Ever sat in a salon chair nodding along while your stylist said “root melt,” “foils,” or “toner,” and you weren’t totally sure what they meant? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re colouring your hair regularly or just starting to explore the options, the terms can feel confusing - and let’s be real, a little intimidating. This guide is designed to clear things up so you can stop second-guessing and start feeling empowered about your hair decisions.
What Are Hair Colouring Techniques?
Hair colouring techniques are the methods your stylist uses to apply colour - and there are more than you think. From soft, sun-kissed strands to bold, global colour, each one creates a different look and grows out in its own way. Understanding the basics helps you spot what you like, without needing to master the lingo.
Let’s Break It Down: Popular Colouring Techniques
Highlights & Foils
These are classic for a reason. Foils let your stylist lighten specific sections of hair for contrast and brightness. Want a noticeable lift without going all-over blonde? Highlights are your friend.
Balayage
This French technique creates a natural, lived-in glow. Colour is painted on freehand, typically starting away from the roots for a softer grow-out. Low maintenance and effortlessly stylish.
Root Tint & Global Colour
A root tint refreshes your regrowth - perfect for grey coverage or evening out your base. Global (or all-over) colour means one shade applied throughout. Classic, polished, and powerful.
Root Melt
Blends your natural root shade into lighter ends for a seamless fade. Think of it as the bridge between balayage and grown-out roots - on purpose.
Gloss & Toner
These are not full dyes, but magical finishers. Glosses add shine and richness; toners refine or neutralise colour after bleaching. Both can enhance or refresh your look between full appointments.
Baby Lights, Teasy Lights, and Air Touch Lights
They’re all about subtlety.
- Baby lights: Ultra-fine highlights for delicate dimension.
- Teasy lights: Teased roots with foils for a diffused lift.
- Air touch lights: Uses air to soften sections before lightening - blended perfection.
Your Best Tool? Inspiration Images.
Forget the jargon. Bring in pictures that speak to you - styles you adore and even those you definitely don’t. These visuals help your stylist understand your taste, lifestyle, and what you don’t want. It’s a team effort, and your only job is to show up with inspiration and openness.
When in Doubt, Book a Consultation
Trying a new colour, or a new hairdresser - can feel intimidating. That’s why consultations exist. They’re relaxed, pressure-free, and designed to help you feel heard and confident before any colour touches your hair.
You Deserve to Feel Good in Your Hair
Hair colour should feel exciting, not stressful. And with the right stylist by your side, it will. Let this guide be your grounding point, your confidence booster, and your invitation to bring in that Pinterest board to say what you really want, and feel totally comfortable doing it.
