Roots showing before a wedding or big event? Here is the plan

Short answer: If you have time, book a colour or gloss a week or so before the event. For the day itself, a temporary root powder in a matching shade covers the parting and hairline in about a minute and rinses out afterwards. Order early: delivery is 10–18 business days, so it will not arrive for this weekend.

Start with the calendar, not the product

Before anything else, count the days.

• More than three weeks away: book your colour. Most colourists suggest a few days to a week before the event so the colour has settled and you are not at the mercy of a Saturday cancellation.
• One to three weeks away: you have time for an appointment or a box colour (patch test first, always), plus a backup.
• Under a week: a temporary fix is the realistic option, and a good one for the day.
• Tomorrow: use what you can get at the chemist today. A powder from overseas will not arrive in time, and we would rather say that than have you disappointed.

That last point is worth stating plainly. Our delivery window for Australia is 10 to 18 business days. A root powder is excellent for events, but order it when you accept the invite, not on the Thursday before.

Your timeline

The week before

• Do your colour appointment if you are having one.
• Order your touch-up powder, so it is already in your bag.
• Practise once. Do the whole thing in daylight on a Sunday morning so there are no surprises on the day.

The night before

• Wash and dry your hair as normal. Do not apply powder tonight; it is easier to see what you need on the day.

The morning of

• Style your hair completely: part, curl, blow-dry, whatever you are wearing. Powder goes on last, once the part is in the right place.
• Cover the parting and hairline with light taps and blend outwards. Check in natural light.

Before you leave

• Brush off the excess and let it settle for a minute.
• Put the compact in your clutch. The mirror helps for a top-up in the car or the bathroom.

Things that matter specifically at events

Photos. Flash and daylight show colour differently. Check your roots with your phone camera and flash before you go, because the phone is what the guests will use.

Updos. An updo shows the whole hairline, the temples and the nape. Cover the front and the sides, and check the mirror from behind with a second mirror or a friend.

Veils and hats. Fine for coverage, but watch out for rubbing: a headband, hat or veil comb against the root can shift a surface powder. Apply, wait, and be gentle with accessories.

Dancing and heat. A hot room and a long night means sweat, which is the enemy of any surface product. Keep the compact on hand for a refresh, and avoid touching your hairline during the night. For an honest read on how well it holds up, see how long it lasts.

Hugs and dark clothes. A little powder can transfer on to a collar or a partner's shirt if there is a lot of head-to-shoulder contact. Brush the excess off thoroughly, and consider a lighter application on the side that will be hugged most.

Matching your shade for photos

For photos you want a shade that matches your root, not your ends. Check it in daylight, and take a close-up on your phone to see how it reads on camera. If you are between shades, choose the deeper one, which tends to look more natural in photos than a pale patch. Our guide: how to match your shade.

Where BUNEE fits

BUNEE is a pressed root-cover powder in a compact with a mirror and an applicator, available in 12 shades. It is not a dye, does not contain PPD or peroxide, and washes out with one shampoo. For a long night, treat it as something you may top up because sweat or rubbing can shift a surface powder. For a quick fix on the day it is a handy thing to have in your bag.

FAQ

How far ahead should I order?

Allow for 10 to 18 business days delivery to Australia, and then a few days to practise. If your event is closer than that, a chemist-bought option is the realistic choice this time.

Will it last all night?

It is a surface powder, so heavy sweat or rubbing can lift it. Many people carry the compact for a quick top-up.

Can I use it with hairspray?

Apply the powder after styling and be cautious about spraying heavily afterwards, as it may clump. Test on a normal day first.

Will it stain my dress or the bridesmaid's shoulder?

A little can transfer when hair is brushed against fabric. Brush off excess and keep application light, especially if you are wearing white or pale colours.

Do I need to wash it out afterwards?

Yes, it comes out with one shampoo. If you are heading to bed in a hurry, a dark pillowcase will stop it from marking linen.