Color Wow Root Cover Up vs Clairol Root Touch-Up Powder: The Differences That Matter
Short answer: Both are temporary pressed powders that last until your next shampoo. The main difference is the shade range. Color Wow lists 8 shades, including three blondes and a red, and says it stays put when you sleep, sweat or swim. Clairol's 3in1 Powder lists 4 shades, Light Brown to Black, and is sold for roots, a sparse hairline and brows, with up to 60 applications per compact. For blonde or red hair, only Color Wow of the two has a shade.
Side by side
| Color Wow Root Cover Up | Clairol 3in1 Powder | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary mineral powder | Temporary powder |
| Shades | 8: Platinum/Light Blonde, Blonde, Dark Blonde, Red, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black | 4: Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black |
| Applicator | Brush with a small end to press and a wide end to dust off | Brush, pressed down firmly |
| Lasts, per the brand | Until your next shampoo | Until your next shampoo |
| Water, per the brand | Sweat-proof, rain-proof and swim-proof | Water and sweat resistant |
| Sold for | Gray roots, highlights, sparse areas | Gray roots, thinning-looking hairline, brows |
| One compact | 6 months to 1 year of use | Up to 60 applications |
Facts from colorwowhair.com and clairol.com, checked on 2 November 2026. We have not tested the two side by side.
Shade range decides it for many people
If your hair is blonde or red, the choice is made for you: Clairol's US site lists its powder only in browns and black. If you are brunette, both have Light, Medium and Dark Brown and Black, so the deciding points are the applicator and the wear.
What each brand claims about wear
Color Wow says its powder is water-resistant and stays put when you sleep, sweat or swim. Clairol says its powder is water and sweat resistant and that the formula does not stain skin. The wording differs, and neither brand publishes how it tested. Both say the color comes out with your next shampoo.
What is inside
Both ingredient lists are built on mica and talc, with iron oxide pigments. Color Wow says its formula has no waxes, no dyes and no PPDs. Clairol's list on its site includes a synthetic wax and polymethyl methacrylate.
Applying them
Both brands tell you to press, not sweep. Color Wow adds two details: pull the hair flat and taut first, and dust off excess with the wide end of the brush. Clairol says to apply to dry, styled hair.
Step by step: how to use Color Wow Root Cover Up. Clairol's powder against its own sprays: Clairol powder vs spray.
Which to pick
- Blonde, red, or highlighted hair: Color Wow, because Clairol's powder has no shade for you.
- Brown or black hair, mostly for the part and brows: either. Clairol sells its powder for brows as well.
- You swim or work out: Color Wow is the one that makes a swim claim.
- Gray you want to keep: neither has a gray, silver or white shade.
Another comparison: Madison Reed vs Color Wow.
Where does BUNEE fit?
BUNEE is a temporary root-cover powder in a pressed compact with a mirror and applicator puff. It comes in 12 shades: Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Light Brown, Golden Brown, Auburn, Blonde, Medium Blonde, Light Blonde, Dark Grey, Grey and White. It washes out with shampoo and is not a dye. With 12 shades it has more than either, including Dark Grey, Grey and White, and the compact has a mirror. Delivery is 10 to 17 business days, so order ahead of the date you need it.
FAQ
Is Color Wow or Clairol root powder better?
It depends on your shade. Color Wow lists 8 shades including blondes and red. Clairol lists 4, from Light Brown to Black. We have not tested them side by side.
Do Color Wow and Clairol root powders wash out?
Yes. Both brands say they last until your next shampoo.
Which root powder lasts longer in the compact?
The brands measure it differently. Color Wow says 6 months to 1 year of use. Clairol says up to 60 applications.
Does Clairol make a blonde root powder like Color Wow?
Not on Clairol's US site when we checked on 2 November 2026.
Can I use Color Wow or Clairol powder on brows?
Clairol sells its 3in1 Powder for brows. Color Wow sells Root Cover Up for roots, highlights and sparse areas.
See BUNEE shades
Temporary root-cover powder in a pressed compact with mirror and applicator, 12 shades. Delivered in 10 to 17 business days, so order ahead of the date you need it. Sold by TIGERBESTBRANDS LLC.
Sources, checked 2 November 2026: Color Wow, Root Cover Up · Clairol, 3in1 Powder · Clairol, Root Touch-Up FAQ · BUNEE, shades and delivery. Brand names are used for comparison only. We have no business relationship with the companies mentioned, and facts about their products come from their own pages or retailer listings, not our testing.