Shadow Roots + Color Melts: 3 Mistakes To Avoid

Avoid These 3 Mistakes When Painting Shadow Roots & Color Melts…

When pairing a classic color melt with a low-maintenance shadow root, there are three mistakes that can ruin the finished result: demarcation lines, unbalanced color placement and color bleeding. Below, we’re sharing how to avoid each one with the help of Surface Stylist Sara Gallagher (@saraalwinhair) PLUS a video that demos her rooty color melt technique. Keep scrolling for all the deets!

Products Used

Hair Color

Pure Blonde Lightening Powder

Surface

Gel Color

Pure Color

Surface

Mistake #1: Lines Of Demarcation

When applying more than one color, one of the most common fears is demarcation lines. Sara’s secret? It’s all in the sectioning. For this particular look, she opted for zigzag partings on the sides and rear edge to help with blending and triangles within triangles to help with integration. “All of that by nature with the placement is going to soften it,” notes Sara. (Tap through the slideshow below for a break down of Sara’s sectioning!)

Pro Tip: To really make sure there are zero demarcation lines, during the application part, use the tip of the brush and gently blend where the shadow root formula meets the lightener. 

Mistake #2: Unbalanced Color Placement

Working with zigzag partings is great for seamlessly blending the shadow root formula with the rest of the color application, but here’s the thing: You have to make sure they’re consistent. If the zigzags are too wide, Sara says it’s about the same as a straight line. If the zigzags are too small, the color placement won’t be balanced. (Peep the pic below to see what a just right zigzag part looks like!)

Mistake #3: Color Bleeding

Of course, when working with multiple colors, the holy grail tip for preventing bleeds is to rinse with cold water. But there are two other steps Sara takes that reduces her anxiety levels at the bowl:

• Use haircolor that’ll help you, not hurt you. Because she lightens with Surface Pure Blonde Lightening Powder and paints with the Surface Pure Color line, Sara says she doesn’t have to worry about color transfer because there typically isn’t any with these products.

• For extra security, Sara says to rinse the foils out first and then work your way to the base.  

Watch Sara’s Rooty Color Melt Technique In The Video Below!

How To Keep Fine Hair From Falling Flat—TAP HERE!