As we get older, it’s common for gray hairs to start popping up, seemingly out of nowhere. While some people embrace their grays as a sign of wisdom and experience, others prefer to cover them up with root touch-up products. One popular option is L’Oreal Root Rescue, a temporary root concealer designed to disguise gray roots between salon visits. But a common question is – does it actually wash out?
How L’Oreal Root Rescue Works
L’Oreal Root Rescue is a temporary concealing spray that uses microscopic pigment molecules to instantly color grays. It’s formulated to cling to hair strands and provide opaque, even coverage. When applied properly, it can make gray roots blend seamlessly with the rest of your color-treated hair.
The product is designed to wash out gradually over multiple shampoos. L’Oreal claims it will stay put for up to 3 shampoos. The pigment molecules are too large to penetrate the hair shaft, so they sit on the outside, rather than permanantly altering the internal structure of the hair.
Factors That Impact Washing Out
There are a few key factors that impact how quickly and easily Root Rescue washes out of hair:
- Hair porosity – Porous hair absorbs more of the pigment, making it last longer. Non-porous hair makes the product wash out faster.
- Shampooing habits – Frequent shampooing, especially with clarifying or sulfate-containing formulas, will make Root Rescue wash out faster.
- Water temperature – Hot water can accelerate fading compared to washing with lukewarm or cool water.
- Hair type – Coarser, thicker hair tends to hold onto the pigment longer than fine, thin hair.
What Users Say
Looking at consumer experiences provides helpful insight into how long Root Rescue typically lasts before washing out:
| Hair Type | Washes Before Fading |
|---|---|
| Fine and thin | 1-2 washes |
| Medium texture | 2-3 washes |
| Thick and coarse | 3-4 washes |
As you can see from the table, those with thicker, coarser hair tend to get the longest lasting results from Root Rescue. People with fine, thin hair see the product wash out quite quickly.
Here are some examples of specific user reviews:
- “I have long, thick hair and it lasted for at least 3 washes before I noticed significant fading.”
- “My hair is on the finer side and it was pretty much gone after 2 washes.”
- “I have wavy, porous hair and it stayed put for over a week before I needed to reapply.”
Tips for Making it Last Longer
If you want to get the most longevity out of your Root Rescue, here are some helpful tips:
- Shampoo less frequently, and use a gentle, sulfate-free formula.
- Rinse hair with cool water instead of hot.
- Blot freshly sprayed roots with a towel to remove excess product.
- Use a clarifying shampoo only when necessary – not every wash.
- Focus shampoo only on the scalp and lengths – avoid direct contact with sprayed roots.
- Reapply right after washing while hair is still damp for optimal adherence.
How to Remove it Faster
For some people, Root Rescue might last a little too long between washes. If you want it to wash out faster, try these tips:
- Shampoo every other day, or even daily, to quicken fading.
- Use a clarifying or sulfate-containing shampoo.
- Scrub the sprayed roots vigorously when shampooing.
- Wash hair with hot water.
- Use a chelating shampoo weekly to remove mineral buildup.
- Apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to help break up pigment molecules.
Covering Roots Between Washes
While Root Rescue does wash out gradually, you’ll likely need to reapply between washes for optimal gray coverage, especially if you have fine or frequently washed hair. Here are some tips for concealing roots between applications:
- Use a similar-colored root powder to temporarily camouflage grays.
- Try a colored dry shampoo to absorb oil and mask regrowth.
- Style hair down rather than pulled up to hide visible roots.
- Use headbands, hats, clips or other accessories to disguise the roots.
- Get creative with parts or flips in your hairstyle.
Long-Term Gray Coverage Options
While Root Rescue can provide temporary gray coverage between salon visits, you may want a longer-lasting option for full gray regrowth. Here are some ideas:
- Permanent hair color – Get an all-over permanent color to match your roots to the previously colored lengths.
- Root touch-up kit – Use an at-home permanent root kit for dye that won’t wash out.
- Salon root touch-up – Book more frequent appointments for professional root touch-ups.
- Highlights – Get subtle highlights around your face to blend grays.
- Lowlights – Add lowlights to darken and conceal gray roots.
Root Rescue can be a great temporary solution between color appointments, but for complete gray coverage, a permanent option may work better long-term.
Conclusion
Does L’Oreal Root Rescue wash out? Yes, it does fade over several shampoos. However, how quickly it washes out depends on your individual hair type and washing habits. With the right techniques, you can make it last longer or remove it faster based on your preferences. While convenient for temporary touch-ups, permanent color is best for complete gray coverage between salon visits.