How to Hide Regrowth

Co-authored by Martha Ellen Mabry and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 4, 2023 References

New hair colors are great while they last, but it’s definitely frustrating when your roots start to peek out after a few weeks. There’s no need to worry! If you can’t pop by a salon, there are still plenty of stylish, clever hacks and tricks you can use to hide and disguise your regrowth.

1

Apply root touch-up products.

Root concealer offers long-lasting coverage for your regrowth. Spritz the product all over your exposed roots, creating seamless coverage along the top of your head. High-quality root concealers will stay in place until you hop in the shower.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- A root touch-up kit provides long-term coverage for your regrowth.
- Some brands make root touch-up products for bright hair colors, like pink, purple, and teal.
Advertisement

2

Disguise your roots with dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is great at hiding darker roots. The light powder of the shampoo helps your regrowth blend in with the rest of your hair, creating a more seamless look. Simply spritz the shampoo along your exposed roots for quick, seamless coverage!^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Martha Ellen Mabry
Hairstylist & Salon Owner

Expert Interview}^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Tinted dry shampoo can help hide and slightly recolor your regrowth, too.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}

3

Add a touch of makeup.

Makeup can hide your regrowth if you’re in a pinch. Search your makeup collection for mascara, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, or powder foundation that’s a close match to the rest of your hair. Dab or spread the makeup product over your exposed roots until they blend with the rest of your hair.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Martha Ellen Mabry
Hairstylist & Salon Owner

Expert Interview}^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Wax-based cosmetics will last the longest in your hair. Powders and other makeups will still get the job done, but they might leak and streak if you run into rainy weather.
EXPERT TIP

Martha Ellen Mabry
Hairstylist & Salon Owner
Martha Ellen Mabry is a Hairstylist and the founder of Headchop Hair Studio in Brooklyn, New York. Martha Ellen founded Headchop in 2011 and has been providing high-quality hair styling services in New York ever since. In 2023, Martha Ellen expanded her business to include Lil’ Chop, an express version of Headchop focused on quick and easy in-and-out hair styling. In addition to running two businesses, Martha Ellen's specialties include dry cutting, natural curl and texture, extensions, brow microblading, lamination, freckle tattooing, as well as wedding and event styling. Martha Ellen works exclusively with Great Lengths extensions specializing in changes for length, density, and chemical-free color.

Martha Ellen Mabry
Hairstylist & Salon Owner

Instead of touch-up sprays, use eyeshadow brushed onto roots to disguise grown-out color. These are kind of like dry shampoo but they deposit color onto your hair to cover up regrowth. In a pinch, you can also use eyeshadow with a makeup brush on your roots and set it with hairspray. This can disguise regrowth when you can't get to the salon.

Advertisement

4

Use a weekly toning shampoo.

Toning shampoo gets rid of some unpleasant brassiness in your hair. As you hop in the shower, lather and rinse out your hair with your traditional shampoo first. Then, re-lather your hair with toning shampoo—this will get rid of some brassy tones in your hair, and help tone down the regrowth a bit.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Pair toning shampoo with a hair mask to completely refresh your hair.

5

Slip on a headband.

Headbands are a great way to hide regrowth when you’re in a rush. Center the accessory over the most obvious sections of regrowth, hiding it completely from view.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Headbands can be a really stylish accent to your outfit, too! Pick out a fun color that matches your ensemble for the day.
Advertisement

6

Wear a hat.

Hats offer quick coverage on the go. If you don’t have enough time to touch-up your roots before heading outside, slip on your favorite hat. This accessory helps keep your roots hidden, while also adding a stylish accent to the rest of your outfit.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Any kind of hat will do—it can be a winter hat, baseball cap, bucket hat, or something else altogether!

7

Try a textured hairdo.

Instead, give your hair a boost with a quick, textured style. Grab a medium-sized curling iron, guiding the wand through the ends of your hair.^{[10]
X
Research source} Then, spray a few spritzes of sea salt spray into your locks.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

8

Slick your hair back.

Gel makes your hair darker overall, which helps hide regrowth. Pour a small, grape-sized amount of hair gel on your comb, guiding it backward along your hair. Continue raking your hair backward, creating a look that’s both iconic and practical.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- You can also slick your hair back into a ponytail or bun.

9

Twist your hair into a top knot.

A top knot adds a classy touch to your regrowth.^{[13]
X
Research source} To create this simple look, flip and pull your hair into a ponytail along the top of your head. Then, twist the ponytail in a circular motion, creating a donut shape as you go. Tie your hair in place along the top of your head to finish things off.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

10

Switch your part.

Side parts are the best way to disguise any new regrowth. After hopping out of the shower, blow dry your hair for several minutes to give it a lot of extra volume. Then, flip your part to the right or left for a quick, stylish cover-up!^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Don’t worry about combing your new part into place. Messy parts help diffuse and blend your regrowth into the rest of your hair.
- A zig-zag part is another great option! Grab 1 in (2.5 cm) sections of hair along the center of your head, alternating sections to the left and right. Your hair part will look like a “Z” instead of a straight line, and your regrowth won’t be as obvious.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Some braids can completely disguise your regrowth. Tie your hair into plaits close to your scalp, or tie a thick braid down the back of your head. Crown braids are also a great way to hide your regrowth.^{[17]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0