Half Head Colour Melt

What happens during your appointment

Your stylist will start with a thorough consultation to discuss your natural base, colour history, skin tone and the level of brightness or contrast you are looking for. A strand or patch test may be recommended if you have sensitive skin or this is your first oxidative colour.

• Hair is sectioned into a mohawk or box shape over the crown and top, plus side panels around the face
• Fine slices or woven sections are placed in foils and lightener is applied, starting at the back where hair is often more resistant
• Once processed and rinsed, a slightly deeper shade is blended at the roots and melted into the lighter mid lengths and ends
• A toner is applied to neutralise warmth and create your chosen finish, whether beige, caramel, ash or honey
• The service concludes with a blow dry to reveal the result, or a cut and blow dry to refine shape and condition

The full appointment takes around 105 minutes and is carried out by our nine strong team at the Worth, Crawley salon.

Who it suits and what to expect

A half head colour melt works beautifully on clients who want natural looking brightness on top and around the face, with depth and richness underneath for contrast and dimension. It is ideal if you have grown out highlights and want to refresh them without starting from scratch, or if you prefer a softer, sun kissed finish rather than all over colour.

• Best suited to shoulder length hair or longer, where the gradient from root to ends is clearly visible
• Can be tailored from very subtle and natural to more high contrast and fashion forward, depending on your preference
• The blended root allows for a gentler grow out, so many clients comfortably go 8 to 12 weeks between appointments, with some extending to 12 to 16 weeks
• If your hair is already fragile or heavily lightened, your stylist may recommend more conservative foiling, deeper tones or a conditioning treatment to protect hair integrity

Maintenance and aftercare

To keep your colour melt looking fresh and your hair in optimal condition, your stylist will recommend a colour safe, sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, plus a hydrating mask once or twice a week. If you have lifted to a cool or bright blonde, a purple or blue shampoo used occasionally will help reduce brassiness between toning visits.

• Use a heat protectant spray if you regularly blow dry or style with hot tools, to preserve vibrancy and minimise dryness
• Protect your colour from UV, chlorine and salt water by wearing a hat in strong sun and rinsing hair before and after swimming
• Many clients book a standalone toner refresh or gloss between full colour appointments to maintain tone and shine
• Discuss your styling routine during your consultation so your colourist can tailor placement to suit how you wear your hair day to day, whether air dried, blown smooth or curled

How it compares to other colour services

If you are weighing up your options, a half head colour melt with root blend offers more natural dimension and a softer regrowth line than traditional highlights, but with less coverage and time in the chair than full head foils. It adds brightness where it counts, around the face and on top, while keeping depth underneath for a lived in, multidimensional finish.

• For clients who want very fine, diffused highlights and an ultra soft blend, babylights or AirTouch may be a better fit, though they typically require more time and precision
• If you are covering grey or want an all over tone change, a full head tint or full head foils with root blend will give more comprehensive coverage
• Clients looking for bold, hand painted ribbons of colour often prefer balayage, which offers a different kind of soft grow out and works well on longer hair
• Your consultation at the salon will help you choose the right technique, or combination of techniques, for your hair goals, maintenance preference and lifestyle