I Swear by This $11 Root Concealer to Cover Gray Hairs

I have gray hair, and I’m finally not embarrassed to admit it.

Besides, I’m in my 40s and in good company: Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Charlize Theron have all been open about going gray.

But the truth is, mine started showing up back in my 20s (thanks to my beautiful mama and the premature graying gene she passed down). These days, we both rely on the same go-to fix: L’Oréal Paris Root Cover-Up. It sprays on in seconds, blends in with my natural color, and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue. Of all the quick gray-hiding solutions I’ve tried over the years — and believe me, there have been many — this one is the most fuss-free.

Gray Roots Concealers at Amazon

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover-Up

Those sneaky silver strands always seem to pop up overnight — especially along my part and hairline — but this spray makes them disappear in seconds. I use the dark brown shade, but it comes in 11 colors from blonde to red to black, so finding a match is easy. 

I’ve tried mascara as a quick fix before, but it was too sticky and obvious on my hair. This, on the other hand, blends in with a light spritz and a matte finish. I use the edge of a comb to shield my part, and the coverage buys me a few extra weeks between salon appointments. It’s the one product I always keep on hand for fast and simple gray coverage that actually works — and so does my 72-year-old mom.

Boldify Hairline Powder

Boldify can be used to cover grays, as well as brighten up blonde hair. PEOPLE vice president of commerce Dwyer Frame says she doesn’t stress about dark roots anymore. “This powder is an easy touch-up in between highlight sessions. It goes on seamlessly with the sponge applicator and actually gives my hair a nice texture.”

It comes in over a dozen colors, making a match easy to find, and it can also be used to conceal thinning hair.

Color Wow Root Cover-Up

I also keep this pressed powder version of root cover-up in my stash. It’s pricier and takes a bit more time to apply than the spray, but the payoff is worth it. The texture feels like eyeshadow, and it gives natural-looking coverage for both grays and sparse spots. I use it sparingly to last longer, but it’s reassuring to have on hand when the grays are growing out and I’m heading somewhere I want to look more polished.

Everpro Gray Away Root Touch-Up Quick Stick

I’ve also tried this handy little stick — it’s a must-have for more precise touch-ups along my hairline and temples. I appreciate that its angled tip helps target grays while the sponge side works to blend everything in. The creamy formula dries to a velvety finish that looks natural. It becomes especially handy when I need to spruce up my temples or baby gray hairs in a pinch.

Style Edit Root Touch-Up Spray

This was the very first gray root concealer I was introduced to more than 10 years ago at a hair salon, and it’s still a splurge-worthy favorite. The spray gives instant, salon-quality coverage with a lightweight feel. It’s more expensive, yes, but the just-colored finish might just give you an extra confidence boost.

Going gray might be part of getting older, but with these clever root cover-ups, you can turn back the clock between colorings. Keep scrolling for more root concealers to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.

Clairol Root Touch-Up Powder

Toppik Hair Building Fibers

Sevich Hairline Powder

Red by Kiss Root Touch-Up