We all want our hair colour to look great, but sometimes touching up our roots gets relegated to the bottom of our to-do list. But every four weeks or so, those pesky grey hairs surface again – whether you have time to deal with them or not.

The good news is that there are several simple tricks that can help rescue your roots between colour appointments and still get you out the door, fast.

We asked Patrick Melville, Aveeno hair consultant and a top Hollywood stylist who has worked with celebrities including Demi Moore and Catherine Zeta-Jones, to dish six insider tips on concealing roots.

1. Use a coloured dry shampoo
The benefits of using coloured dry shampoos are twofold: Not only do they hide roots, but they also extend the life of your overall colour. (Washing hair with water and regular shampoo can strip colour molecules from your once-vibrant shade.) "(Dry shampoos) protect the colour and preserve essential moisture and shine for long-lasting brilliance and superior colour retention," says Melville.

When your roots begin to emerge, start using a coloured dry shampoo instead of your normal lather-and-rinse routine. Not only will it zap greasy roots, but it will also mask any regrowth in a flash as coloured dry shampoos such as Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder come in blond, white, brunette and black varieties. So if you've got brown hair and your greys are peeking through, one shot of the brunette dry shampoo will mask them.

2. Invest in headbands
Wearing headbands is a fun way to hide your roots. They're inexpensive and they come in virtually every pattern, size and colour. But to avoid looking like you belong on the set of "Gossip Girl" – where the cast famously wear thick headbands – Melville suggests a different approach. "Try placing multiple skinny headbands together for a more grown-up look," he says.

Page 1 of 2 -- Try a different style or hair cut with our expert's tips, plus learn how to touch up root hair colour on page 2
3. Create a messy part
The messier your part, the harder it will be to see a distinct line of regrowth. Melville also suggests you add volume to your hairstyle to hide incoming roots. "Try using a curling iron to create texture and lift at the roots." The volume will keep your hairline from being too obvious, and can add a fun, new focal point to your style.

4. Get the right haircut
Haircuts can play an important role in how your roots stand out. "Shaggy, layered bobs work well for hiding roots because of their styling versatility," says Melville. You can muss them up, which helps to downplay roots. "Also try haircuts with longer layers and sweeping fringes – these are wonderful ways to camouflage roots, too."

5. Try a hair-colour pen
Hair-colour pens, such as the Oscar Blandi Colore Root Touch Up and Highlighting Pen, act like a Sharpie for your hair. They allow you to "colour in" rogue grey hairs that appear and let you target the exact areas you want to. The pens come in several shades, so you have the flexibility of choosing your exact colour.

Melville advises that you apply the colour sparingly around your hairline or part so it looks the most natural. The colour is temporary and stays on until you shampoo it out. "They are so easy to use and are a great temporary fix. Just be aware that they can rub off on pillows and run in the rain."

6. Avoid severe styles
When roots are at their worst – with several inches of regrowth – Melville says to steer clear of severe parts or slicked-back styles, as they will put a glaring spotlight on mismatched roots.

This goes for ponytails, too. A ponytail is a dead giveaway that your roots need to be done, says Melville. Instead, opt for volume at the roots wherever possible and invest in root-lifting sprays. "I also love using pomades around the root area because they help create texture and movement."

Read more:

10 celebrity hairstyles for long hair
Hair trends: White blond is on our radar
Should you dye your hair red?

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