As we near 2026, a fresh hair trend is taking center stage: color melting. This subtle blend of balayage and highlights doesn’t just lighten your hair or add depth—it makes it come alive. Think richness, volume, and flow—that’s the magic of color melting. Here’s what you need to know about this seamless blending technique, perfect for your January 2026 salon visit—or sooner, if you’re inspired by Amal Clooney or Gigi Hadid.
What is color melting?
Color melting is a hair coloring method that perfects the art of gradual blending. While balayage and highlights focus on brightness and contrast, color melting aims for total harmony. The goal is to make shades flow into one another without any visible lines, as if the color naturally melted into your hair.
“Color melting is a smooth, sun-kissed technique we use often,” explains Jenna Perry, a Manhattan colorist whose clients include Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, and Chloë Sevigny. “It delivers a soft, incredibly natural finish that looks both effortless and luxurious.”
“Color melting is all about creating a seamless shift between shades—no lines, no borders,” says Tracey Cunningham, Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. creative director of color and technique. (She’s also the creator of the popular molten brunette shade seen on Lana Del Rey and others, and her work is showcased on Emma Stone’s “spiced sienna” hair.)
“It’s when your root color, mid-tone, and ends blend so smoothly that you can’t tell where one begins and the other ends,” Cunningham adds.
The process involves applying three to four shades in delicate layers from root to tip, working with the hair’s natural tone. The colorist uses a brush and sometimes their hands in a painterly way to create a fluid transition between strands. The final effect is reminiscent of a sunset, with tones blending and reflecting in perfect balance.
How is color melting different from balayage or highlights?
Unlike highlights, which create sharp contrasts, or balayage, which focuses on targeted brightness, color melting doesn’t isolate or emphasize specific sections. “Balayage is more about placement and light,” says Cunningham. “It’s a hand-painted method that mimics how the sun naturally lightens hair, giving soft, natural-looking streaks.” Traditional highlights, she notes, “offer more contrast and brightness starting at the roots. They’re applied with foils for stronger lift and a more defined, dimensional look.”
Ultimately, color melting enhances the hair’s natural depth while adding luminous, refined dimension.
“You should see depth at the roots, a gentle shift through the mid-lengths, and a soft glow at the ends. Nothing should feel harsh or overdone,” Cunningham explains. “It’s a hint of dimension—think luxurious, glossy, and effortless movement. When light hits the hair, each tone melts into the next like a gradient. It’s polished yet incredibly natural.”
Who is color melting for?
Color melting is ideal for anyone seeking subtle color and natural shine without the obvious root line. This technique works on all hair types but stands out especially on pre-toned bases like golden blondes, honey browns, and lighter, luminous brunettes. On these shades, the color fusion resembles watercolor. Blondes gain depth without losing brightness (no purple shampoo needed), brunettes get a silky, velvety dimension, and redheads see their copper tones elegantly enhanced.
Cunningham highlights the appeal of color melting for those who struggle with frequent root touch-ups or want a low-maintenance yet sophisticated look.She loves the look of high-contrast color but still wants shine, depth, and dimension. “The grow-out is much easier to manage!” she says. “It’s a technique that works on any hair color. It’s a subtle shift that adds dimension through toning.” Color melting also brings out the best in your hair’s texture, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly—the more natural the movement, the better the color looks.
Still thinking about trying color melting? Cunningham recently gave Michelle Monaghan this style, using Igora Vibrance to blend the shades smoothly. For Dakota Johnson, she created a “glossed chestnut” color, and for Lana Del Rey, the “molten mink brunette” mentioned earlier.
Here are other celebrities who have already embraced the trend, from Daisy Edgar-Jones to Suki Waterhouse:
– Daisy Edgar-Jones
– Gigi Hadid
– Mia Goth
– Sophie Turner
– Gemma Chan
– Suki Waterhouse
– Amal Clooney
(All photos: Getty Images)
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about color melting designed to sound like questions from real people
Understanding Color Melting
Q What exactly is color melting
A Its a hair coloring technique where multiple shades are blended together so seamlessly that you cant see any lines or obvious transitions between them It creates a soft gradient effect like a sunset in your hair
Q How is color melting different from traditional highlights or balayage
A Highlights create contrast with noticeable streaks Balayage is a handpainted highlight that gives a softer more natural growout Color melting takes it a step further by blending the highlight color and your base color together so theres no visible start or end point
Q Is color melting the same as ombré or sombré
A Not quite Ombré and sombré are a gradient from dark to light usually from roots to ends Color melting is about blending multiple colors together throughout the hair not just a toptobottom transition You can use color melting to create a perfect sombré
Benefits and Results
Q Whats the main benefit of getting a color melt
A The biggest benefit is a incredibly soft natural and multidimensional look without any harsh lines It grows out beautifully so you dont get a stark root line
Q Will a color melt look good on my hair type
A Yes Color melting works on all hair types textures and lengths The technique is about blending colors so a skilled stylist can adapt it to create a stunning result whether you have straight curly short or long hair
Q Is color melting a good option if I want a lowmaintenance color
A Absolutely Because the colors are blended so softly the growout is much less noticeable than with traditional highlights You can go longer between salon appointments
The Process and Maintenance
Q How long does a color melt take at the salon
A Its a detailed process so it typically takes longer than a singleprocess color often between 2 to 4 hours depending on your hairs length thickness and the number of colors used
Q How do I take care of my colormelted hair at home
A Use