What is the Colour Melt Hair Technique?

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

Colour melting is the latest trend to grace the chicest heads in Hollywood. And for good reason. A colour 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, colour melting lets you go longer time in-between salon visits, sparing you frequent appointments and costly touchups. Colour melting also enhances hair texture, intensifying the dimension and movement; especially on wavy and curly hair types. And a colour melt can be extremely beneficial when transitioning to gray hair since it eliminates obvious grow-out lines.

When it comes to the colour melt process you'll generally spend less time in the salon than with balayage or traditional highlights. Using your base colour as a starting point, a colourist will choose two to three shades within the same tonal family. The colours are then hand painted in a gradient transition down the length of the strands, overlapping each colour 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 colour result. You’ll need a refresh every 3 to 4 months, longer if you use colour-safe products and practices to maintain your colour between visits.

And speaking of maintaining your colour melt hair in between salon visits, let’s break down the rules. All coloured hair requires a thoughtful at-home routine for colour 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, colour, 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 coloured hair, and follow with a leave-in conditioner for additional hydration and nourishment. Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning hair mask to boost colour retention and repair damage, retaining your hair’s luster and shine. Additionally, limit overwashing to prevent colour 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 colour fading, and use a heat protectant to shield your colour from heat and UV damage. Finally, follow up with your colourist at their discretion to refresh your colour.

Davines combine high-performance haircare with a deep commitment to sustainability, ethics, and design. Our scientifically advanced coloured hair maintenance products offer naturally derived ingredients that enhance colour, replenish moisture, and prevent breakage, while focusing on environmental and social responsibility. These are some of our favourites for protecting and preserving your colour 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 colour to find a Davines salon near you for a personalized colour melt experience. And shop your coloured hair care routine while you’re there.