If you’re tired of pesky gray roots or regrowth ruining your hair game, let me introduce you to Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up.
This little box of magic is a lifesaver, blending seamlessly with your hair color in just 10 minutes for up to three weeks of flawless coverage. It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers salon-quality results at home.
Trust me, you’ll want to grab this product to keep your roots on point without breaking the bank. Here’s why it’s worth every penny.
My Journey With Clairol Root Touch-Up
Picture this: it’s 2020, salons are shut, and my gray roots are staging a full-on rebellion.
I’m staring in the mirror, horrified at the silver streaks framing my auburn hair—a shade I’ve always been picky about.
I’d never colored my hair at home before, and the thought of messing up my unique hue made my stomach churn.
But desperation pushed me to try Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
I picked shade 5, medium brown, hoping it would blend with my salon-colored ends. The box promised 100% gray coverage in just 10 minutes, which sounded too good to be true. I followed the instructions: mixed the Permanent Color Cream with the Color Activating Lotion in the provided bowl, grabbed the ergonomic brush, and got to work.
The brush was a revelation—small enough for precision but wide enough to cover my roots quickly. I focused on my hairline and part, where the grays were most obvious, and set a timer for 10 minutes.
The process was surprisingly mess-free. No drips, no stains on my skin, and no lingering chemical smell. After rinsing, I couldn’t believe the results. My roots looked freshly colored, blending perfectly with the rest of my hair.
No orange tint, no patchy spots—just a natural, polished look. I felt like I’d cheated the salon system! Since then, I’ve used it every four to five weeks, cutting my salon visits down to four times a year. It’s saved me hundreds of dollars and given me confidence to rock my hair, even when life gets hectic.
What stood out most was how foolproof it felt. Even as a first-timer, I didn’t stress about screwing it up. The color lasted through sweaty workouts and rainy days, and I’ve even used leftover product to touch up my eyebrows for a bolder look.
The only hiccup? One box isn’t quite enough for my thick hair when I want full root coverage, so I keep two on hand. But at this price, it’s still a steal compared to a $100 salon trip.
The Pros of Clairol Root Touch-Up
- Lightning-Fast Application
You know those mornings when you’re rushing but still want to look put-together?
Clairol’s 10-minute processing time is a godsend.
I can apply it, sip my coffee, and rinse it out before my Zoom call starts.
For stubborn grays, I leave it on for 15 minutes, and it still feels like a breeze.
Compare that to the hours spent at a salon, and it’s no contest. This speed doesn’t sacrifice quality either—the color sets evenly and doesn’t fade for weeks.
- Seamless Color Matching
Finding a root touch-up that doesn’t scream “I did this at home” is tough, but Clairol nails it. With 30 shades, it matches everything from salon colors to box dyes. My auburn hair is tricky, but shade 5 blends so well that even my picky hairdresser couldn’t tell I’d DIY’d it.
The formula seems to adapt to your hair’s undertones, avoiding that dreaded orange or ashy look. Whether you’re a brunette, blonde, or redhead, you’ll likely find a shade that works.
- Wallet-Friendly Wonder
Let’s talk money. A salon root touch-up can set you back $50 to $150, depending on where you live. Clairol’s kit costs around $8-$10, and I only need two boxes for my thick hair. That’s $20 max every five weeks versus a salon bill that makes my eyes water.
Over a year, I’m saving hundreds, which I’d rather spend on a vacation or a new pair of shoes. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your hair looking fresh.
- Precision Brush Perfection
The included brush is like a mini magic wand. Its ergonomic design lets you target exactly where you need color—your part, hairline, or those sneaky grays at your temples. I’ve tried other kits where the applicator was clunky or messy, but this one gives you control.
I’ve even saved the brushes for future use because they’re that good. It makes the process feel professional, even if you’re coloring in your bathroom.
- Long-Lasting Coverage
Clairol promises up to three weeks of coverage, and it delivers. My roots stay vibrant through showers, workouts, and humid days. The color doesn’t fade or wash out prematurely, which is a huge win for a permanent dye.
I’ve gone a full month without touching up when life got busy, and my hair still looked decent. For a product this affordable, that kind of staying power is impressive.
The Not-So-Good Parts
- Limited Product Quantity
Here’s my biggest gripe: one box isn’t always enough.
If you have thick or long hair, or if you like to cover every inch of your roots (like me), you’ll need two boxes.
The kit is designed for targeted touch-ups—think your part and hairline—but I part my hair differently depending on my style, so I need more product.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but I wish they’d include a bit more in each box to avoid the extra purchase.
- Gray Coverage Challenges for Blondes
While Clairol works like a charm for my medium brown hair, I’ve heard blondes struggle with gray coverage. Lighter shades can turn orange or fail to fully cover stubborn grays, leaving you with patchy results.
I experimented with a lighter shade once (shade 6, light brown/dark blonde), and it didn’t take as well to my grays. If you’re a natural blonde, you might need to go a shade darker or leave it on longer for better results.
- Chemical Scent During Application
Let’s be real—most hair dyes have that chemical whiff, and Clairol’s no exception. The smell isn’t overpowering, but it’s noticeable while you’re applying it. I’ve gotten used to it, but if you’re sensitive to scents, you might want to crack a window.
The good news? It doesn’t linger after rinsing, and my hair feels soft, not fried, thanks to the included conditioner.
- Not Ideal for Whole-Head Coloring
This kit is meant for roots, not your entire head. I tried stretching one box to cover more once, and it was a disaster—uneven color and not enough product. If you’re looking to dye all your hair, you’ll need a full hair color kit, not a root touch-up.
It’s a specific tool for a specific job, so don’t expect it to multitask beyond its purpose.
Maintenance Tips For Clairol Root Touch-Up
- Prep Like a Pro
Before you start, do the strand test 48 hours in advance. I skipped it once and got lucky, but it’s worth checking for allergies or color mismatches. Protect your skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline—it prevents staining without affecting the dye.
I also drape an old towel over my shoulders and wear the included gloves to keep things clean. Lay out all your tools (bowl, brush, timer) so you’re not scrambling mid-process.
- Master the Application
Section your hair for even coverage. I part mine into four sections and clip them up, starting with the most visible areas like my hairline. Use the brush to paint the dye onto dry hair, focusing on roots only. Don’t glob it on—small, precise strokes work best.
For stubborn grays, I leave the dye on for 15 minutes instead of 10. If you’re new to this, watch a quick YouTube tutorial to nail the technique.
- Extend the Color’s Life
To make your touch-up last, use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I swear by Clairol’s Shimmer Lights for keeping my color vibrant. Avoid washing your hair daily—every other day is enough for me—and use lukewarm water to prevent fading.
If you’re a heat-styling junkie, apply a heat protectant to shield your color from blow-dryers and flat irons. These small habits can stretch your touch-up to four weeks.
- Touch Up Strategically
Timing is everything. I touch up every four to five weeks, but if you see grays popping through sooner, don’t wait. For quick fixes between applications, I use Clairol’s Temporary Root Touch-Up Spray. It’s a lifesaver for covering small patches before a big event.
If you’re blending multiple shades (like I do with shades 4 and 5), mix them in small batches to test the ratio. This keeps your color consistent over time.
- Care for Your Hair Post-Dye
Dyeing can dry out your roots, so pamper your hair afterward. I deep condition once a week with a hydrating mask to keep my strands soft. If you notice split ends (like I do with my fine hair), trim them every eight weeks to maintain a healthy look.
Avoid over-processing by sticking to roots only—overlapping dye onto previously colored hair can cause damage.
Comparison of Clairol Root Touch-Up With Other Brands
I’ve tested Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up against three big players: Madison Reed’s Root Touch-Up, Color Wow’s Root Cover Up, and L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up spray.
Each has its strengths, but let’s break it down head-to-head to see why Clairol stays my favorite.
- Clairol Vs. Madison Reed’s Root Touch-Up
Madison Reed’s Root Touch-Up powder is marketed as a premium option, retailing at around $32 compared to Clairol’s $8-$10 kit.
It’s a compact powder designed to cover grays and thinning hairlines, with a dual-ended brush for application.
I tried their medium brown shade, hoping it would match my auburn hair.
The powder blended decently but felt less seamless than Clairol’s liquid dye, especially on my coarse grays.
Madison Reed’s six-shade range is limited compared to Clairol’s 30, making it harder to find a perfect match.
Plus, it’s temporary, washing out after one shampoo, while Clairol lasts three weeks. The application was fussier too—the powder brush took longer to cover my roots than Clairol’s ergonomic brush. For the price and permanence, Clairol’s the clear winner.
- Clairol Vs. Color Wow’s Root Cover Up
Color Wow’s Root Cover Up powder, priced at $35, is a favorite among beauty bloggers for its lightweight, flake-free formula.
I used it in medium brown, and the powder applied like makeup, blending smoothly with my hair.
The compact’s small brush was precise for targeting grays, but covering my entire part took ages compared to Clairol’s quick 10-minute process.
Color Wow is temporary, washing out after one shampoo, which makes it less practical for regular use.
It also costs four times as much as Clairol. While Color Wow’s portability is great for travel, Clairol’s long-lasting dye and budget-friendly price make it better for consistent root maintenance.
- Clairol Vs. L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up Spray
L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up spray, at $10-$12, is the closest in price to Clairol. It’s a temporary aerosol that sprays color onto roots, ideal for quick fixes. I tested it in dark brown before a last-minute event, and the pinpoint nozzle covered my grays in seconds.
But the spray left my hair feeling stiff, like I’d overdone it with hairspray, and it rubbed off on my pillowcase. Clairol’s permanent formula feels natural and doesn’t transfer, plus it lasts weeks, not days.
L’Oréal’s spray is handy for emergencies, but Clairol’s kit offers better value and a polished, salon-like finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up lasts up to three weeks, but I’ve stretched it to four with proper care. The color stays vibrant through showers and sweat, though fast-growing hair might show roots sooner. For temporary options like Clairol’s spray or powder, coverage lasts until your next shampoo.
I’m biased toward Clairol for its affordability, ease, and long-lasting results. It outperforms L’Oréal’s temporary spray, Color Wow’s powder, and Madison Reed’s pricier compact in terms of permanence and shade variety. If you want a quick fix, Color Wow’s powder is great, but Clairol’s permanent kit is the gold standard for consistent coverage.
Root touch-ups, including Clairol’s, have downsides. One box might not suffice for thick hair, requiring multiple purchases. Blondes may struggle with gray coverage, as lighter shades can turn orange. The chemical smell during application can bother sensitive noses, and it’s not meant for whole-head coloring, limiting its versatility. Overuse without proper care can also dry out your hair.
Yes, Clairol is generally safe when used as directed. The kit includes a conditioner to minimize damage, and I’ve never noticed breakage or excessive dryness. Do the strand test 48 hours before to check for allergies. Avoid over-processing by sticking to roots and using a deep conditioner weekly to keep your hair healthy.
Conclusion: Your Roots Deserve Clairol
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up is your ticket to flawless roots without the salon price tag. It’s fast, affordable, and blends like a dream, keeping grays at bay for weeks. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned pro, this kit makes root touch-ups a no-brainer.
Grab it, try it, and thank me later when you’re rocking vibrant, root-free hair with confidence.