The Ultimate Guide to Color Melt Hair

Between painting, balayage, highlighting and everything in between, it can be difficult to distinguish between each particular technique. While some popular techniques like balayage and foil treatments work by removing tone from the hair, the color melt strategy is a different approach to professional hair color. 

The process of mastering color melt hair is important because it can help to pinpoint the exact way to get the client’s intended look. Knowing how to perform different hair color techniques, including color melt, adds versatility and knowledge to any stylist’s repertoire. For those who are not familiar or well-versed in the specifics of color melt hair, there are tips, guidelines and some terminology to learn before offering this technique to clients. Here is a guide to getting the best color melt hair results.

What Does Color Melting Mean?

First things first: It’s important to know what clients and other stylists are actually referring to when it comes to color melting. This technique refers to hair color blending, which can incorporate other techniques like highlighting and balayage, to create ultra natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with the client’s natural hair color and roots. Color melting is the ultimate technique for all over hair color that creates a beautifully natural look.

The main goal with color melting is to seamlessly blend different shades of hair color so that it’s virtually impossible to tell exactly where one shade ends and another begins. It’s a way to give clients an option that looks different than traditional foil highlights and even balayage.

Color Melting vs. Other Techniques

There is a lot of questions about what makes color melting different from other hair color techniques. When it comes to color melting vs. balayage, there is one very important difference: Balayage lightens the hair by removing the color or tone from the hair itself. This is true for other techniques like foil highlighting as well. Color melting, on the other hand, works in a much different way because it actually adds color to the hair instead of taking it away. 

Color melting can be used in addition to highlighting techniques as well. When used in addition to balayage or foil highlighting, color melting can have some pretty great benefits including blurred color lines, increased depth and the omission of harsh lines left over from other techniques. Clients will love the natural, soft-looking results. 

How to Ace the Color Melting Technique

Now that the color melting basics have been covered, it’s important to know how to execute this process like a seasoned professional. As a stylist, it’s vital to have the knowledge and confidence to be able to give the client exactly what they want. For clients who desire a look that involves color melting, be sure to stay stocked up on the necessary hair salon accessories that will aid in the color melting process. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to go with a top brand such as PRAVANA’s line of professional colors and accessories. 

Make sure to take time with this process and work with squeaky clean, damp hair. Otherwise, the dry hair might absorb too much color and create unintentional results. When choosing tools, go for a fine-tooth comb and a soft brush that will deposit color onto a larger area and make the look even more natural. After ample processing time, the end result should be a beautiful and natural look that will satisfy both clients and stylists alike!