Woman with dark straight hair in red top holding hair back and looking to the side

Hair Colour

Root Melt

From £38

60 mins

A root melt softly blends your darker roots into lighter mid-lengths and ends, so there's no harsh line between your natural regrowth and your highlights or balayage. It gives you a gentle gradient of colour that looks natural, adds gorgeous depth, and grows out beautifully without that tell-tale stripe. Whether you're after a subtle baby melt or a deeper shadow root for more drama, our team will tailor the blend to suit your hair and lifestyle.

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What happens during your appointment

Your stylist will start with a quick chat to choose the perfect root shade and toner for your lengths, taking into account your natural colour, skin tone, and how much contrast you want. Then:

Your hair is washed and sectioned so the colour applies evenly
A darker formula is painted at the roots and gently dragged down to overlap with the lighter lengths
A lighter toner goes on the mid-lengths and ends, and the join is worked and blended so the two shades melt together
The colour processes for around 7–20 minutes depending on your hair, then it's rinsed, shampooed, and conditioned

The whole process takes around 60 minutes, and you'll leave with soft, dimensional colour that looks like you were born with it.

Who is a root melt perfect for?

Root melts are brilliant if you:

Have highlights, balayage, or ombré and want to soften the regrowth line
Love the look of lighter lengths but find all-over blonde too high-maintenance
Want to stretch the time between colour appointments without looking grown-out
Have harsh foil lines or banding from previous colour and need a softer blend
Prefer a lived-in, natural finish rather than a flat, one-tone colour

Because the root area is intentionally deeper, your blonde ends appear brighter by contrast and the overall effect is more multi-tonal and dimensional.

Aftercare and keeping your melt looking fresh

Root melts are wonderfully low-maintenance, but a little care keeps them looking their best:

Use a sulphate-free or colour-safe shampoo to protect the toner on your lighter lengths
Wash less often and use cool or lukewarm water to prevent fading
Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying or styling with hot tools
Book an occasional toner refresh (your stylist will advise) to keep your mid-lengths and ends bright and brass-free

If your hair is long, thick, or very dense, we may need to use extra colour to fully cover it—each additional 30g is charged at £10. We'll always let you know beforehand so there are no surprises.

Why choose Park Row for your root melt

Our stylists—Janet, Lynzie, Beckie, Alicia, Jess, and Imogen—are trained in the latest colour techniques and work exclusively with Keune colours and treatments for beautiful, predictable results. We're a Keune Ambassador and Selected Partner, so you know you're in expert hands. If you're new to Park Row, we offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can chat through your ideas, see some examples, and make sure we're all on the same page before we start. Pop in or give us a call—we're right in the heart of Brighouse and easy to reach from Halifax, Huddersfield, Elland, Rastrick, and Mirfield.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a root melt cost at Park Row?

A root melt starts from £38 for 60 minutes. If your hair is very long, thick, or dense and requires extra colour, each additional 30g is charged at £10.

What is the difference between a root melt and a root smudge?

They're very similar! Both blend darker roots into lighter lengths. A root melt tends to involve a slightly longer, more gradual blend, while a root smudge is often softer and sits closer to the scalp. Your stylist will recommend the best technique for your hair.

Can I have a root melt on virgin hair with no previous colour?

Root melts work best when you already have lighter mid-lengths or ends from highlights, balayage, or previous lightening. If your hair is all one colour, your stylist may suggest highlighting or balayage first, then adding the melt.

How long will a root melt last before I need a touch-up?

Because the root is intentionally darker and blended, a root melt grows out very naturally. Most clients can go 8–12 weeks or longer between appointments, though you may want a toner refresh on the lighter lengths sooner to keep them bright.

Will a root melt damage my hair?

A root melt is generally very gentle because it's applied to the root area and mid-lengths rather than the ends. If your hair is already lightened, the root melt actually helps protect regrowth and reduces the need for frequent all-over bleaching.

Do I need to book a consultation before my root melt?

New clients are welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation at Park Row so we can discuss your colour history, show you examples, and plan the perfect shade and placement. You can also chat through everything on the day of your appointment.

Can I go lighter or darker with a root melt?

A root melt is designed to add depth at the roots, so it will make your root area darker or closer to your natural colour. If you want to go lighter overall, your stylist may suggest highlights or balayage alongside or instead of a melt.

What should I do to prepare for my root melt appointment?

Come with dry, relatively clean hair (a day or two since your last wash is ideal). Avoid applying heavy oils or serums on the day, and bring any inspiration photos so your stylist can see the depth and tone you're after.

How do I maintain my root melt at home?

Use a sulphate-free or colour-safe shampoo, wash with cool or lukewarm water, and apply a heat protectant before styling. Your stylist may also recommend a purple or bond-building treatment to keep your lighter lengths bright and healthy.

Can I have a root melt if I have a sensitive scalp?

Yes, but let your stylist know in advance. We can work carefully around your scalp, and if you have a history of reactions, a patch test is a sensible precaution before any new colour service.

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