If you’re battling pesky gray roots or regrowth that screams “I need a salon visit,” Color Wow Root Cover Up is your new best friend. This mineral powder is a game-changer, blending seamlessly to hide grays, extend highlights, and even make thinning hair look fuller.
It’s easy to apply, water-resistant, and lasts until your next shampoo. After trying it myself, I’m hooked, and I think you will be too. Trust me, this little compact will save you time, money, and bad hair days—grab it now and see the magic for yourself.
My Experience With Color Wow Root Cover Up
I’ll be honest: I was skeptical when I first picked up Color Wow Root Cover Up.
My gray roots were popping up faster than I could book salon appointments, and I needed something to bridge the gap without looking like I’d smeared eyeshadow on my scalp.
I chose the medium brown shade to match my natural color, hoping it would blend well with my reddish highlights.
The compact arrived, sleek and travel-friendly, with a dual-ended brush that looked promising.
Applying it was a breeze. I followed the instructions: dry hair, load the small end of the brush with powder, pull my hair taut, and press it onto my roots. No sweeping motions, just a firm dab. The first time, I went a bit heavy-handed, but after a quick brush-through, it looked natural—not cakey or obvious.
The powder clung to my hair like magic, covering those stubborn grays along my part and temples. I even used it to fill in a sparse spot near my hairline, and it instantly made my hair look thicker.
What surprised me most was how lightweight it felt. Unlike sprays that leave your hair crunchy or waxy crayons that weigh it down, this was barely noticeable. I ran my fingers through my hair (a nervous habit) and was thrilled to see no transfer onto my hands.
I even tested it on a humid day, and it held up—no smudging or fading. The real test came when I slept on it. My white pillowcase stayed pristine, which is more than I can say for some other products I’ve tried.
It wasn’t perfect, though. The color match wasn’t exact for my reddish undertones, leaning a tad darker than I’d hoped. I had to layer it carefully to avoid a matte finish that could look flat against my shinier hair. But once I got the hang of it, I could stretch my salon visits by weeks.
Shampooing it out was simple, leaving no residue. This stuff became my go-to for quick touch-ups before meetings or nights out, and I felt confident knowing my roots weren’t stealing the show.
Pros of Color Wow Root Cover Up
- Seamless Gray Coverage
Let’s talk about the star of the show: gray coverage.
Color Wow Root Cover Up hides those silver strands like nobody’s business.
Whether you’re dealing with a few sneaky grays or a full-on salt-and-pepper situation, this powder blends them away.
I found it worked especially well on my part and temples, where grays are most noticeable.
The reflective mineral formula gives a multi-dimensional look, so it doesn’t scream “I’m covering something up!” It’s like Photoshop for your roots.
- Easy and Precise Application
You don’t need to be a makeup artist to use this. The dual-ended brush is a genius touch—one side for broad strokes, the other for precision work like your hairline. I loved how I could control the amount of powder and target exactly where I needed it.
No mess, no fuss. Just dab it on, blend with a brush or your fingers, and you’re good to go. It took me maybe two minutes to cover my roots, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings.
- Long-Lasting and Water-Resistant
This stuff stays put. Once applied, it locks onto your hair and doesn’t budge until you shampoo. I’ve worn it through sweaty workouts, rainy commutes, and even a dip in the pool, and it held strong. No flaking, no smudging, no weird residue on my clothes.
It’s a relief knowing I can go about my day without worrying about my roots peeking through. Plus, it doesn’t transfer to pillows or hands unless you’re really rough with it.
- Versatility for All Hair Types
Whether your hair is color-treated, thinning, or naturally gray, Color Wow has you covered. I used it to extend my highlights, and it blended so well I could skip the salon for an extra week. It’s also great for filling in sparse areas, making your hair look fuller.
I noticed a big difference around my cowlick, where my scalp was more visible. It’s like a little boost of confidence in a compact.
- No Harsh Chemicals
I’m picky about what I put on my hair, especially since I color it regularly. Color Wow is free of waxes, dyes, PPDs, and sulfates, so it’s gentle on your strands. It doesn’t feel like it’s coating your hair in gunk or damaging it over time.
For someone like me who tries to limit chemical exposure, this was a huge win. It’s also cruelty-free, which makes me feel good about using it.
Not-So-Good Parts of Color Wow Root Cover Up
- Limited Color Range
While Color Wow offers eight shades, the color match can be tricky.
My medium brown was close but not perfect, and the red shade I tried was too dark for my coppery tones.
If your hair has unique undertones or you’re rocking a vibrant color like purple or blue, you might struggle to find a spot-on match.
I ended up blending two shades, which worked but added an extra step. I wish they’d expand their range to include more nuanced options.
- Learning to Apply It Right
There’s a slight knack to getting the application just right. My first attempt was patchy because I used too much powder and swept instead of dabbed. It looked a bit chalky until I brushed it out. You’ll need to experiment to find the right amount and technique for your hair.
It’s not hard, but if you’re rushing or new to root cover-ups, it might take a few tries to nail it. Practice makes perfect, but I’d prefer a foolproof process.
- Pricey for the Size
At around $35 for a 0.07-ounce compact, Color Wow isn’t cheap. Yes, it lasts 6 months to a year with regular use, but the small size makes you wonder if you’re getting enough bang for your buck. I went through mine faster than expected because I was heavy-handed at first.
Compared to drugstore options like Clairol or L’Oréal, it’s a splurge. If you’re on a tight budget, this might feel like a luxury rather than a necessity.
- Can Look Matte on Shiny Hair
If your hair is super glossy, the powder’s matte finish can stand out. I noticed this when I applied it to freshly washed hair—it blended well but lacked the natural shine of my untreated strands. Using a lightweight shine spray helped, but it’s an extra step.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re obsessed with a high-gloss look, you might need to tweak your routine to make it seamless.
Comparison of Color Wow Root Cover Up With Other Brands
To find out how Color Wow Root Cover Up holds up, I’ve pitted it against three popular competitors: L’Oréal Magic Root Cover Up, Clairol Root Touch-Up Powder, and Madison Reed Root Touch Up.
I’ve tested them all, and I’m breaking it down comparing each head-to-head on application, staying power, finish, and value. My goal is to help you pick the best root cover-up for your needs in a conversational, real-user way. Let’s see who comes out on top.
Color Wow Vs. L’Oréal Magic Root Cover Up
- Application: Color Wow’s dual-ended brush gives you pinpoint control. The small end is perfect for tiny grays along your hairline, while the larger end tackles wider parts. You dab the powder on dry hair, blend with a brush, and you’re done—no mess. It takes a moment to get the technique right, but it’s clean and precise. L’Oréal’s spray is faster: point, spritz, and your roots are covered in seconds. But it’s sloppy. I’ve sprayed my forehead and bathroom tiles more than once, and it’s tough to target small areas.
- Staying Power: Color Wow is a rockstar here. Once applied, it’s water-resistant and stays put through sweat, rain, or a long day. No flaking or transfer to my pillow. L’Oréal holds up well too, but it can fade slightly in humidity or if you touch your hair a lot. It’s not as bulletproof as Color Wow.
- Finish: Color Wow’s mineral powder blends seamlessly, giving a natural, multi-dimensional look. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything. L’Oréal’s spray can look a bit flat and feel sticky if you overdo it, especially on shiny hair. Color Wow nails the natural vibe.
- Value: At $35, Color Wow is a splurge, but the compact lasts 6-12 months with regular use. L’Oréal, at $10-$15, is budget-friendly and covers more ground per can, but you’ll repurchase sooner. Color Wow feels premium, but L’Oréal’s price is hard to beat.
- Winner: Color Wow for precision and durability; L’Oréal for speed and affordability.
Color Wow Vs. Clairol Root Touch-Up Powder
- Application: Both are powders, but Color Wow’s dual-ended brush offers more versatility than Clairol’s single-sided one. Color Wow lets you switch between broad and precise application, making it easier to hit tricky spots like temples. Clairol’s brush is straightforward but less refined, and I needed more powder to cover grays fully.
- Staying Power: Color Wow stays locked in until you shampoo, resisting water and sweat with no transfer. Clairol holds up decently but can flake by the end of a busy day, especially if you’re outdoors. I noticed some residue on my fingers after running them through my hair, which never happened with Color Wow.
- Finish: Color Wow’s reflective formula gives a natural, non-matte look that blends with your hair’s shine. Clairol’s finish is flatter and can look chalky if you pile it on. Color Wow feels lighter and less detectable, even on clean hair.
- Value: Clairol, at $10, is a steal compared to Color Wow’s $35. Both compacts last a while, but Clairol’s lower pigmentation means you use more per application, so it may not stretch as far. Color Wow’s quality justifies the cost for me, but Clairol’s a solid budget pick.
- Winner: Color Wow for superior application and longevity; Clairol for affordability.
Color Wow Vs. Madison Reed Root Touch Up
- Application: Color Wow’s dual brush makes application a breeze, with options for precision or broad coverage. Madison Reed’s powder has a creamy texture that applies smoothly with its single brush, but it can clump if you’re not careful. Color Wow feels cleaner and more controlled, especially for detailed work.
- Staying Power: Color Wow is nearly indestructible—water-resistant and transfer-proof through a full day or night. Madison Reed lasts well but starts to fade in humid conditions or after a sweaty workout. I saw some grays peeking through by evening, unlike Color Wow’s all-day hold.
- Finish: Color Wow’s lightweight powder gives a natural, glossy finish that doesn’t dull your hair. Madison Reed’s creamier formula looks good but feels heavier, almost waxy, which I noticed more on fine hair. Color Wow blends better for a “barely there” effect.
- Value: Both are premium, with Color Wow at $35 and Madison Reed at $32. They last about the same time, but Color Wow’s lighter application means you use less per touch-up. Madison Reed’s dual-use claim (for brows) adds value, but I didn’t need that feature. Color Wow edges out for efficiency.
- Winner: Color Wow for better staying power and finish; Madison Reed for a creamy alternative.
Color Wow stands out for its precision, durability, and natural look, making it my top pick. L’Oréal’s great for quick, budget-friendly fixes, Clairol’s a solid cheap option, and Madison Reed offers a creamy twist. Your choice depends on whether you value control, cost, or speed.
Maintenance Tips For Color Wow Root Cover Up
- Choose the Right Shade
Picking the right color is half the battle. If you’re between shades, go slightly darker for better blending, as lighter shades can look ashy. I mixed medium brown with a touch of red to match my highlights, which took some trial and error.
Check your hair in natural light before buying, and if possible, test a sample. Color Wow’s website has a shade guide, so use it to avoid mismatches. A good match means less work blending and a more natural look.
- Apply to the Right Hair Condition
For best results, apply to dry, styled hair. I found it sticks better to “dirty” hair with a bit of natural oil or product buildup, like the reviewer who mentioned gels helping adhesion. Clean hair works too, but you might need an extra layer.
Avoid applying right after washing when your hair’s squeaky clean—it can make the powder look patchy. If you must use it on fresh hair, spritz a little dry shampoo first to give it some grip.
- Use Sparingly and Build Up
Less is more with this powder. Load a small amount onto the brush and dab it on gently. I made the mistake of piling it on at first, which made my roots look dull. Start with thin layers, building up only where needed.
Use the small brush for precision spots like your hairline and the larger one for broader areas like your part. If you overdo it, brush through or blow-dry lightly to disperse excess powder.
- Set It for Extra Hold
While Color Wow is water-resistant, a light mist of hairspray can lock it in for high-stakes days—like a long event or a humid forecast. I did this before a wedding, and it didn’t budge, even after dancing. Just don’t go overboard; a quick spritz is enough.
Avoid touching your hair too much afterward, as constant rubbing can loosen the powder, especially if you’ve applied a lot.
- Store and Clean Properly
Keep the compact in a cool, dry place to prevent the powder from clumping. I toss mine in a makeup bag, but make sure the lid’s secure to avoid spills. Clean the brush regularly with a damp cloth or mild soap to prevent buildup, which can make application streaky.
I also shake out loose powder over a sink before closing the compact to keep it tidy. A little care goes a long way in making it last.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Color Wow Root Cover Up lasts until you shampoo your hair. It’s water-resistant, so it withstands sweat, rain, and even swimming, but it washes out completely with your next shampoo. I’ve worn it for up to three days between washes, and it stayed vibrant with no flaking. For best longevity, avoid excessive touching or rubbing, and consider a light hairspray to set it.
Yes, it works incredibly well for most users. It seamlessly covers gray roots, extends highlights, and fills in sparse areas, giving a natural look. My experience mirrored many reviews: it hid my grays effectively and blended well with my natural color. However, success depends on choosing the right shade and applying it correctly—too much powder or a poor color match can make it look unnatural.
Color Wow Root Cover Up is generally safe, with no waxes, dyes, or PPDs, so it’s gentle on hair. I didn’t notice any damage or irritation. However, over-application can make hair feel slightly dry or matte. Some users report a cakey texture if not blended properly. There’s no evidence of scalp irritation or allergic reactions, but if you have sensitive skin, test a small area first.
Color Wow Root Cover Up is a top contender due to its natural finish, long-lasting formula, and ease of use. Compared to L’Oréal’s spray (great for speed but messy), Clairol’s powder (affordable but less durable), and Madison Reed’s powder (creamy but heavy), Color Wow strikes the best balance. It’s pricier, but its precision and staying power make it worth it for most users, including me.
Conclusion: Your Root Rescue Awaits
Color Wow Root Cover Up is a must-have for anyone juggling gray roots or regrowth between salon visits. It’s easy, effective, and delivers a natural look that lasts until you shampoo. From covering grays to boosting hair’s fullness, this powder does it all without the mess of sprays or the weight of waxes.
After using it, I’m confident it’ll save you from bad hair days too. Don’t wait for your next appointment—grab Color Wow now and take control of your roots with a compact that packs a punch.