Color melting sounds more like an activity reserved for a school art class rather than a top salon service. However, color melting has become a major hair trend with more and more celebs clamoring to get the look. Color melting has been called balayage 2.0 with the end result creating a more natural and stunning look. Long Island Beauty School is holding an upcoming class on the trend and here are the top things to know about the technique before attending:

Multiple Colors Featured

Most color melting treatments include two or three different hair color shades. Color melting blends together both a client’s highlights and base color to create a melted effect. When color melting is done properly, there is no distinction between the beginning and end of each color added to the hair. Hair color is brushed on in soft strokes to create a blended look.

Add-On Service for Balayage and Highlights

Color melting is normally another service done in conjunction with highlights or balayage. The base color will look like it’s melting into the other shades to soften any contrast between the darker root color and lighter highlighted sections of the hair. Stylists can offer this add-on service to clients who are looking to go longer between highlighting or balayage appointments. Color melting also helps for clients who are looking for a transitional look during the fall after having lighter hair during the summer months.

Goal of Color Melt Hair Color

A key feature of color melting is the service should look like a client’s natural hair color. A person’s natural hair color is not uniform. The roots start out dark and the hair gradually lightens down the shaft. The ends of the hair are always the lightest. When a client gets color melting done, she will not have dramatic pops of light highlighted hair surrounding the face. Instead, the hair is left with a soft, warm finish.

No Limits on Color Choices

Although color melting is popular for traditional hair colors such as blond and brunette, any shades can be used. Although non-traditional colors such as lilac, pink, and aqua don’t create a “natural” hair look, the blending of colors is seamless.

Learn what you need to know about hair color and techniques in Long Island Beauty School’s cosmetology program. Enroll today and learn how to create your own Instagram-worthy looks.