The Honey Melt Hair Color Trend
What is honey melt hair color all about? Is it right for you?
This look checks a lot of boxes!
✓ Honey melt hair color is adaptable to the season.
✓ It blends warm golden tones with soft caramel and amber hues for a look that's effortlessly natural.
✓ This look flatters most skin tones.
✓ Perfect for anyone wanting to transition from blonde back to brunette or add some blonde into brunette.
✓ Easy grow in, no harsh lines or high maintenance upkeep.
What Is Honey Melt Hair Color
Honey melt hair color is a multidimensional blend of warm blonde and golden brown tones that flow seamlessly into one another. The term “melt” describes how the colors transition, softly and gradually without visible lines of demarcation. The base tone is usually a medium golden brown or dark blonde, with lighter honey and caramel highlights strategically placed to reflect light and create depth. The result is a rich, sunlit effect that feels natural and luxurious.
Why Everyone Loves the Honey Melt Trend
This look has quickly become a favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between blonde and brunette. It enhances the natural warmth of the hair, giving a healthy, radiant glow. It is also versatile, working beautifully for those who want to warm up their color for fall or brighten it up for summer. Unlike full bleached blondes or single-process brunettes, honey melt offers depth and dimension without committing to a single tone.
How We Create the Honey Melt Look
The honey melt technique typically starts with a warm or neutral base color. Your stylist will then hand-paint lighter tones through the mid-lengths and ends using balayage or foilayage techniques. Gloss or toner is applied afterward to harmonize the shades and give that signature “melted” effect. The key is in the blending, the highlights should fade naturally from root to tip.
Who This Color Looks Best On
Honey melt hair color complements a wide range of complexions, especially those with warm or neutral undertones. It enhances golden, olive, and peachy skin tones and brings warmth to cooler complexions as well. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, this color adds dimension and softness that flatters any texture.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, honey melt shades can lean more toward golden blonde for a sun-kissed finish. In fall and winter, stylists often deepen the base to a soft chestnut or toffee tone for a cozier, dimensional look. You can customize your version to suit your natural color, skin tone, and personal style.
Request a Free Hair Color Consultation
Big Color Changes * Going Blonde * Color Correction
If you've been to Monaco Salon for your color, you know that each color service starts with a mini consultation. In many cases, there's no need to book a separate visit for a hair color consultation because we make time to discuss "what are we doing today?" However, if you're planning a BIG color change, a totally new color and cut, or if you think you need a complex color correction, you can request a separate color consultation using this form.
We'll have you come into the salon for a separate appointment -at no charge - just to talk. This will allow us more time to look at your inspo pictures, walk through your options, and give you a quote for the service.
Tell us your ideal dates and times and we'll contact you with a few options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Color
Do you have a blonde hair specialist?
«Monaco Hair Salon is home to some the best hairdressers in the state of Florida. Each of our hairstylists have mastered the art of hair color.
Blonde hair has a broad spectrum of shades, from dark blondes to platinum, from icy blondes to warm honey blondes. Blonde hair, whether highlights, lowlights, balayage or all over blonde, has its own unique needs. Ask for one of our blonde hair specialists when booking an appointment. Every hair color service starts with a color consult.
Come in for a free hair color consultation.
Learn more about our hair color expertise at Monaco Salon in Tampa:
How do I remove box hair dye?
«We get it. Sometimes it's difficult to get to the salon - like during a pandemic - and you take matters into your own hands. Perhaps you tried a semi permanent or permanent color kit at home and the color looks nothing like the one pictured on the box. If you've used a drug store hair color and are't happy with the results, we can remove it.
It is possible to remove box hair dye, but this task is best left to a reputable hair salon. The last thing you want to do is permanently damage your hair by experimenting with chemicals. Give Monaco Hair Salon a call at (813) 870-1709 ask for an appointment with one of our best hair color correction experts.
Come in for a free hair color consultation.
Learn more about our hair color correction services.
What's the difference between highlights or balayage?
«Traditional foils and the balayage technique will both give you highlights, the difference is the intensity of the result. Balayage is a freehand technique that creates softer, more natural-looking highlights with a sun-kissed effect, while foils create more precise, defined streaks of color.
Which one should I get?
The answer depends on the look you want and how often are you willing to maintain it. Ask yourself how obvious you want your highlights to be, and if you want highlights all the way to the root. Highlights will have to be maintained every 6-8 weeks, while balayage usually grows out more gracefully, making it a lower-maintenance option.
Come in for a free hair color consultation.
Learn more about the difference between highlights and balayage here on the Monaco Salon blog.
Looking for inspo for your next highlights appointment? View examples of our work in our hair color gallery.
Can I go from brunette to blonde in one appointment?
«It depends on just how dark your hair is and its condition. It also depends on if you want a "blonde all over" look or a highlighted look. Going significantly lighter all over often requires multiple sessions to maintain the health of your hair and achieve the desired tone without excessive damage. We are blonding specialists and will be able to tell you how to get to the color you want safely.
How do I keep my hair color from fading?
«Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, wash less frequently, protect your hair from heat with a thermal spray, and minimize sun and chlorine exposure.
Schedule a gloss or toner service to give your color a boost if you're not due for a full color service.
What is “lived-in color”?
«Lived-in color is a technique that blends multiple shades (usually highlights and lowlights, or balayage) to create a dimensional look that grows out without harsh lines. It’s designed to give you a graceful grow in at the roots, allowing you more time between touch-ups while still looking polished. No wonder it's so popular!
How often will I need to touch up my hair color?
«It depends on the type of color service and your personal preferences.
- All-over permanent color: Roots typically need refreshing every 4–6 weeks, especially if you’re covering gray or maintaining a platinum blonde.
- Highlights: Depending on your style, you may need to touch up your roots every 6-8 weeks.
- Lived in color: These grow out more softly and can last 3–4 months before a full touch-up. Many guests come in sooner for a gloss or toner to keep the color fresh and shiny.
- Fashion shades (reds, coppers, vivid colors): These tend to fade faster and may need refreshing every 4–8 weeks to keep the color vibrant.
Your stylist at Monaco Salon will customize a maintenance plan so your color always looks its best—whether that means regular root touch-ups, seasonal refreshes, or low-maintenance lived-in color.
Should I wash my hair before my color appointment?
«Come with clean, dry hair if you're getting highlights, and avoid using heavy styling products the day of your appointment. It’s also helpful to bring inspiration photos and be ready to talk about your hair goals, maintenance preferences, and past color history so we can create the perfect plan for your hair.
Can I get highlights or balayage if I have hair extensions or a topper?
«Yes! At Monaco Salon, we specialize in hair extensions and toppers and are experts in custom coloring them to match your natural hair seamlessly. Whether you’re coloring your natural hair, the extension hair, or both, we take extra care to blend everything flawlessly.