That time between salon appointments can be tricky. Not only can your hair be lacklustre, but dreaded roots become a real issue if you use dye. Unless you are ready to transition to your natural colour, it’s time to invest in a root cover-up.

Root touch-ups have come a long way from their “hair mascara” beginnings. They come in semi-permanent to permanent formulas and wash-in and wash-out solutions. They’re available in different forms, too, from sprays to mousse and powders. Finding the right one for you depends on your needs. If it is a quick fix, go for a can spray. A dye might be a better choice if you need a more durable job.

Learning the pros and cons of each product is a must. For sprays, be sure not to over-apply. Residue can leave the hair feeling dry and chalky, making a quick solution into a full-on hairwash. With dyes and mousse, leave space from the root and massage the product toward the parting so you don’t get a stained scalp. And always apply before makeup to avoid speckles ruining a good look.

1. Root smudge £15, joshwoodcolour.com
2. L’Oréal Professional Hair Touch-up £10.97, toniandguy.com
3. Colour Fix spray £4.99, superdrug.com
4. Charles Worthington Instant Root Concealer £9.99, amazon.co.uk
5. Aqua Colour Hair Mascara £10.90, kryolan.com
6. Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray £30, spacenk.com
7. Garnier Express Retouch £9.99, amazon.co.uk
8. Schwarzkopf Root Retouch £7, superdrug.com
9. Clairol Root Touch-up £6.99, boots.com
10. Color Wow Root Cover Up £26.50, lookfantastic.com