What is the Color Melt Hair Technique?

If you want an easy to maintain hair color that looks as natural as it does pretty, try the year’s hottest color trend- a color melt. What is a color melt? It's a hair color technique for adding brightness and dimension, without the constant upkeep of traditional highlights.

Color melting is the latest trend to grace the chicest heads in Hollywood. And for good reason. A color melt not only looks more natural, but it grows out beautifully. And it's much easier (and more cost effective) to maintain than traditional highlights. Because there are no stark lines of demarcation, color melting lets you go longer time in-between salon visits, sparing you frequent appointments and costly touchups. Color melting also enhances hair texture, intensifying the dimension and movement; especially on wavy and curly hair types. And a color melt can be extremely beneficial when transitioning to gray hair since it eliminates obvious grow-out lines.

When it comes to the color melt process you'll generally spend less time in the salon than with balayage or traditional highlights. Using your base color as a starting point, a colorist will choose two to three shades within the same tonal family. The colors are then hand painted in a gradient transition down the length of the strands, overlapping each color so there’s no harsh line of demarcation. Each shade’s transition point is smudged to create a diffused shift from roots to midlengths to ends. The key is working the shades together as they process, which helps create the melted color result. You’ll need a refresh every 3 to 4 months, longer if you use color-safe products and practices to maintain your color between visits.

And speaking of maintaining your color melt hair in between salon visits, let’s break down the rules. All colored hair requires a thoughtful at-home routine for color preservation and overall healthiness. Avoid using harsh styling products that contain sulfates, parabens, SLES, and formaldehyde. These ingredients have a reputation for stripping hair of its moisture, color, and strength. Instead, pick gentler styling products that still give you the results you need. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, specifically formulated for colored hair, and follow with a leave-in conditioner for additional hydration and nourishment. Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning hair mask to boost color retention and repair damage, retaining your hair’s luster and shine. Additionally, limit overwashing to prevent color fading and dryness, washing every two to three days with lukewarm or cool water. And limit heat styling and exposure to UV rays to prevent color fading, and use a heat protectant to shield your color from heat and UV damage. Finally, follow up with your colorist at their discretion to refresh your color.

Davines combine high-performance haircare with a deep commitment to sustainability, ethics, and design. Our scientifically advanced colored hair maintenance products offer naturally derived ingredients that enhance color, replenish moisture, and prevent breakage, while focusing on environmental and social responsibility. These are some of our favorites for protecting and preserving your color melt.

At Davines, we believe that true beauty is a reflection of individuality, sustainability, and professional excellence. Our commitment to these principles sets us apart and ensures that every experience with Davines is exceptional. Use our salon locator and filter your selections by color to find a Davines salon near you for a personalized color melt experience. And shop your colored hair care routine while you’re there.