affect my hairstyle or leave residue on clothing?
When applied and allowed to dry properly, most leave minimal transfer, but wet or overapplied product can transfer to clothing or pillowcases; use sparingly, blend close to the roots, and let it dry before touching hair or lying down