Foiling WITHOUT Needing A Root Tap—Here’s How!
Do THIS To Highlight Bright Blondes Without Root Tapping
Want to achieve foil applications that blend all the way to the root, no tapping or blurring required? We thought so. From the dos and don’ts of tension to saturation secrets that work on any base, we snagged pro tips from Gareth Williams (@garethwilliamshair), London-based colorist and Moroccanoil® Global Ambassador.
Keep reading for expert blonding advice and tip-packed videos to show you how it’s done.
Foiled highlight hacks (no root tap necessary!)
The goal: Take highlights directly to the root to create maximum, bright lift that blends seamlessly. This will allow you to skip a root tap and achieve this blend only using foils and paint. The secret? TENSION.
“If you are struggling to hold your foils at the root, it could [have] to do with the amount of tension you are applying on the hair,” shares Gareth. “It’s so important to maintain this tension, until you are certain your product has cemented to the hair and retains that tension.”
Follow these steps:
- Take a medium to thick weave
- Weave close to the root for maximum precision
- Hold the hair with your index finger, middle finger and thumb—keep tension!
- Maintain tension and paint the regrowth with Moroccanoil® Blonde Voyage Powder Lightener that achieves up to nine levels of lift
- Once you’ve achieved the desired saturation, release tension
Pro tip to avoid harsh lines: Saturate and smooth out the lightener with a brush to ensure even lift, feathering into the root. Turn the brush vertically to avoid harsh lines and blend into previously lightened hair.
Need a visual? Watch the quick how-to tutorial below!
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Check out the finished look below—bright & seamlessly blended.

Find out when Moroccanoil® color launches near YOU—click here!
Even on lighter bases, you MUST properly saturate
Let’s debunk a common myth: If you’re working on a lighter base, the lift will be easier to achieve! The reality is, “If we are looking for super bright ash results, we still need to achieve the maximum lift possible,” says Gareth.
Do THIS: Heavily saturate lightener (even if you think you don’t need to), says Gareth. Not only will it give you the lift you need, but it can also cut your development time.
Follow these steps:
- Take a medium weave and get the foil close to the root
- Anchor foil and hold with tension
- Apply Moroccanoil® Blonde Voyage Powder Lightener and heavily saturate
- Feather for a softer grow-out
- Pull the paint into areas that need extra lift
- Smooth out the lightener
Pro tip for bright lift WITHOUT damage: Gareth highlights with Moroccanoil® Blonde Voyage Powder Lightener that features BondCare and ArganID® to protect and nourish hair while reinforcing bonds—aka reducing damage and breakage while you paint hair light and bright.
Watch Gareth’s steps & best pro tips in action below.
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Bright ash blonde, blended to the root—is there anything better?

Want to try Gareth’s go-to lightener and toners? Click here to find out more!
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