A hair colour can help conceal greys, blend in regrowth or give you a lasting new look. But the choice goes far beyond simply picking a shade number. Between a permanent hair dye, a temporary spray and a concealing powder, the staying power, application method and precautions you need to take are completely different.
A root touch-up spray or root concealer powder masks regrowth until your next shampoo, without permanently altering the hair fibre. A permanent colour, on the other hand, is usually mixed with a developer and lasts much longer, even if regrowth eventually becomes visible over the weeks.
Buying a spray hoping for a lasting colour change is the quickest way to waste your money. Always check the labels for “temporary”, “lasts until your next shampoo” or “permanent”.
The result depends on your starting colour, any previous dyes and the amount of grey hair you have. A chestnut brown hair colour won’t give the same result on a blonde base as it will on very dark hair. For a blonde hair colour, pay close attention to the starting level and the recommended processing time.
Claims like “natural”, “radiant” or “multi-dimensional” are quite vague. To make a reliable choice, it’s best to refer to the shade number, the colour chart and the instructions provided by the brand.
An ammonia-free hair colour can still contain other colouring agents or oxidisers that may cause a reaction. The product information for many items recommends a patch test 48 hours before each use. This precaution is essential, even if you’ve used the same dye before without any issues.
For an express touch-up before an appointment, a compact format or an aerosol is often more practical than a full kit. If you regularly cover your greys, consider the amount of product, whether you can prepare only part of the kit, and the processing time.
Light chestnut, dark chestnut, golden blonde or auburn: these shades react differently depending on your existing base. If your goal is simply to disguise regrowth, choose a colour close to your current shade to avoid a harsh line.
Manufacturers’ claims about grey hair coverage should always be checked against the instructions. Particularly stubborn white hair may need a specific processing time, which will be stated on the leaflet.
Examine the ingredient list, warnings and what’s included in the box. A permanent colour may contain a colour cream, a hydrogen peroxide developer, gloves and a post-colour treatment. Some professional products, like Kemon creams, require you to buy the developer separately.
Also keep these rules in mind:
Why this choice suits this profile: Its aerosol format lets you quickly touch up roots or greys, with no preparation or mixing required.
The product information clearly states it’s a temporary cover that washes out with shampoo – so you know exactly what to expect.
A brown shade, application on dry hair, a claimed drying time of one minute and a 75 ml bottle.
Why this choice suits this profile: This compact powder will appeal to those looking for precise application in a portable format.
Its format clearly states it’s for touch-ups between colourings, not a permanent colour.
A mineral powder with a built-in mirror, claimed to be water-resistant and removed with shampoo.
Why this choice suits this profile: The pump system, with no mixing required, and the ability to keep leftover product make it ideal for repeated partial touch-ups.
You can apply just the amount you need to a targeted area, without having to prepare a full kit for a simple regrowth touch-up.
A light chestnut brown cream, a claimed processing time of 15 minutes and a pump system with no pre-mixing.
Why this choice suits this profile: This complete kit is ideal for anyone wanting to do a permanent colour at home, with the main accessories already included.
The product information clearly distinguishes the ammonia-free formula from the requirement to do a patch test 48 hours before each application.
A 120 g kit containing the colour cream, developer, gloves and post-colour treatment, in the shade Pure Chestnut 4.0.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time selection of products that meet these exacting standards, in full compliance with European safety regulations.
The staying power varies depending on your rate of hair growth, how often you shampoo, your hair’s porosity and the shade you choose. Regrowth can become visible even while the lengths still have their colour. A root touch-up can then delay a full colouring, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Yes. A spray is designed to temporarily conceal roots and some grey hairs. However, it does not replace a permanent grey hair colour. Most products in this category wash out with shampoo and need to be reapplied as soon as regrowth becomes visible.
The absence of ammonia does not mean there is no risk of a reaction. The dyes and other ingredients in the formula can cause sensitivity in some people. Read the instructions carefully, carry out the recommended patch test and do not apply the product if you have any irritation, doubts or a history of a reaction.