Your hair’s growing back but you don’t have time for a colour treatment? No worries: there are lots of practical products that can help save the day in a snap. Let’s take a look!
Give your roots the boot
Whether you need a speedy solution for a special occasion or a way to make your hair color last longer, what counts is choosing the right formula.
- Your best friends for a quick fix: correctors. They’re a snap to use and they slip easily into your purse for quick adjustments when you need them. Downside: they wash out with your first shampooing.
- For a longer run, try permanent color retouching. It’s longer lasting than correctors and it targets your roots more quickly and easily than a full colouring. Choose a colour as close as possible to your current shade but remember: because you’re working with fresh roots, the shade will likely be lighter and more vibrant than the rest of your hair.

A question of method
In terms of application, there are a few tools available, particularly if you’re using a temporary solution. Just choose the one that works best for you!
For correctors
- Aerosol applicators cover your roots with a fine layer of powdered colour. Simply spray over the areas while holding the can a few inches from your head and you’re good to go!
- Stick applicators colour the surface, a little like chalk, while sponge applicators work by dabbing on the colour.
- With coloured mascara, you brush on the colour just as you would for your lashes.
For retouching
Most permanent colour root retouchers come with a comb-tip applicator. A little like mascara, this method helps you target specific areas so you can apply the colour more evenly.
A word to the wise: before you start your retouching, apply a little petroleum jelly to the top of your forehead, your temples and your ears so you don’t stain your skin.