Madison Reed Root Touch Up Reviews: Is It Worth It?

I’m all about keeping my hair vibrant without breaking the bank, and Madison Reed Root Touch Up has been a game-changer.

This ammonia-free, salon-quality kit covers grays and roots in just 10 minutes, leaving my hair nourished and shiny. Whether you’re dodging salon costs or just need a quick fix, this product delivers.

Trust me, you’ll love the ease and results—let’s get into my experience and why it’s worth adding to your cart!

My Journey With Madison Reed Root Touch Up

Picture this: I’m staring at my bathroom mirror, spotting those pesky silver strands creeping in way too soon.

I’m not even 40, but my roots are screaming for attention every couple of weeks.

Salon visits?

They’re pricey—$120 a pop—and time-consuming.

So, I decided to try Madison Reed Root Touch Up after hearing rave reviews. Spoiler: it’s been a lifesaver.

My first go was a mix of nerves and excitement. The kit arrived with everything I needed: two sets of hair color cream, color activator, gloves, cleansing wipes, a luxurious Color Therapy Mask, and reusable tools. The instructions were clear, and I loved that it promised no ammonia or harsh chemicals.

I chose the 5N Calabria shade to match my dark brown hair. Mixing the cream and activator felt like playing chemist, but it was straightforward. I applied it to my hairline and part line with the included brush, focusing on those stubborn grays.

The process took 10 minutes, as advertised. No chemical stench, just a mild scent that didn’t make my eyes water. After rinsing, I used the Color Therapy Mask, and my hair felt like I’d just left a high-end salon—soft, hydrated, and shiny.

The coverage?

Flawless. My grays were gone, and the color blended perfectly with my existing dye. I was skeptical about it lasting, but three weeks later, my roots still looked fresh. I’ve been using it for months now, and it’s become my go-to between salon visits. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about feeling confident without the hassle.

Pros of Madison Reed Root Touch Up

• Lightning-Fast Application

You’re busy, I’m busy—nobody’s got hours to spend on hair. Madison Reed gets it.

The Root Perfection kit lets you cover roots and grays in 10 minutes.

I apply it, set a timer, and by the time I’m done scrolling my phone, it’s ready to rinse.

It’s perfect for those mornings when you notice regrowth but have zero time for a salon trip.

The brush makes targeting your hairline and part line a breeze, so you’re not wasting product or messing up your existing color.

• Nourishing Ingredients That Care

I’ve trashed my hair with harsh dyes before, so I’m picky about ingredients. Madison Reed’s formula is a breath of fresh air—no ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, parabens, or other nasties. Instead, it’s packed with keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract.

After using it, my hair feels softer and looks shinier, not fried. The Color Therapy Mask is a bonus; it’s like a spa treatment that locks in color and hydration. My strands thank me every time.

• Long-Lasting, Natural-Looking Results

Nothing’s worse than a touch-up that fades in a week. Madison Reed delivers up to three weeks of vibrant coverage. My grays stay hidden, and the color doesn’t turn brassy or patchy. It blends so well with my salon dye that nobody can tell I did it myself.

Whether you’re covering a few silvers or a full part line, the results look professional. I’ve gotten compliments on my hair color, and I just smile knowing it’s a $37 kit, not a $120 salon job.

• Two Applications for the Price of One

Value matters, and Madison Reed doesn’t skimp. Each kit comes with two full applications, so you’re set for two touch-ups. For someone like me, who needs a refresh every 2-3 weeks, this stretches my budget.

The reusable tools—like the mixing bowl and brush—mean you’re not scrambling for supplies. Plus, the subscribe-and-save option ensures I never run out. It’s affordable without feeling cheap, and the packaging is sleek enough to make you feel pampered.

• No Harsh Chemical Smell

If you’ve ever dyed your hair at home, you know that chemical smell can knock you out. Madison Reed’s formula is practically odorless. I can apply it without opening every window in my house or worrying about my kids complaining.

It’s a small thing, but it makes the experience so much more pleasant. You’re not choking on fumes while trying to look fabulous.

Not-So-Good Parts of Madison Reed Root Touch Up

• Limited Full-Head Coverage

Here’s the catch: Madison Reed Root Touch Up is designed for targeted areas—your hairline and part line.

If you’re hoping to cover roots all over your head, this isn’t the product for you.

I learned this the hard way when I tried stretching it to cover more than my T-zone.

The kit’s portion is perfect for touch-ups but won’t cut it for a full dye job.

For that, you’d need their Radiant Hair Color Kit, which is pricier.

• Color Matching Can Be Tricky

With eight shades, Madison Reed offers decent variety, but picking the right one can be stressful. I nailed it with 5N Calabria, but I spent way too long agonizing over the color chart online.

Their Hair Color Quiz helps, but if your hair’s an odd in-between shade, you might second-guess yourself. I wish they had more shades or a virtual try-on that felt foolproof. If you pick wrong, the coverage is still good, but it might not blend perfectly.

• Gloves Could Be Better

The included gloves are functional, but they’re flimsy. On my second application, one tore while I was mixing, and I ended up with dye on my hands. It washed off easily, but it was annoying.

I’ve started using my own disposable gloves for a sturdier fit. For a premium brand, I expected higher-quality gloves that don’t feel like they’ll rip mid-process.

• Not Ideal for Stubborn Grays

Most of my grays vanish with one application, but a few wiry ones need extra love. I’ve had to apply the product thicker and leave it on longer (closer to 15 minutes) for full coverage.

It works, but if you’ve got super-resistant grays, you might need to experiment with timing or application. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if your grays are as stubborn as mine.

Maintenance Tips For Madison Reed Root Touch Up

• Prep Your Hair for Best Results: Start with dry, clean hair—no oils or products. I comb and part my hair as I normally wear it to expose all the roots. This ensures the dye grabs every gray. Before applying, I use the included barrier cream around my hairline to prevent staining my skin. It’s a small step, but it saves you from scrubbing dye off your forehead later. Trust me, you don’t want to walk around with a tinted hairline.
• Master the Application Technique: Less is more at first. I dip the brush lightly into the mixed cream and apply it in small, precise strokes along my part and hairline. If you glob it on, you’ll waste product and make a mess. Work in sections, and don’t rush. For stubborn grays, I go back with a second layer after the first coat sets for a minute. The brush’s small bristles are great for precision, so take advantage of that control.
• Extend Color Longevity: To keep your color vibrant for the full three weeks, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. I swear by Madison Reed’s own shampoo—it’s gentle and keeps my color from fading. Avoid hot water when washing your hair; it strips color faster. I also limit heat styling, as blow-dryers and flat irons can dull the shine. If you’re in the sun a lot, a hat or UV-protectant spray helps prevent fading.
• Use the Color Therapy Mask Wisely: The included Color Therapy Mask is gold. I apply it after rinsing the dye and leave it on for 5 minutes. It seals in the color and makes my hair feel like silk. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives you that salon-fresh vibe. I’ve also bought their standalone Color Therapy Mask to use weekly; it’s a great way to maintain hydration and keep your color looking rich between touch-ups.
• Plan Your Touch-Up Schedule: Timing is everything. I touch up every 2-3 weeks, depending on how fast my roots grow. If you wait too long, the regrowth is harder to blend. Set a calendar reminder or subscribe to Madison Reed’s delivery to stay on track. The kit’s two applications mean you’re covered for about a month, but if your hair grows like mine, you’ll want to order a new kit before you run out.

Comparison of Madison Reed Root Touch Up With Other Brands

You’ve got options when it comes to root touch-ups, and I’ve tried a few to see how Madison Reed stacks up. Let’s break it down A vs. B style, comparing Madison Reed Root Touch Up with Clairol Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up, ColorWow Root Cover Up, and Tarte Big Ego Dab-and-Go Hair Concealer.

Each has its strengths, but I’ll show you why Madison Reed is my favorite for keeping my roots and grays in check.

• Madison Reed Vs. Clairol Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up

Clairol Nice’n Easy Root Touch-Up is a drugstore staple at $17, way cheaper than Madison Reed’s $37.

It’s a permanent dye, available in 27 shades, so you’re more likely to find a match for your hair.

I tried their Medium Brown, and it covered my grays decently, blending well with my salon color.

The application is similar—mix, brush, wait 10 minutes—but the chemical smell hit me hard, unlike Madison Reed’s near-odorless formula.

Clairol’s kit includes a brush and bowl, but the gloves are flimsier, and one tore mid-use.

My hair felt dry after, missing the nourishing keratin and argan oil Madison Reed packs in. Clairol lasts about three weeks, like Madison Reed, but it’s harsher on my strands. If budget’s tight, Clairol’s fine, but Madison Reed feels like a luxury upgrade for healthier hair and a better experience.

• Madison Reed Vs. ColorWow Root Cover Up

ColorWow Root Cover Up, a $34 powder compact, is a whole different vibe. It’s not a dye but a temporary fix you brush onto roots like makeup.

I used their Dark Brown shade, and it was a lifesaver for quick touch-ups before a night out—no mixing, no rinsing.

The powder grips hair well, even doubling as dry shampoo, and it’s mess-free.

But it washes out with shampoo, so it’s not a long-term solution like Madison Reed’s three-week coverage.

ColorWow’s five shades limit matching options compared to Madison Reed’s eight, and it’s pricier for a single-use product. I love ColorWow for emergencies, but Madison Reed wins for lasting, salon-quality results that don’t vanish after a shower.

• Madison Reed Vs. Tarte Big Ego Dab-and-Go Hair Concealer

Tarte’s Big Ego Dab-and-Go Hair Concealer, at $26, is another temporary player. Its sponge-tip applicator feels like applying lip gloss to your roots, and I tried the Medium Brown. It’s precise, buildable, and doesn’t stain skin, which is great for my hairline.

Tarte’s formula can even fill in brows, which is a fun bonus. But, like ColorWow, it washes out with shampoo, so it’s not competing with Madison Reed’s demi-permanent, three-week staying power. Tarte offers fewer shades—only four—so I struggled to match my hair perfectly.

It’s cheaper than Madison Reed but less versatile for regular use. I’d grab Tarte for a last-minute event, but Madison Reed’s my go-to for consistent, vibrant coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping It Up: Your Roots Deserve Madison Reed

I can’t recommend Madison Reed Root Touch Up enough. It’s fast, nourishing, and delivers salon-worthy color without the salon price tag. From the easy 10-minute application to the three weeks of flawless coverage, it’s a must-have for anyone battling grays or regrowth. Grab it, try it, and thank me later when your hair looks amazing and your wallet’s still happy.