No time for the salon? At-home products to touch up roots, cover grays and maintain color (2025)

As important as a routine is, it's completely normal if a few things ... slip. Felt like skipping leg day? Add an extra 30 minutes to your next workout. Didn't drink your recommended eight glasses of water today? Just fill up your Stanley tomorrow! There's a fix for practically anything — but some practices are harder to correct than others. Like accidentally forgetting to make your hair appointment at the salon, or maybe wanting to skip a few months.

Before you start panic-calling every hairstylist in the area, there may be a solution. There are actually some products out there that can give your hair the boost it needs, and you don't need to be a professional to use them. We spoke to top experts in the hair field to give us the low-down on how to handle gray roots and lackluster color right in the comfort of your own home, and they delivered a ton of touch-up treatment recommendations that will have your locks looking like you just walked out of a multi-hour session.

Check out all the best root sprays, glosses and hair dyes below. Some Shop TODAY editors even threw in their favorite tried-and-true products that they think you'll love, too!

With news of tariffs and economic uncertainty looming over our (desperate-for-a-touch-up) heads, it looks like people are willing to get a little creative in the hair care world. You may have seen the term "recession hair" trending in the news circuit, describing how many people are opting for more affordable products and low-maintenance styling choices in place of frequent and expensive salon treatments. Recently, Vogue talked about the latest spike in popularity of "recession blonde” (or brunette), referring to people choosing to grow out their roots to avoid touch-ups. The publication defines it as "the darker, more brown-tinted hue that many are letting grow in with their normally bright, golden strands."

Amid a time of layoffs, prices on essentials rising and a potential stock market crash, embracing a more natural color or one that doesn't require constant professional care is a great way to save money while also looking and feeling your best. You can prolong the look achieved on your last visit with a quality hair gloss, or avoid the styling chair altogether with a few expert-recommended products that we go more in-depth about below.

Just when you thought you checked everything off your list before a big event or getaway, you look in the mirror and realize your roots are growing in ... and you don't have time to make a salon appointment. This is a scenario many women and men are all too familiar with while in their hair-coloring eras, but it's one that can be easily fixed according to a few experts.

But before adding some of their favorite products to cart, they've passed down some important to-dos when it comes to extending the life of that new color:

• Use color-protecting products
• Lower the temperature of your water when washing your hair
• Protect your hair from the sun with a hat or hair SPF

Here are the products experts and editors recommend.

For easy blending: Everpro Gray Away Root Touch-up Quick Stick

Gray Away Root Touchup Quick Stick

Skip the salon with this at home touchup stick.

$

8.97

$

9.99

$

8.97

$

11.13

$

11.49

What we like

• Self-adjusting color technologyMess-free blending

Something to note

• May make hair look greasy

Size: 0.1 oz. | Number of shades: 4 | Format: Stick applicator | Fragrance? No

If you want total control when touching up your roots, this stick is designed with precision in mind. It's double-sided, with one end storing a wax-free powder formula that is both transfer and rain-resistant (per the brand), while the other holds a sponge tip to assist with blending.

Instant results: L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover-Up

Magic Root Cover-Up

$

11.99

$

10.97

$

11.99

$

11.99

Size: 2 oz. | Number of shades: 11 | Format: Aerosol | Fragrance? No

Hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy says this cover-up works as an "easy spray-on color" if you don’t want to go through the hair color process at home. The formula is said to be lightweight, quick-drying and works to conceal grays in seconds. And, according to the brand, it won't smudge or leave behind any residue.

For adding fullness: Boldify Hairline Powder

Hairline Powder

$

17.95

What we like

• Lasts a while
• Great coverage
• Adds illusion of more hair

Something to note

• Be cautious applying near face

See Also

19 Frizz-Fighting Products that Passed the GH Lab's Humidity Chamber Testing

Size: 2.5” x 2.5” x 2” | Number of shades: 14 | Format: Powder | Fragrance? No

Editor Vivien Moon says she used this powder back when she used to color her hair and was impressed with the coverage as well as how quickly it worked. "It's very easy to apply," she adds. "I also love this as somebody with thinner hair who could use a boost in scalp coverage. This does a great job of making it look like I have MORE hair. I think it's good for both coverage and for masking any spots where I have thinner hair/bald spots from stress."

We also love that it's available in a variety of shades including white and gray to cover up thinning spots or add a little oomph where you want it.

Best color match: Style Edit Root Concealer Touch Up Spray

Root Concealer Touch Up Spray

$

34.00

$

9.00

$

27.20

$

34.00

What we like

• Washes out when shampooing
• Non-sticky and lightweight

Something to note

• On the pricier side

Size: 5.1 oz. | Number of shades: 4 | Format: Aerosol spray | Fragrance? Yes

Contributing writer Dina Ruiz says she not only appreciates this formula's "color-adaptive pigments" that offer a great color match, but also the precision of the bottle's nozzle. "I can choose where I want to leave the lighter areas," she says. "Best of all, this works magic on an area where my hair is thinning on my right temple, making it look fuller."

Precise applicator: Color Wow Root Cover Up

Root Cover Up

$

34.50

$

34.50

$

34.50

What we like

• More control than spray
• Easy to apply
• Blends well

Something to note

• May stain the scalp

Size: 0.07 oz. | Number of shades: 8 | Format: Powder | Fragrance? No

This touch-up powder is another great product for instantly covering up gray areas or grown-out roots. And while its water- and sweat-resistant powder is certainly impressive, one of the experts we spoke to about it says its standout feature might just be its applicator. “You can either brush it on for a light touch-up or press it on for a darker cover-up," says Gina Rivera, founder of By Gina and Phenix Salon Suites. "It works especially well along the hairline if you want to pull your hair back.”

When it comes to choosing a permanent at-home color, Jamie Mazzei, hairstylist and creative director of nuBest Salon, has a trick for picking the best shade. "It’s a good idea to pick one color lighter than your ultimate goal," he advises. "Most at-home hair dyes tend to look darker on real hair compared to the image on the front of the box.” As far as keeping your color looking vibrant and fresh, Mazzei suggests adding a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner to your routine to slow down the fading process.

If you're considering a more drastic change, celebrity hairstylist and creator of the Beachwaver hot tool, Sarah Potempa, urges you to take things slow. “First and foremost, you need to know what level your natural hair color is considered. Hair color companies will have diagrams and charts that show which color and undertone each color provides,” she explains. She highly recommends doing your own research to figure out what color will suit your hair and skin tone best.

Most affordable option: Wella Color Charm Liquid Hair Color

Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Color

$

7.88

$

9.99

$

10.39

Formulation: Liquid | Best for: All hair types | Longevity: Permanent | No. of colors: 30+

This permanent color from Wella is one of Potempa's favorites. Its formula is infused with technology the brand calls "Liquifuse," which works to keep your color consistent from root to tip. There are 68 total shades to choose from, all ready to provide long-lasting and fade-resistant results.

For conditioning: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color

Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color

$

9.99

$

12.99

$

11.99

$

10.47

$

11.97

What we like

• Great coverage

Something to note

• Formula stinks

Formulation: Cream | Best for: All hair types | Longevity: Permanent | No. of colors: 30+

“I’ve always used L’Oréal Preference to refresh my brunette color, says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "It never leaves my hair feeling dry and the conditioning treatment that it comes with is really moisturizing!”

Best oil-based formula: Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

Olia Permanent Hair Color

$

9.49

$

9.47

$

11.49

$

9.47

$

9.99

What we like

• Feels gentle on the hair

Something to note

• Shade may vary depending on natural color

Formulation: Liquid | Best for: All hair types | Longevity: Permanent | No. of colors: 15

If you want a salon-quality finish, master colorist and co-founder of Warren Tricomi Salons Joel Warren, says this Garnier product is the one to try. “I like it because it’s an oil-based hair dye that leaves hair in amazing condition,” he explains. “It’s similar to the product we use at the salon and contains no ammonia, which is very important.”

For preserving hair strength: Clairol ColorStrong Permanent Hair Color Kit

ColorStrong Permanent Hair Color Kit

$

13.97

$

13.99

$

13.97

What we like

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Makes hair feel nice

Something to note

• May cause itching

Formulation: Cream | Best for: All hair types | Longevity: Permanent | No. of colors: 1

Associate editor Kamari Stewart shares that she is impressed with the science behind this hair dye's formula, especially in regard to maintaining its strength. According to the brand, the secret lies in the AHAs, which are packed in both the priming, color and bonding steps.

“I have a box at home and I’m excited to use it to touch up my roots! It also seems pretty beginner-friendly which is great for me because I’ve never colored my hair at home before,” she adds.

In the mood for a change? Something trendy, but not forever? A semi-permanent color is a great way to try a new hair color without having to fully commit. “Semi-permanent color works by depositing color onto the outermost layer of the hair, the cuticle,” Iowa City-based pro hairstylist Jamie Wiley says. “This type of color does not contain any ammonia or peroxide, which means it does not penetrate the hair shaft like permanent hair color does,” she continues, adding that it usually fades in about six week's time.

Of course, its longevity largely depends on how often you shampoo, exposure to natural elements and the products you use to keep your color in tip-top shape. Master stylist Edda Coscioni recommends using heat-protectant products to keep your color brighter for longer, while Hollywood-based hair colorist Marco Pelusi recommends waiting anywhere between 48 to 72 hours before shampooing newly dyed hair.

A clean formula: Clairol Natural Instincts

Natural Instincts

$

7.98

$

7.98

$

8.49

$

8.49

What we like

• Gentle on hair
• Nice smell
• Leaves hair shiny

Something to note

• May be greasy

Formulation: Creamy, non-drip | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: 28 washes | No. of colors: 42

If choosing the safest formula for your hair is just as important as the color your dye provides, this product is a good choice. It is free of ammonia and parabens, and is made with 80% naturally derived ingredients, according to the brand. According to Rita Hazan Salon colorist Carlina Ortega, it's formulated to feel more like a conditioner to leave hair feeling soft and “silky smooth” after every application.

“Since semi-permanents aren’t meant to cover gray hair 100%, they just blend in. I find this color holds your gray better than others on the market," she says.

Most long-lasting: dpHue Color Dream Demi-Permanent Color Kit

Color Dream Demi-Permanent Color Kit

$

32.00

$

32.00

$

32.00

What we like

• Blends well
• Easy to use

Something to note

• Some colors don't match hair
• Not meant for sensitive scalps

Formulation: Creamy | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: 16 washes | No. of colors: 8

Commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto admits that she's been slacking when it comes to making salon appointments for her regular hair tints. Instead, she's been using this demi-permanent color kit to refresh her color at home. "Not only is my color vibrant and long-lasting, but my hair feels softer after use, too!” she says.

For all hair types: Overtone Color Depositing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Conditioner

Color Depositing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Conditioner

$

32.00

$

14.99

$

13.50

What we like

• Nice smell
• Great quality

Something to note

• Apply to dry hair

Formulation: Creamy | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: Up to 1 month | No. of colors: 40+

From pastels to natural shades, this color-depositing conditioner offer dozens of semi-permanent options and the freedom to try as many looks as you desire. It's formulated with shea butter and coconut oil to keep your tresses moisturized with each use, without sacrificing the vibrancy of your color. Plus, it works in just 15 minutes and lasts up to one month, per the brand.

“If you’re looking for a bold color, I like oVertone semi-permanent color. It works perfectly on brunettes seeing as most temporary dyes work best on lighter hair. It’s also longer lasting compared to other brands,” says Ortega.

You may have heard that "glass hair" is making the rounds in terms of buzzy beauty trends. And with so many people's long locks looking shinier, sleeker and more polished than ever, it's a viral hit we can get behind. But how? According to experts, you could go to a salon for a professional treatment, but it can also be as easy as grabbing yourself a hair gloss to apply at home.

“Unlike traditional dyes, glosses are gentle, as they don’t penetrate deeply and fade naturally over time, making them a safe option for a quick refresh,” says hairstylist Jennifer Korab. In addition to boosting your hair's radiance, Korab says a good gloss can also reduce frizz and "make hair easier to manage."

For smoothing and taming frizz: Ouai Hair Gloss

Hair Gloss

$

34.00

$

34.00

$

34.00

What we like

• Pleasant scent
• Improves softness

Something to note

• Some didn't notice difference

Size: 6 oz. | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: 3 washes | No. of colors: 1 universal

Production associate Audrey Ekman says she loves how this gloss makes her hair look shiny, soft and healthy. "The Ouai Hair Gloss surpassed all of my expectations," she raves. "My usually unruly, frizzy split ends were tamed and glassy, sans smoothing balm or hair oil. I swear the color looked more vibrant and dimensional, too." Ekman adds that even her coworkers noticed a difference, commenting on how “glossy” and “beautiful” her hair looked.

Vegan-friendly: Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss

Signature Hair Gloss

$

14.99

$

15.00

$

15.00

What we like

• Easy to apply
• Makes hair shiny/glossy

Something to note

• May make hair dry

Size: 4 oz. | Best for: All hair types | Longevity: up to 1 month | No. of colors: 8

Korab's choice gloss is this one by Kristin Ess, which she prefers for its gentle, ammonia-free formula. She adds that it's designed to make your hair feel weightless and "provides a salon-like finish that lasts three to four weeks. All you have to do is apply the gloss to wet hair while in the shower, before shampooing and conditioning. Afterward, you should expect locks with deeper vibrancy and enhanced dimension.

Best for brunettes: Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss

Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss

$

35.00

$

36.00

$

36.00

What we like

• Neutralizes brassiness
• Available in other tones

Something to note

• Can be messy

Size: 6.7 oz. | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: 8 washes | No. of colors: 8

When editorial assistant Madison San Miguel was dyeing her hair, she says her stylist recommended using Pureology's hair gloss in between sessions. "It made upkeep easier and less time-consuming since it neutralizes brassiness in just a few minutes," she says. "I used it about once every two weeks whenever I noticed my color losing its pigment.

According to the brand, the formula also works to restore the hair's softness and shine for up to eight washes.

Best for hydration: Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment

Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment

$

64.00

$

64.00

$64.00

What we like

• Good for all types/textures
• Lightweight texture

Something to note

• Some felt it left hair greasy

Size: 5.9 oz. | Best for: All hair types and textures | Longevity: up to 1 month | No. of colors: 8

Ricevuto says she uses this treatment at least once a week, crediting it as a key player in the “glass hair” trend that’s been all over TikTok. According to Oribe, the gloss acts as a conditioning essence that can hydrate, "intensely" soften and detangle locks without weighing them down.

• Cheryl Bergamy is a celebrity hairstylist.

• Jennifer Korab is a New Jersey-based celebrity hairstylist, certified colorist and the owner of Renaissance Salon+Spa.

• Gina Rivera is the founder of XOXO Gina and Phenix Salon Suites.

• Jamie Mazzei is a hairstylist and creative director of nuBest Salon and Spa.

• Sarah Potempa is a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of the Beachwaver.

• Joel Warren is a master colorist and co-founder of Warren Tricomi Salons in New York City.

• Jamie Wiley is a professional hairstylist, author and educator based in Iowa City. She is the CEO of HAIRBOSS, a community and platform that offers educational resources and mentorship services to hairdressers.

• Edda Coscioni is a master colorist and precision cutter based in Chicago. She owns and is lead stylist at Salon Edda.

• Carlina Ortega is a hair colorist at Rita Hazan Salon in NYC. She specializes in both the foil and balayage methods.

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.

Danielle Murphy is the audience development writer for Shop TODAY. She’s been writing for the team since 2021, covering everything from fashion and beauty to product reviews and sales content.