Once you've found your perfect color match (we used 5, a medium brown, here), take stock of everything that's in your Root Touch-Up box. Read the instructions so you're clear on the products, process and timing. Each package comes with permanent color creme (marked #1), a color-activating lotion (marked #2), a mixing tray, a precision brush for application and a pair of gloves -- which you'll need to wear anytime you're working with the hair color.
In addition, you'll want to have an old t-shirt or towel on hand to protect your clothing (even the neatest among us can get a little messy), plus petroleum jelly, a comb, plastic hair clips and a timer.
Keep in mind that 48 hours before coloring your hair, you'll need to do a patch test to be sure you don't have any allergies to the product. Then, you're ready to make your stubborn grays -- or overgrown roots -- disappear.
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Mix Your Hair Color
Find a flat, stable surface for your mixing tray. Squeeze the contents of the permanent color cream tube and color activating lotion into the tray. Then stir, stir, stir with the included brush to blend them completely.
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Divide Your Hair
Start with dry hair, and give it a good brush-through. Then, use your comb to divide your hair into four sections. Part it down the middle and then split each side in half, front to back. Twist and secure each section with a clip, so your hair is out of the way.
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Apply Petroleum Jelly
To avoid getting color on your skin, delicately apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your hairline with your fingertips. Get as close as possible to your hairline, but be careful not to get any in your hair.
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Apply Root Touch-Up
Unclip the section of hair with the most visible grays. You're going to start here. Use the included brush to paint the color mixture along your roots, or wherever you see silver strands. Once you've completely coated your first section, repeat on the rest of your hair, until there's color on all four quarters of your hair.
Set your timer for 10 minutes -- or 15 if you're battling particularly stubborn grays -- and relax (or even pamper yourself) while you wait for Root Touch-Up to work its magic.
