Using a hair touch-up stick is a quick and easy way to temporarily cover roots or gray hairs between salon visits.
Here's a simple guide on how to effectively use one:
Quick Answer: To use a hair touch-up stick, apply the stick directly to the desired hair area, blend the product with the included brush, and twist the stick to adjust the product level as needed.
Understanding Your Hair Touch-Up Stick
Hair touch-up sticks are designed for targeted application. They typically contain a solid or semi-solid pigment that adheres to the hair shaft. Many come with a brush or comb attached for blending.
- Stick Side: This is where the color product is housed. It's used for direct application.
- Brush Side: Often found on the opposite end, this brush helps distribute the color and blend it seamlessly with your existing hair.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying Your Touch Up Stick
Applying the touch-up stick is straightforward. The key is gentle, targeted application and blending.
- Prepare: Ensure your hair is dry. While some products can be used on damp hair, dry hair usually provides better color adherence and control.
- Locate Areas: Identify the areas you want to cover, such as gray roots along the hairline, part line, or temples.
- Apply Directly: Apply directly to hair in a gentle motion with the stick side until the desired area is covered. Use short, feathery strokes for a more natural build-up of color. Avoid pressing too hard.
- Blend: Blend into hair with the brush to ensure full coverage and a natural look. The brush helps disperse the product and smooth out any concentrated areas, preventing a painted-on appearance. Brush gently downwards along the hair strand.
- Adjust Stick: To expose more product or retract it, you will typically twist to lift the stick up and down. Refer to your specific product's instructions if it operates differently.
- Check and Reapply: Step back and look in a mirror to ensure the area is fully covered and the color is blended. Reapply as needed if coverage isn't sufficient, repeating steps 3 and 4.
- Set (Optional): Some people like to lightly mist the area with hairspray to help set the color, though this is often not necessary with modern formulas.
Targeting Specific Areas
- Roots: Apply along your part line or hairline where gray roots are visible.
- Temples: Gently dab and blend along the temple area where grays might appear.
- Stray Grays: Use the tip of the stick for pinpoint application on individual gray hairs.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the Right Shade: Select a shade that closely matches your hair color at the roots. When in doubt, go slightly lighter rather than darker.
- Start Light: It's easier to add more product than to take it away. Start with a small amount and build up coverage.
- Blend Thoroughly: Don't skip the blending step! This is crucial for a natural finish.
- Avoid Over-Application: Too much product can look clumpy or unnatural.
- Clean Up: If you get product on your skin, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth or makeup remover.
Using a touch-up stick is a convenient solution for temporary gray coverage, perfect for extending the time between hair coloring appointments.