If you’re anything like me, those pesky roots start showing through in as quick as two weeks (ugh, right?), especially at the parting and temples.
There’s only so much wearing your hair up can do to hide them! But here’s where root cover-ups become my hair-saving besties.
Whether it’s a last-minute touch-up before work or when I’m out for the day, root sprays and powders come to my rescue.
Now, I’ve tried a lot of them, but there are two I keep reaching for—L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up and Color WOW Root Cover Up.
To be totally honest, I use both depending on the situation. L’Oreal’s spray is my go-to for quick fixes at the parting, while Color WOW gets the job done when I need something precise, especially around the temples.
Let’s break them down, so you can find your perfect match!
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TOP PICK!
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up
If you’re looking for long-lasting, natural-looking coverage, especially for lighter hair shades, Color WOW Root Cover Up is the winner!
It’s perfect for precision around the temples and hairline, stays put all day, and even helps your hair look thicker.
While it’s pricier than sprays, a little goes a long way—making it worth the investment!
Why we love it:
- Flawless coverage for both light and dark shades.
- Stays in place, rain or shine (hello, water-resistant!).
- Works wonders for thinning areas, adding volume.
| Feature | Color WOW Root Cover Up | L’Oreal Magic Retouch |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Brush-on powder | Spray-on |
| Best For | Precision at temples, hairline, all-over | Quick parting touch-ups |
| Coverage | Great for all shades, very precise | Good for darker shades, easy to apply quickly |
| Finish | Slightly chalky but fuller coverage | Powdery, matte, blendable |
| Longevity | Water-resistant, lasts all day | Lasts until next wash, can smudge |
| Price | More expensive upfront, lasts longer | Budget-friendly but needs frequent re-buy |
| Bonus | Great for lighter shades and multi-use | 3-second application |
Why Root Cover-Ups Are Our Hair Heroes
Life gets busy, and seriously, who has time to hit the salon every time those greys peek through?
Whether you’re waiting for your next color appointment or just need a quick fix between dye jobs, root cover-ups are total lifesavers.
They give you the flexibility to keep your hair looking fresh and hide the evidence without any major commitment.
Root sprays and powders are ideal for when you don’t have time (or energy) for a full hair refresh. A quick parting spritz or a brush of powder, and voilà—roots gone, confidence back!
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up Review
Alright, let’s dive into Color WOW. This one’s a bit like applying eyeshadow to your roots, and honestly, it’s become my trusty go-to when I need precision.
Especially around the temples where my roots are extra stubborn! The beauty of this product is how natural it looks. No mess, no spray mishaps, just flawless coverage that blends right into your natural color.
My Personal Take
I’ll be real with you—Color WOW is the one I grab when I know I’m out for the day and need my hair to stay fresh. It has more staying power than a spray, which is why I use it for places like my temples where I need a bit more precision.
Plus, one added bonus? It’s amazing for making hair look thicker! If I’m dealing with any thinning areas, this powder is a lifesaver. It gives my hair that extra fullness without looking heavy or obvious.
Yes, the finish can be a little chalkier than L’Oreal’s Magic Root Cover Up, but it more than makes up for it with how well it blends and sticks. If I’ve got meetings or a full day ahead, this is the product I trust to stay in place until I decide to wash it out.
What really makes Color WOW stand out is how well it works on lighter shades. Finding a root cover-up for blondes or reds that doesn’t look fake or too dark can be tough, but Color WOW nails it. Their blonde shades are especially natural-looking and don’t get cakey.
Pros & Cons of Color WOW Root Cover Up
Pros:
- Natural, precise finish—perfect for temples, hairline, and tricky spots.
- Water-resistant—stays put even in rain and humidity.
- Great range for both lighter and darker shades, including tricky blondes and reds.
- No mess—easy to apply with a brush, like eyeshadow.
Cons:
- A bit pricier upfront, but it lasts for ages.
- Slightly chalkier finish compared to sprays.
Also recommended by: Allure who awarded Color Wow Best Root Touch-Up saying it stands out for long-lasting results.
What Real Users Are Saying
“I’ve been using the medium brown root cover-up product which is so easy to apply, it’s brilliant. It stays on perfectly until hair is washed.”
“I find it’s good for my eye brows too! Seems to last well. This is my second one – the other one lasted a year!”
“This matches my hair color perfectly. It leaves no yucky residue like other sprays and mascaras I have tried in the past. So glad I found Color Wow.”
How to Use Color WOW Root Cover Up
- Open the compact and dip the small brush into the powder.
- Tap lightly onto your roots, especially around the temples, parting, or hairline. Precision is key!
- Blend for a natural look by dabbing and building the coverage as needed.
- No need to set it—Color WOW locks into place and stays until you shampoo.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got stubborn greys, press the powder into the roots instead of brushing for fuller coverage.
L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up Review
Now, let’s talk L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up. This baby is all about speed!
Perfect for those mornings when I’m running late and need to fix my parting in under 30 seconds.
I’ll admit, I’ve had a few mishaps with the spray nozzle (I’ll never forget the time I walked into work with what looked like mud on my forehead after a quick commute…), but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great go-to for a fast fix.
My Personal Take
I usually reach for this when I’m focusing on my parting—it’s fast, efficient, and gets the job done.
One thing I’ve learned? It works best when you blend it in a bit with your fingers afterward. I’ll spritz, then lightly smoosh it with my fingers for a softer, more natural finish.
Just be careful of that spray power—it can sometimes land on your forehead or hairline if you’re not careful!
Pros & Cons of L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up
Pros:
- Super quick and easy to apply, especially for parting touch-ups.
- Affordable, making it great for regular use without breaking the bank.
- Decent color range, particularly for darker shades.
Cons:
- Can be tricky to control—careful with that spray!
- The powdery finish can dull your hair’s shine if you over-apply.
- Not ideal for lighter hair colors like blondes or reds.
Also recommended by: Byrdie who says that, for a quick fix in seconds, nothing beats L’Oreal Magic Retouch. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for fast touch-ups on the go.
What Real Users Are Saying
“Having never tried a root touch-up product like this, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have grey roots that seem to go from nothing to an inch long overnight!”
“It’s quick, simple, and easy to use but probably best for darker hairs like black or brown. I have red hair and unfortunately the red one of these made my roots look orange!”
“I think this product covers well. It does come off a bit on your fingers and made me worry about if it rains. As it’s a spray, it’s quite powerful when it comes out.”
How to Use L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up
- Shake the can well to make sure the pigments are evenly mixed.
- Hold the nozzle about 10-15cm from your roots—trust me, distance matters!
- Spray in short bursts, focusing on your parting or exposed roots.
- Blend lightly with your fingers if needed to smooth out the color.
- Let it dry for a minute or two before touching your hair.
Pro Tip: Always check for forehead smudges before heading out—trust me, you don’t want that surprise!
Which One Should You Choose?
So, which one’s your best bet? It depends on what you need.
- Need something fast and affordable? Go for L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and great for those last-minute touch-ups before heading out the door.
- Looking for precision and staying power? Then Color WOW Root Cover Up is your winner. It’s a bit more expensive, but the natural finish and water-resistant formula make it worth the splurge. Plus, it’s especially great for lighter hair colors, like blondes and reds, which can be tricky to match.
If you’re like me, you might even find yourself using both! L’Oreal for speedy parting fixes, and Color WOW for precision work around the temples. Either way, your roots won’t stand a chance!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
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