Deciding between Redken Shades EQ Root Tap, Root Smudge, Root Melt and Shadow. Let us help you decide.

Navigating the world of hair colour can be as intricate as the colours themselves. From subtle adjustments to bold transformations, blending techniques like root smudge and shadow root have become popular ways to achieve a natural, blended or contrasted look.

But what sets them apart, and how can you decide which technique suits you and your style? Let’s break down these methods to help you make an informed choice.

In the past, we used this blending technique to transition clients from a full head of blonde highlights to ombre or other darker colours. But now they can be the key to help transition your grey hair and enhance your roots.

Our Root Guide for Redken Shades EQ root smudge, root tap, root melt, and shadow root can help you decide which service can help you reach your low-maintenance hair goals.

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Root Tap

This is the perfect option for anyone who likes to stay very blonde. Root tap maintains a blonde tone and subtly blurs highlight definition. A root tap is ideal for anyone who loves their colour after a few weeks of regrowth.  Your stylist applies the colour to the first cm of your regrowth using a colour that is the same shade as your regrowth. This service is usually done at the same time as your highlight appointment.

Best for: Creating a soft small amount of regrowth whilst keeping the rest of your hair blonde and bright.

Root Smudge and Shadow Root

Using a Redken Shades EQ which is the same colour or slightly lighter is applied to your roots, 'smudging' it down until it reaches your highlights—seamlessly blending and transitioning you between the darker natural regrowth and your hightlights.  Chosing a shade slightly darker than your natural colour instead will give your hair a more dramatic contrast, with more depth and dimension. This technique keeps you feeling blonde but means you do not need to highlight your hair every 6 weeks. 

Best for: Creating a great regrowth that means less maintenance and few salon visits, which gives contrast and depth.

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Root Melt

Root melt will create a lived-in look. Perfect to blend very old highlights, colour correction and if you'd like your hair to transition to your natural colour. Applying a colour that is similar to your natural colour 5cm to 10cm down your hair and blending into your hair. Using a deeper colour or richer tones will give you amazing contrast, adding depth and dimension and perfect for transitioning from Summer hair to Autumn.

Best for: Transitioning from blonde to brown, embracing a more wintry look, and a great way of colour correction.

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Now with all that information on board we won't be leaving you alone in the process. Our fabulous Wellington-based hairdressers have the expertise to help you decided. What is also great about the Shades EQ Root service is it's a quick service. Allow for approx 1 hour and 15 mins for this service, this includes a blow wave. Also, you can add a toner or a gloss refresh to the ends of your hair. The options to create a personalised and beautiful colour is here.