The Best Way to Touch Up Gray Roots

A hat can quickly cover up gray roots.

Even though some people consider gray hair to look distinguished, many people dread the sight of the silver strands. Hair turns gray because as you age your body produces less pigment, also known as melanin. Coloring your hair is one option to get rid of gray hairs. However, as your hair grows, the gray hairs emerge again. If it's not time for a complete retouching, you can touch up the roots with a root touch-up kit, in between colorings.

Things You'll Need

• Root touch-up kit
• Disposable gloves
• Petroleum jelly
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Buy a root touch-up kit in the color of your hair. There are many brands that have these kits. You can find them at drug stores, beauty supply stores and in the shampoo aisle of a grocery store.

2. Put on a pair of disposable gloves to protect your hands from the hair dye.

3. Mix the activator with the color according to packaging instructions. You may have to blend the two in a small tray or shake and blend them together in a bottle.

4. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly on the skin around your hairline and to the tips of your ears. In case the hair dye spills, the petroleum jelly keeps it from staining your skin and makes it easy to wipe off. Keep a moist washcloth nearby to wipe away mistakes.

5. Apply the root touch-up dye on your gray hairs. Use the applicator that comes with the kit to swipe the color from your gray roots toward the colored part of the hair strands. Avoid getting the dye on your scalp.

6. Wait for the amount of time mentioned in the instructions of the touch-up kit. This may differ depending on the brand, because some formulas work more quickly than others.

7. Rinse your hair with warm water to remove the excess dye from your strands. Keep rinsing your hair until the water runs clear. Style your hair as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are in a rush, use a touch-up wand to quickly hide your gray roots. These quick cover-up products temporarily cover your roots and wash out when you shampoo your hair.

• Perform a patch test on the inside of your forearm, before touching up your roots. Apply a small amount of the dye, wait 48 hours. If you have no itching, redness or other adverse reaction, proceed with the touch-up.

References

• Kid's Health: Why Does Hair Turn Gray?
• Clairol: 3 Easy Steps to Say Goodbye to Those Roots
• Bella Online: Color Mark: Instant Cover Up for Gray Hair