Color Melt and Root Tap
An experienced hair colorist can immediately explain the difference between a root tap and a color melt. If you find these two topics confusing, please continue reading. “Lived-in” hair is a real thing in current hair trends, and the techniques to achieve the right look are often confused. Root tapping gives new meaning to “get my roots done.”


The technique blends highlights and balayage at the root line to give a natural grow-in or “rooted look,” so as your natural hair grows in, everything stays blended. Color melting blends highlights or balayage into the root color to create a gradual transition and subtler lines of demarcation. Usually three or more colors are overlapped to blend the shades and any lines. The color melt should be seamless! Color melts can be done with any color — the shades don’t even need to be natural. Bring on the fashion shades, and let’s melt!
Questions Answered About Root Taps and Color Melting:
- Is a root tap the same as a color melt?
- Why is a root tap confused with a color melt?
- What is a color melt?
- What is a root tap?
- When would a hair colorist use a root tap?
- When would a hair colorist use a color melt?
- Do color melts need to be done with natural-looking colors?
If we didn’t answer your question, send us a message — we’re always happy to help!
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