 |
| Gray Away Root Concealer $9.99 in drug stores nationwide |
I have twice written about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer, a cleverly conceived product to literally spray away gray. Rita Hazan is a celeb colorist turned celeb in her own right. I thought Root Concealer was so miraculously good, I included it in my Best of 2011 Hair Round-Up. Honestly, I think it's right up there with Sir Alexander Fleming's penicillin discovery, though others might find that an exaggeration.
Root Concealer is sold exclusively at Sephora and by Ms. Hazan on her website and QVC. The one ounce can is not a travel size edition, it is the way it is packaged. For such a small amount of product, it is a very pricey addiction at $24 a pop...I know this first hand.
Frustrated by the frequency that I need to repurchase it, I did ask the Sephora consultant if she knew why it couldn't at least be packaged in larger cans. She plausibly told me, that it wasn't possible, since the thin, dolphin nose spray applicator would clog...O.K., I'll bite. This time I didn't repurchase it, but decided to scour the Internet for spray alternatives.
This all brings me to my latest discovery...Gray Away Root Concealer. I cannot find much information about QB Labs, who manufactures it. My twofer arrived today...
Gray Away's website did not provide information about how much product I was receiving, and I conjured up a vision of two 8 oz. cans. Disappointingly, as soon as I opened the box I knew I was back in Rita territory. Each can contains 1.5 oz and are about the size of a bottle of mini-bar vodka. I opened the can and saw a similar dolphin nose applicator-- Maybe there really is something to be said for that "clog"
Gray Away is available in 4 shades, Blonde, Auburn, Light Brown and Dark Brown. Root Concealer also has Black. I knew from experience to order the light brown. It is peroxide and ammonia free, and similarly promises to be flake free, run free and meant to last until you shampoo it out. (It is, it is and it does).
How does Gray Away and Rita Hazan Root Concealer Compare:
I found the Gray Away to be far superior. It went exactly where I sprayed it and covered any gray completely. It did not rub onto my finger tips after a few seconds of drying and it did not leave my hair feeling stiff and tacky.
With shipping, tax and handling, 3 oz. of Gray Away was $27.00. I think it's safe to assume the "twofer" deal will run ad infinitum. 1 oz. of Root Concealer is roughly the same amount with tax, so essentially you are getting twice as much Gray Away for your money.
I think you can guess which way my head is heading...
For now, Gray Away is as good as it gets. I have a friend at P&G and I've told her I think "Root Concealers" will be as big as Clairol's Root Touch-Up if someone can make it more cost effective. That would be a huge win at the mass level.
My real hope is that Sir Alexander Fleming's great grandson will accidentally stumble upon a pill that would make gray hair obsolete. Now that would really be right up there with penicillin.
xox,
DD
You can purchase Jerome Russell Temporary Natural Color Highlights in several colors and works great for root concealer. Walgreen's sells a 3.5oz spray can for about $6.00
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this product. Thank you for posting and sharing it with my readers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great suggestion that will not set me back $27. Thats a tolerable price and I can return it to walgreens if I dont like it.
ReplyDeleteI just got it for 9 bucks at walgreens I just need to know does it come off when wet?
DeleteHi Anon!
ReplyDeleteThey sell this at Walgreens???? That's great to know. Is it the two for one price that is on line?
I am CRAZY about this. I just started my second can, so the first lasted nearly 2 mos.! I could blow through a can of Rita Hazan in 3 weeks. I much prefer this formula. It is much thinner and less tacky than RZ.
Let me know what you think!
xo
DD
So confused Debbi, which one did you love? I need to try one of these products. Thanks for the help!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG sorry! Definitely the Gray Away!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazingly good product. www.grayaway.com. Let me know what you think!
DD
HiDD,
ReplyDeleteOne question: how is the scent like? Thanks, Jo
Hi Jo,
ReplyDeleteNo smell that I can discern. All good!
DD
I want to try Gray Away but it will not ship to Hawaii. That sux.
ReplyDeleteOh that's too bad. My MIL told me sell it at a Walgreens fairly nearby. I checked their website and they don't carry it, but maybe you will get lucky if they have them in Hawaii, checking in store.
ReplyDeleteDD
I found it at Rite Aid. Works great!
ReplyDeleteSomeone PLEASE tell us if it's the 2 for 1 deal at retail stores!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo Gray Away "twofers" in the stores but it is $9.99 per can plus tax at Rite Aid (no shipping. The selections are currently limited to Dark and Medium Brown. Look in the "As Seen on TV" section. Hopefully Rite Aid and others will start carrying the remaining colors.
DeleteEnjoyed the reviews!
The other Debbie in Alabama.
I did better than the $9.99. I bought two cans at Bed Bath & Beyond and used a "$5 off $15" coupon (I never shop at BB&B without a coupon). That brings the price down to $7.50 each! Quite a deal since you have to pay $6.99 shipping on the twofer online.
ReplyDeleteI have been using gray away for a couple months and it works really well however it comes off on my pillow and also if I wet my hair too :( That is the downside however, it covers the grays and also my thinning hair looks fuller. Love it!!!!
DeleteOmgeee!!!! Thank you this info :) going to BB&B this weekend.
So if you only shampoo every few days, does your hair stay like it usually would? I have very dry hair so I don't have to wash it every day. Just wondering how the product does if it stays on for a few days between cleansing. Thanks anyone who has any info!
ReplyDeleteIt stays in place perfectly between washings! This stuff is genius!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful to have found your blog, and I'm looking forward to reading past posts. I just bought my first can yesterday, at CVS; same price as most, ($9.99.) I'm a bit anxious though, I hope I get a reply soon...normally I'm not as pushy, but my dilemma is pressing. I am going to a Zumba class tonight, and I'm still so very new at this. Not only am I a spaz, but there are women there, (much older than me,) looking like they could be a twin, or even a younger sister! Kudos to them, really; I just began this class with a lot of issues I need to work through though. Grays, that I can take care of right now, and that gets me much closer to my goal of getting healthy, mind and soul. I don't think having black streaks of dye, down my face and clothing, will do anything for my self esteem though! ;) Does anyone know how sweat proof this is? I don't perspire, I don't glisten, I sweat! Have a wonderful day, be blessed, guys. Thanks ahead of time!
Hi Jennifer... I do Bikram yoga (hot) and not one bit of color has ever come off on my head band!!! Its awesome!! A little late, but had to post how great it is.
DeleteHi Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable! DivaDebbi is also a princess who loathes to sweat, though I do work out 5 times a week. Dripping wet I cant speak to, but normal working out its really budge proof. I think you will be ok...just be mindful of any fluffy white sweat towels. Zumba is a blast! have fun and good luck! Please let me know!
xox
DD
Thanks for making me feel better, in more ways than one. I'm hoping to work up to that frequency too...for now, I am DEFINITELY, having a blast! It's the only place I don't mind sweating profusely! I guess I would be a perfect tester, for this as well, right? I will let you know, sweetheart. Take care! Keep being your fabulous self, stay blessed.
ReplyDeleteWill it wash out of blonde hair? I don't need to cover gray, but I do need to be a temporary red head for Halloween. Any help would be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI dont think it will do the trick for this purpose Kate. sorry :(
ReplyDeleteDD
Too bad, Thanks for your help DD :)
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteGuess who arrived home, post sweat and pain, at the two-hr. Zumba party from last night...yep, it was me. (^_^) Now to the nitty gritty, I'm assuming you want to know how the product did. I unfortunately got the wrong color for myself, so I didn't have full coverage. What I did have, was peace of mind, as I realized I was streak-free, during some of the most intense workouts I've ever been through! I hope you find this info, useful. Thanks for your support, take care, hon. Stay blessed...
Yay Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteGood to know! So glad you can get your exercise in and look gorgeous too! Ill remember that if I can get my bootie back into taking Zumba classes. It really is a blast and it burns a ton of calories. Thanks for checking back and filling us in on your experience!
xo,
DD
I wear my hair with an off-center part and within two weeks of dying my hair I look like a skunk as the gray grows in. I want to try Gray Away but am worried that when I spray so near the part my scalp will be colored too. Is there a special technique to keep the dye off of my part?
ReplyDeleteI wear an off center part too and it does not color my scalp at all. This stuff works miracles!
DeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I would suggest trying Clairol's Root kit. It's easy to match your color, simple to use, and shampoo's out. I would recommend going one shade lighter than you think you might need and if your grey is resistant, leaving it on for about 15 minutes.
In terms of the Gray Away, there really is no way to avoid your part, but I think you will find it still looks completely natural and if anything, just makes your hair appear fuller. Definitely worth a try on both counts!
xo
DD
Hi Debbie, did you get my msg about starting a third Blog....called FFF.....Forever Fifty Five...for all the "Silversdo's out there??? What do you think about doing that Blog after your second one gets started...Please let me know.
ReplyDeleteSILVERADO
Debbie is the Gray Away color Dark Brown dark enough for black hair?? Also if you have blue highlights on just the top and sides of your head will the gray away run into the blue after applying and after shampooing??
ReplyDeleteTHANKS...SILVERADO
I honestly not sure Silverado. True black may need black. It stays exactly where you spray it until you wash it out. As for your sweet suggestion about Forever Fifty Five, I don't imagine I would start right it for a couple of decades! I think Ill pen that one at 80!
ReplyDeletexo
DD
Debbie thank you for your reply...will let you know how the dark brown color works out...Do you have any info on the make up Luminess Air Brush??
ReplyDeleteSILVERADO
I think Gray Away is a great product...saves time and have to color less...I wish they made it in an 11 oz. can...
ReplyDeletei want something i can use more than once but my big worry is about appearing greasy! my hair gets greasy really fast so i'm worried the product will enhance the greasiness! anyone???
ReplyDeletekarin
UM, Ms. Diva, these are $9.99 a can up town...anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI have had ZERO luck finding these at retail, in any of the stores that they told me they are available at...where did you find them please?
ReplyDeleteI much rather buy them then send for them and pay for shipping!
DD
Where can I find blonde in the retail stores in black communities. Have tried several places with no luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteThey don't sell the blonde in retail outlets. You would have to order in online. www.grayaway.com.
xo
DD
Yay- glad I found this site. I bought a can at kmart (I believe) and tried it and really liked it. So I purchased another can at walmart and actually chose to look at the ingredients this time. haha I noticed that butane was the first thing listed- I am now hesitant about using it further. Is butane safe to spray on your hair (head)?
ReplyDeleteOh Good God! Let's hope its only to make the thing spray. I never looked. I wonder if its used in hairspray too.
ReplyDeleteNo, butane does not sound so scalp friendly. Thanks...I think.
xo
DD
I checked all three spray root concealers that I have used, and yes, you guessed it, butane is the first ingredient for all three. Wow that makes me a little nervous and queasy. Did it keep me from using it this morning????
ReplyDeleteNo!
xo
DD
This is the same anonymous as above who pointed it (butane) out- and yeah I'm still using it too and probably will until I hear about it leaking into the brain and slowly turning people into zombies or something!!! lol
DeleteI just wanted to share that I have used the Rita Hazan root concealer and I have had migraine head aches for days and it takes at least 5 separate hair washes over days before the headaches go away. I have lost a lot of hair due to this product.I wish someone warned me of these side effects of this product. Please be wary.
DeleteLOL Anon!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking of you this morning as I doused my head...I was thinking as long as we dont' do this while Bar-BQueing at least we wont go up like torches..
I have been swamped, but when I can, I will reach out to Gray Away's PR folks an inquire. Now that it has finally showed up at my local CVS, it will take the FDA to pull it off the shelf before I stop using it!
Have a great weekend.
xo
DD
Walgreens Drug Store sells Gray Away for $9.99 per can. Also you can find it on Amazon. Problem is some people sell it from $7.99 per can up to $16.00 per can. Don't bite on that one. Go to Walgreens or buy from Amazon. The stuff is great. I color my hair around every 3 months now and use Gray Away between applications. I actually wash my hair, divide in sections when damp, spray at root line, blow dry and it fluffs up really nicely, looks shiney and healthy.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hit or miss Anon,
ReplyDeleteI've had luck at some Walgreen's and not others. My Greenwich CVS stocked it in the TV aisle, and then stopped for months... I just saw it again, but now they are housing it in the color aisle next to Clairol's root kit. I have also purchased it at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Thanks for the info!
xox,
DD
I just tried Everpro Gray Away for the first time. It kind of bothers me that I have to spray my scalp- there's no way I can avoid it to cover my gray. Also is anyone concerned about the statement on the back of the can which says: This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
ReplyDeleteI hear you, but it doesnt stop me from using it! For a more permanent fix, try Clairol's root kit.
Some people like Brow Wow's brush on powder product meant for the roots, but I did not find it effective.
xox
DD
DD, thanks for your reply. I am returning the Everpro to the store- it's too scary of a product for me to use. I think Clairol for roots is a silly product because you are only getting a fraction of the product that for the same price you can buy a full sized Clairol hair color. And it doesn't work any differently than the full size which happens to be my hair color of choice. Now I did come across a product I liked call Cover Gray in medium brown which matched to my hair color perfectly. It looks like a lipstick and is pretty easy to apply except for in the crown area where you would need a mirror and a 3rd hand or a helper. Unfortunately I can't find the product anymore. Curses to gray hair and anyone that can come up with a pill to banish gray hair would be one rich person!
ReplyDeleteLove Gray Away ! I found it a Cvs . It's very popular they run out all the time . Perfect for in between professional coloring . Best temporary coloring for gray ever and super easy to apply !
ReplyDeleteAgreed Margo and I have tried them all! L'Oreal is actually launching one soon...of course I will try it and blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
xo,
DD
I love Gray Away and have been using it over a year now. I have looked at the various colors offered and noticed that the warning label is only on the Light Brown color. Hmmmm I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteInteresting Anon! And yuk! Since that's the one I use. My sis purchased the new L'Oreal spray for my Mom. I used it the other day and it was superb! I am going to buy it as well, but now out of curiosity I will check the labels on these cans.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
xo,
DD
Hi everyone
ReplyDeleteI bought my can at Bed bath and beyond and it's so hard to wash off. It leaves my hair looking greasy and sticky. I've been washing my hair for three days and been washing it twice in the shower. My hair is still sticky and hard. Don't get me wrong it covers gray instantly, but it makes my hair look dirty and sticky.
Jessica!
ReplyDeleteHow much did you use?!
The best use for these spray products, IMO is a spritch only on the most visible grey! I would never consider using it under my hair or all over.
xox,
DD