‘I’ve been covering my greys for a decade and I’ve finally found an instant root touch-up that works’
I went grey in my late 20s. It’s sadly probably the only thing I have in common with J Lo. And as someone who’s, shall we say, quite laissez-faire about hair care, I’ve spent years trying to find the most low maintenance way to cover my grey roots.
I got balayage, thinking if I blended light blondes in with the greys, you wouldn't see them. But it required a lot of upkeep – not great for the bank balance or someone who hates spending hours in the hairdressers (yep, I’m the problem, it’s me). I then got it dyed dark chocolate brown all over, but it didn’t take long for the grey roots to poke through. Again, the maintenance was too much. (At this point, I should say, I love grey hair but I just wasn't ready to embrace it in my 20s and 30s.)
In lockdown, I found a DIY solution and it was a decent one. Judging by how often it went out of stock, I don’t think I was the only one relying on Josh Wood’s permanent hair dye in 5.5 (if you know, you know). It completely covers my greys and I’m a big fan of the at-home bowl and brush set for mess-free application (and feeling like you’re a professional colourist).
But it still takes about 45 minutes every six to eight weeks, which is still too much for me. I wanted something instant for those mornings when the silver hairs insist on catching the light. I tried an instant root concealer spray, which did the job but made my roots feel sticky and came off in my fingernails when I tried to run my fingers through my hair.
But, a decade on, I think I’ve finally found it, the instant root touch-up I’ve been looking for. It’s…no, not Rebekah Vardy...Josh Wood’s new Blending Brush.
Blending Brush (Dark Brown)
Blending Brush (Light Brown)
Blending Brush (Dark Blonde)
To use, you simply pump the applicator to draw the dye onto the tapered brush, brush the colour onto your hair while it’s still damp and then blow dry for a natural- looking finish. It doesn’t leave any greasiness or brown powder at the roots and it allows you to be more precise with the coverage than a spray. It also leaves hair shiny instead of dull. You can’t really go wrong – if you go too heavy at the hairline, you can just wipe it off with a damp cloth.
It’s still only a short-term solution but it’s the faff-free, foolproof coverage I’ve been looking for. My only quibble is that it would be nice to see a wider colour range – there are four currently if you include the limited edition (and often sold out) copper red shade, and I feel like I fall between the two browns. However, it effortlessly covers my greys and it generally lasts about three days or until your next hair wash. It’s certainly the best grey root touch-up product I’ve found.
So, how do you find the right shade for you and are there any insider tips we should know about for flawless root touch-ups? I spoke to Sam Ashcroft, Expert Stylist at Josh Wood Atelier to find out everything you need to know.
How do you find the best shade for your hair colour?
“There are many ways to find your perfect shade. If you're looking for expert help, you can take our quiz, book a free video consultation and get the advice of an expert or you can send photos of your hair to Josh Wood Colour's client delight team.” Yes, client delight team.
If you want to match it yourself at home and are already a Josh Wood dye-hard fan, you can align the numbers on the brush to your regular permanent dye, or simply use your eye. I find you don't need an exact match. I use the darker brown and it blends in well enough.
What’s the best way to apply it?
“For best results, press the pump of the Blending Brush so that enough product fills the tapered brush head. Dab it on to a tissue to ensure even distribution. Then apply it to freshly washed hair, targeting your greys but avoiding your scalp. Once it's applied to all greys, blow dry it to make sure the product is set and that's it! Goodbye greys!”
If you're unsure how much is needed, load up the brush gradually and lift the hair away from the scalp to apply. You can always go back over areas that need a bit more coverage before you blow dry to set.
How does it compare to your Root Smudge product? What’s the USP of each?
“The Blending Brush and Root Smudge work hand in hand. The Blending Brush is a wet application that allows you to cover your greys as part of your getting-ready routine while blow drying and styling your hair. The Root Smudge is a lightweight, fine powder that helps cover greys on the go and is also good for layering over your Blending Brush to give you a denser coverage.”
The GHI's top tried and tested products for maintaining your DIY dye at home
Shampoo For Beautiful Color
This is expensive but it extends the life of your colour and provides intense moisture.
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
This heat-activated, anti-frizz spray is ideal for colour-treated hair
Leave-In Hair Repair Mask, 15ml
Our go-to for strengthening hair from the inside, which will keep your condition and colour fresh.
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