Greys, begone! 5 root touch-ups
Step away from the home dye and try one of these fast, effective and affordable root touch up kits to get rid of your greys (and stay in your hairdresser’s good books).

I’ve been told repeatedly by my hairdresser not to touch my locks with a box dye kit whilst in lockdown, but the situation’s getting dire (hello, grandma). With salons not due to open for at least another month or two and my total refusal to go ‘natural’ – I’m telling you now, I’ll fight that one to the death – I’ve been researching the best ways to erase the grey without damaging my hair and the results are in. Try one of these top non-dye toucher-uppers until you can be weepily reunited with your colourist later this summer.
Best for: An au natural look
Think of this Colour Wow Root Cover Up as an eyeshadow, but for your roots – you even apply it with a little brush. The mineral power is long-lasting (even when wet) and has a true to hair texture. It comes in eight colours so lots of options to find a shade to camouflage your greys. It lasts for ages too – a single palette saw me through five years! Having said that if you’re really grey you’ll need something a bit more speedy or you’ll be at the mirror for hours.
£28.50
Best for: Long-lasting coverage
From celeb and catwalk favourite Josh Wood, this best-seller contains semi-permeant dye that lasts up to three washes – don’t be nervous, you can do an online consultation to find your shade. Ideal for covering larger grey areas, apply the dye using the brush applicator and then blow-dry the colour into place.
£15
Best for: a quick fix
Woke up late for your Zoom meeting? Give your hair a quick spray of this new Root Concealer, from Phil Smith, for instant, fast-drying colour. It’ll add a little texture to help you style out your bed head too. Just hold 10cm away from your greys and spray conservatively (a little goes a long way).
£6
Best for: dry hair
From Bumble and bumble, this hair crayon is easy to apply, mess-free and adds a velvety texture to hair – ideal if it’s feeling on the dry side.
£23
Best for: On a budget
Superdrug’s own brand root touch-up may cost less than peanuts (literally) but don’t be put off – it’s an award-winner and has rave reviews. It comes in a decent range of four colours – just hold 20cm away from your roots and spritz.
£2 reduced from £4.99