Stacey Solomon’s Grey-Root Hack: What Root Sprays Can (and Can’t) Do

Stacey Solomon has shared her go-to hack for refreshing her hair between salon appointments: a quick mist of root spray to disguise greys. It’s a trick many UK colourists quietly recommend to clients who want to stretch out their appointments without compromising on looking polished. But beyond the celebrity mention and the bargain price tag, how do root sprays actually work – and how can you use them properly without creating patchy colour, residue, or an irritated scalp?

What Is a Root Spray – and How Does It Hide Greys?

Root sprays (sometimes called root concealers or temporary root touch-ups) are tinted sprays designed to blend out regrowth and scattered grey hairs. They sit on the surface of the hair rather than permanently altering it, which makes them fundamentally different from box dyes or in-salon colour.

Most formulas are essentially highly pigmented, quick-drying cosmetics for the hair. They’re usually:

• Temporary: They wash out with shampoo, so there’s no long-term commitment and minimal risk of colour build-up if you’re cleansing regularly.
• Transfer-resistant once dry: Many modern formulas are designed not to rub off easily onto pillowcases or collars, though a heavy application can still transfer.
• Shade-matched: Available from light blonde through to black, sometimes with nuanced tones (warm, cool, ash, chocolate) to better match salon colour.
• Targeted: With focused nozzles or micro-diffuser sprays to concentrate pigment on visible partings, hairlines and temples.

For anyone following Stacey Solomon’s lead and using root spray between salon visits, the underlying principle is simple: you’re visually reducing the contrast between your natural regrowth (including greys) and your coloured lengths, making the eye read the hair as more uniform.

How to Use Root Spray Like a Pro

Root spray can be a brilliant safety net if you’re waiting for a colour appointment, growing out grey hair gradually, or simply don’t have time for a full styling session before a meeting or night out. Used poorly, though, it can look flat, dusty, or obviously artificial. UK stylists commonly coach clients through these core techniques:

• Start with dry, styled hair: Sprays grip best onto dry hair. Rough-dry or blow-dry your hair into the shape you’ll wear (parting included) before applying the spray.
• Shake the can thoroughly: Pigment can settle at the bottom. A 10–20 second shake helps ensure an even, non-speckled finish.
• Hold at least 10–15cm away: Too close and you risk a ‘painted’ patch; too far and the pigment disperses unevenly. Most brands print a recommended distance on the can – follow that as a guide.
• Use short, light bursts: Think of it like makeup setting spray, not hairspray. Mist lightly, assess, then build up if needed rather than saturating one area in a single go.
• Focus on the parting and hairline: These are the areas people actually see – your central part, any zig-zag or deep side part, your front hairline and temples.
• Comb or tap to diffuse: Stylists often run a clean toothbrush, tail comb, or fingers lightly over the area to soften any harsh lines before the product fully sets.
• Allow to dry fully: Give it a minute or two before touching your hair, changing clothes, or adding styling products.

A practical place to start is using your root spray for events where you know you’ll be photographed – weddings, parties, or work presentations – and then decide if you want to incorporate it into your weekly routine based on how it feels and wears on your hair.

Choosing the Right Shade and Formula for Your Hair

When Stacey Solomon praises a root spray, it’s tempting to click “buy” immediately. But the best root spray for you will depend on your hair colour, texture, and how you usually style your hair. Colourists in UK salons often share the following guidance:

• Err on the slightly darker side for greys: A fraction deeper than your mid-lengths can create the illusion of natural shadow at the root, which many people find flattering.
• Cool vs warm tones: If your hair is highlighted or balayaged, note whether your colour leans cool (ashy, beige, mushroom) or warm (golden, caramel, honey) and pick a root spray that aligns with that undertone.
• Blonde roots need nuance: Very light or platinum blondes with dark natural regrowth can struggle with root sprays. You might need a root concealer stick or powder combined with spray for the most believable result.
• Curly and textured hair: On curls, coils and Afro-textured hair, a finer mist is usually kinder than a heavy spray. Many stylists recommend lifting sections gently and spraying from slightly above to avoid weighing curls down.
• Fine hair vs thick hair: Fine hair can quickly look ‘stiff’ with over-application, while thick hair may require more product. Start minimal and build – especially around the hairline where product is most visible.

If you’re unsure, take a photo of your roots and overall hair colour in natural daylight and compare it to online swatches, or ask your colourist at your next appointment which undertone you should be looking for in between-salon products.

Root Sprays vs Other Quick-Fix Grey Options

Stacey Solomon’s £7 root-spray hack is one of several quick solutions for camouflaging regrowth. Each option has pros and cons, depending on lifestyle and how dramatically your greys contrast with your coloured hair.

• Root sprays: Fast, forgiving and easily washed out. Ideal for last-minute cover, special occasions, and stretching an appointment by a week or two.
• Root powders: Applied with a brush, similar to eyeshadow. They can look very natural and are easy to target precisely around the hairline, but may not last as well in rain or sweat.
• Root crayons or sticks: Handy for small, specific areas such as temples or cowlicks. They can feel slightly waxy on fine hair but are handy for travel.
• Semi-permanent glosses or glazes: Often used in salons, these add tone and shine and can soften the contrast between greys and coloured hair, but they involve a full appointment and aren’t as instant as a spray.
• Strategic styling: Zig-zag partings, soft fringes, and volume at the crown can all distract from visible regrowth without any product at all.

In day-to-day life, many people use a combination of these. For instance, a powder or crayon for the temples where hair is sparse and delicate, and a spray over the main parting when they want a quicker, fuller effect.

Scalp Considerations, Build-Up and Removal

Because root sprays are cosmetic pigments that sit on the surface of the hair, they’re generally considered a lower-commitment option than permanent or semi-permanent dyes. Still, there are some practical points worth keeping in mind, especially if you use them frequently.

• Scalp sensitivity: Dermatologists often suggest patch-testing new hair products if you have a history of sensitive skin or scalp issues. Try a small amount near the hairline, avoid spraying directly on exposed scalp where possible, and discontinue use if you notice itching or irritation.
• Build-up: Using root sprays every day without thorough cleansing can leave hair feeling coated. Many stylists recommend a gentle but effective shampoo at least a couple of times a week to remove residue.
• Cleansing routine: Focus your shampoo at the roots, where the spray sits, and emulsify well before rinsing. A second shampoo can help if you use heavier styling products too.
• Avoiding overload: If your hair feels matte or gritty, step back your usage to key days (meetings, social plans) rather than daily, and balance with lightweight conditioning on mid-lengths and ends.

From a practical standpoint, treat root spray like you would a long-wear foundation: beautiful when you want that extra polish, but best paired with a thorough cleanse and some bare-skin – or in this case, bare-scalp – days built into your week.

Key Takeaways

• Root sprays offer a fast, temporary way to disguise grey regrowth and stretch the time between colour appointments, much like Stacey Solomon’s go-to hack.
• They work by coating the hair’s surface with pigment, so choosing a suitable shade and undertone is crucial for a believable result that blends with your existing colour.
• For a polished finish, apply on dry, styled hair in light bursts, targeting the parting and hairline, then diffuse gently with fingers or a comb before the product fully sets.
• Root sprays sit alongside powders, crayons and semi-permanent glosses as part of a wider toolkit for managing greys without committing to frequent salon visits.
• To keep hair and scalp comfortable, build in regular cleansing to remove residue, and seek professional or dermatological advice if you experience persistent sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does root spray last on the hair?
Most root sprays are designed to last until your next shampoo. They may gradually fade if brushed vigorously, exposed to heavy rain, or rubbed by hats and headbands, but generally stay put through a normal day or evening.

Can root sprays cover fully white or silver hair?
They can visually soften and darken white or silver strands, especially when the contrast with your coloured lengths isn’t extreme. On very dense white regrowth, you may need a more concentrated application or to combine spray with a powder or crayon for maximum coverage.

Will root spray damage my hair?
Root sprays are usually formulated as temporary cosmetic products that sit on the surface of the hair. Many people use them without issues. However, if you notice dryness or feel your hair is becoming coated, it can help to reduce frequency and prioritise thorough, gentle cleansing and conditioning.

Can I use styling products over root spray?
Yes, but with care. Allow the spray to dry completely first, then use lightweight products such as mist-style hairsprays. Heavy creams or oils applied directly at the root can disturb the pigment or cause patchiness.

Is root spray suitable for curly, coily or Afro-textured hair?
It can be, particularly for disguising scattered greys around the hairline or partings. Many textured-hair specialists suggest holding the can slightly further away and using a light touch to avoid weighing curls down or creating a dusty finish.

How do I stop root spray from transferring onto clothes or pillowcases?
Apply sparingly, let it dry fully, and avoid touching your roots repeatedly. If you’re worried about transfer overnight, some people prefer to use root spray only on days when they’ll wash it out before bed.

Should I tell my colourist if I’ve been using root spray?
Yes, it’s helpful to mention. While root sprays wash out, a slight residue can sometimes affect how your colourist reads your root shade. Letting them know ensures they can accurately assess your natural regrowth and plan your colour accordingly.