Popular hair coloring method mélange highlighting produces a subtle, organic blending of colors. This technique blends several tones to give your hair depth and dimension, giving you a carefree, sun-kissed look. For those who prefer a subtle shift over the stark contrast of traditional highlights, it’s ideal.
Many are curious if melange highlighting is something they can accomplish at home. Although it is feasible, the procedure calls for accuracy and knowledge of color blending. You can try it if you’re comfortable doing do-it-yourself hair projects and have the necessary supplies, but it’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions to prevent uneven color.
This post will explain melange highlighting, explain how it works differently from other methods, and discuss whether or not you can actually perform this at home.
A subtle hair coloring method called melange highlighting combines several shades to create a softly contrasted, naturally sun-kissed look. It gives your hair movement and dimension without using harsh lines. Even though it can be done at home, professional skill and knowledge are frequently needed to achieve the ideal tone blend and color balance in order to prevent damage or uneven results.
What is it
A fashionable method of dying hair strands that essentially doesn’t damage your curls is mélange highlighting. It is only appropriate for girls who are fair-haired or light-brown because it does not require the use of a high-percentage oxidizer to bleach hair in order to create an intriguing image.
However, there are instances where gorgeous dark-haired women dye only the middle part of their hair a light color out of experimentation, leaving the ends and roots natural.
The melange method calls for a maximum four-tone bleaching of the strands. It is possible to use multiple tones from the same color scheme. Blondes, for instance, will look good in shades of milky, muted beige, and gold.
Do you wish to slightly lighten your hair? Then you should use melange highlighting. You can create the appearance of hair fading in the sun by selecting rare strands, bleaching them by one or two tones, and then toning.
Pros and cons
The technique won’t have much of an impact on the curls’ structure because it doesn’t lighten the hair.
Additional benefits of highlighting melange:
- significantly refreshes the image, and also distracts from problem skin: acne, wrinkles, ill-fated circles under the eyes;
- gives hair volume by stretching the color along the length;
- does not require frequent correction, since when applying the coloring composition, they make a significant indent from the roots;
- this type of coloring can be used for weakened and thin curls;
- due to the absence of sharp transitions, the most natural effect of fading in the sun is achieved;
- is able to hide gray hair that is just beginning to appear;
- makes it possible to disguise unsuccessful coloring done earlier;
- is an ideal option for a hairstyle for every day.
Take note! A versatile option for modern coloring that works with any type of curls or haircut is melange highlighting.
Yet there are disadvantages to this method. For instance, light curls work better for this coloring because dark hair might not show up with the color you’ve chosen. Furthermore, you should be aware that using mild coloring solutions devoid of ammonia won’t produce an impression that lasts. Your color will fade in a month and a half.
Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, a lot of women work hard to update their melange style.
Cost of the procedure
Depending on the salon’s reputation, the length of the curls, and the color selected, the price for this coloring option varies from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles.
If you can attempt to complete all the intricate steps of the procedure at home, why pay more? You’ll need the following for this:
- ammonia-free cream paint or toning agent (from 400-950 rubles depending on the brand);
- a lightener with a small percentage or a special powder (the cost of a standard low-percentage oxidizer starts at 200 rubles);
- paste for the ends of the hair, if desired (from 400 to 1200 rubles).
As you can see, performing the surgery at home results in a significant cost savings (approximately 3-5 thousand rubles). However, you must choose wisely in this situation. Given the complexity of the technique, it is best to overpay and entrust experienced masters if you lack confidence in your skills.
Who is it suitable for and how to choose a color
Almost everyone looks good with melange hair coloring, regardless of their hair type or structure. But keep in mind that coloring dark hair is far more challenging since it can be challenging to select a color that will look good on brunette and brown-haired women.
Note that melange highlighting will be barely noticeable on very light curls. Thus, consider carefully if you need subtle accents or if a more drastic adjustment is necessary.
A mélange looks fantastic on curly hair. It won’t be an issue if your hair is naturally straight because curling irons and curlers can successfully curl hair.
A crucial detail The declared style will not work for very short haircuts. It is preferable for owners of boyish hairstyles to color their feathers thickly. On our website, you can discover more stylish suggestions for highlighting short hair.
The melange technique’s main goal is to smooth out color transitions, but lately, color dyeing has made extensive use of this highlighting scheme. The following items work well with a color melange:
- blue;
- bright pink;
- emerald;
- violet;
- pale pink;
- muted blue.
Only blondes look good in the final two tones.
Hair that has previously been curled or dyed with henna cannot be highlighted. Visit our website to learn more about the specifics and potential repercussions of highlighting hair that has been dyed with henna and basma.
It is advised that women who are expecting or nursing avoid this procedure.
Different shade options are chosen based on the type of color; for example, if you have fair skin and are blonde, use only "cold" colors. For instance, wet sand, wet asphalt, wet ash, and platinum. Owners with light eyes and peach skin tones are advised by experts to experiment with various gold tones. Feel free to purchase amber and cognac colored paint if you have red curls.
For light hair
All hues of "blond" are included in the color scheme for blondes:
It is preferable to go with burgundy or chestnut as your second color choice if you plan to color your hair. Additionally, you can experiment a little with gold hues.
For unconventional melange highlighting, we suggest using subdued tones of emerald, pink, purple, or blue.
For those with red hair, it is best to go with any shade of red, including salmon, hibiscus, cinnamon, and copper. Also, amber hues will go well with them.
For dark hair
Dark-haired ladies can choose from the following color schemes:
Suggestions. You can dye the strands different shades of "eggplant" or mix the color of "ripe cherry" with bright "lemon" to create an unusual and captivating image.
Features of the procedure
The occipital portion of the hair is worked on first, and its strands are dyed a base color that should make up one-third of the total volume of the head of hair. then proceeds gradually to the crown, using more shades there. The ends of the hair are coated with a unique paste to give the look a unique twist.
Since ammonia-free dyes are used for melange, the hair is essentially spared damage. Use foil to achieve a more defined transition between the chosen shades.
A lot of cosmetic companies that make hair care and transformation products provide specific dyes that are meant to work with the method we are thinking about.
Ask the stylist to dye only the top portion of your hair, leaving the bottom uncolored, if you want your curls to be bleached as little as possible. This kind of adjustment will lighten the hairdo.
Don’t purchase an oxidizer that contains more than 3 percent since lightening is accomplished by several tones. This can include cream paint from L’Oreal, Sunlight dye from Wella, and beeswax-based specialty highlighting products from different producers.
Since the hair at the back of the head has a denser structure than the hair at the temples, dyeing should start there to ensure that the color stays visible for a longer period of time. Do not wash your hair for at least a few days prior to dying it because you will need to use bleach. You can shield the structure of your curls from the damaging effects of the oxidizer by performing this easy manipulation.
Execution technique
There are four methods for carrying them out:
- Hair lightening in a classic style, when individual thin strands are selected and bleached. Then they are tinted in colors as close to natural as possible. It is done quite simply, but you need to tinker for a long time.
- Full coloring of the entire head of hair, when part of the hair is tinted in a dark color, and the other is lightened using highlights. This option is suitable for self-confident girls who want to make their image brighter.
- When the dark base is diluted with light strokes. In the case of blond hair, dark colors are chosen – chocolate, chestnut, light brown.
- Combining your natural hair color with provocative bright colors: hibiscus, emerald, eggplant, etc.d. (color melange).
We advise you to apply melange highlighting in the traditional manner. To accomplish this, you must obtain:
- a special comb for highlighting with an upturned edge (in the world of salon hairstyles it is called a spatula);
- a thin comb for highlighting a layer of hair;
- clip for securing zones;
- a special cape on the shoulders;
- a pair of gloves.
Ask your mother or girlfriend for help if you want to do everything flawlessly.
Traditional melange highlighting: method
- Comb all the curls thoroughly with a comb.
- Mix the oxidizer with the desired color in the proportion specified by the manufacturer (usually 1:1). Use only a glass or ceramic container. You can add a little restorative mousse.
- Divide the hair into zones: at the top, follow the vertical parting, and at the bottom, the horizontal. Pin up all the zones with clips.
- Now we proceed to coloring the back of the head. We retreat a thin layer of our curls, then select a layer 0.5 cm thick. Pass it through a special comb for highlighting, simultaneously applying the dye (watch the video). Pull the dye with the comb to the very end and place the dyed strands on the hair.
- In a similar way, we dye all the remaining curls. At the top, the strands need to be selected by parting, as you usually wear.
- Keep the curls for 30-40 minutes, taking into account the manufacturer"s recommendations.
- Rinse off the pigment under warm running water. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with shampoo, preferably from the "For colored curls" series. Be sure to use conditioner.
A crucial detail To achieve a distinct break between the strands, encase the areas that have been dyed with foil.
You will need to make masks or nourishing cocktails for your curls to restore the curls because an oxidizer was used (albeit a small percentage). It’s not essential to purchase products from upscale beauty salons when you can create a quality mask at home.
Beat one tablespoon honey into the egg yolk to achieve this. Add a few burdock or olive oil drops. Recall to rinse off the yolk-based mask with tepid water.
Additional maintenance advice:
- Comb the hair before bedtime;
- Cut the tips every month;
- make it a rule to dry your hair in a natural way, without using a hair dryer;
- do not comb wet curls, otherwise you will injure them;
- withpostpone the next coloring for a period of 3 months.
Therefore, coloring with the melange technique is a super-trendy way to highlight your unique style and inherent beauty. It enhances the beauty of all hair types and gives your regular outfit a "juicy" and appealing appearance. Thus, set aside a few hours of your schedule to complete the process at home or schedule a visit with a hairdresser.
Which highlights to pick, the greatest suggestions
| Melange highlighting appearance | Can you do it yourself? |
| Melange highlighting looks like soft, natural streaks of different shades blending into your hair. It creates a sun-kissed, dimensional effect. | Yes, but it"s tricky. You need to carefully section your hair and apply different shades of dye. It"s best to ask for help or visit a professional for the best results. |
Melange highlighting blends multiple color shades into your hair to give it a naturally sun-kissed look. It’s ideal for anyone wishing to update their style subtly because it’s a great way to add dimension and brightness without creating a stark contrast.
Although you can attempt melange highlighting at home, it can be difficult to get the exact color combination. Accurate application and a keen sense of color are necessary for this technique to prevent uneven or patchy results. You can try it if you’re sure of your abilities or if you have a friend who can assist. Nonetheless, it is advised to see a professional stylist for the best results.
In the end, melange highlighting is a chic and adaptable choice for giving your hair a soft, elegant touch—whether you choose to DIY or get professional assistance. It’s a classic style that adds the perfect amount of sophistication and shine to a variety of hair types and colors.
