Understanding Deposit Hair Color

Deposit color adds pigment to your hair without lightening it. It’s used to deepen, enrich, or change tone — not to make hair lighter. Deposit-only color uses permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent formulations that add pigment without lifting your natural color.

Choosing the right formula depends on:

  • Your natural base color
  • Whether you’re covering gray
  • How long you plan to wear the color
  • How often you want maintenance

Your stylist will help determine the best option based on your goals and hair history.

All-Over Color & Root Touch-Ups

Single-process (all-over) color is one of the most requested services at Studio W.

This service can:

  • Create a complete color change
  • Refresh faded or dull hair
  • Add shine and softness
  • Maintain consistent color from roots to ends

Root touch-ups focus on new growth while preserving your existing color through the mid-lengths and ends.

Shadow Root & Dimensional Depth

A shadow root adds depth and softness at the base of the hair using deposit color. This technique is often paired with highlights to blur contrast at the scalp and create a more natural grow-out.

Shadow roots can also be used to slightly adjust your natural base — warmer, deeper, or more neutral — without lifting.

(If you’re exploring dimensional blonding or highlights, we recommend visiting our Highlights & Blonding or Balayage pages.)

Grey Coverage

Whether you want subtle blending or full coverage, deposit color offers flexible solutions for gray hair.

Permanent and demi-permanent formulas can:

  • Camouflage or fully cover gray
  • Maintain contrast and richness
  • Be adjusted over time as your hair changes

There’s no pressure to “hide” gray — we simply support the look you want.

Copper & Red Hair Color

Red and copper shades are bold, expressive, and highly customizable. The key to beautiful red hair is choosing the right undertone and brightness for your skin tone and lifestyle.

Deposit color allows us to create vibrant reds, warm coppers, and rich auburns while keeping hair healthy and glossy.

Brunette Hair Color

Brunette shades don’t have to be flat. Deposit color can enrich brown hair with warmth, depth, or cool neutrality, depending on your preference.

From soft chocolate tones to deep espresso hues, brunette color is all about dimension and shine.

Dark & Black Hair Color

Deep shades can be incredibly striking when done well. Deposit color enhances richness and reflectivity, even when slightly deepening your natural shade.

Proper formulation prevents dark color from looking dull or heavy.

Vivid & Fashion Hair Color

Vivid, fantasy, or fashion colors are expressive and fun — but they’re also a commitment.

Most vivid colors require a double process, meaning the hair must first be lightened before pigment is applied. Because of that, these services are typically planned through consultation.

If you’re interested in vivid color, we recommend visiting our dedicated Vivid Hair Color page to learn more about timing, maintenance, and care.

Pamela A
★★★★★

Always clean and the ladies are super nice. Very professional and my mom and I have been coming here for years. Great location in Castro Valley. Love the color and the blow out. Thank you for girl time and making my hair beautiful.

Donna V
★★★★★

Jenny & Lily are super professional and accommodating for appointment. Happy with the hair coloring.

Natalie Q
★★★★★

I've been coming here for several years for appointments with Amelia. I have combination curly/straight hair that a lot of stylists have trouble with, but Amelia knows what she's doing and always gives me a great cut. I trust her completely with coloring and highlighting my hair--her placement and tones are always spot on. She's also funny and easy to talk to. Totally recommend!

Pamela P
★★★★★

I absolutely LOVE this salon. It’s not only gorgeous when you walk in , it’s clean, organized and the layout is comforting. You’re not crammed together like sardines in a tin can. There’s plenty of space between clients. They sanitize everything and continue to do so through out the day. The customer service is amazing and they treat you like family. Everything is well managed and it’s in a great location. I love coming here and will continue to do so. Perfect color and haircut every time and I feel like a princess when I leave. I give the salon 5 stars!

Marie H
★★★★★

I needed a revamp during all this craziness and my cut and color made me feel like myself!!

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Not Sure Which Hair Color Service You Need?

Choosing between semi, demi, or permanent color, or deciding whether you need a root touch-up, shadow root, or full color, isn’t always obvious. A quick consultation allows us to look at your hair, talk through your goals, and recommend the best approach.

Our complimentary hair color consultations are designed to give you clarity before committing to a service.

Request a Free Hair Color Consultation

Use the form below to request a consultation, and our team will follow up with available times.

In case we miss each other, please include an email address.
Check all that apply.
Feel free to include images.

Book a Color Appointment at Studio W Salon

Use our online booking system or call us 510-862-5525. Or you can send us an appointment request with a few suggested dates and times and we'll contact you with some options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deposit color damaging?

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Deposit-only color is generally gentler than lightening services. When formulated correctly, it can improve shine and manageability while maintaining hair integrity.

What is a root melt or shadow root?

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A root melt (also called a shadow root) uses deposit color at the root area to soften contrast between your natural hair and lighter lengths. It creates a smoother transition and a more lived-in look.

Will a root melt make my hair darker and cover grey?

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Not necessarily. A root melt isn’t meant to darken your hair or cover regrowth or gray. Instead, it uses deposit color to add subtle depth and blur harsh lines between the root and lighter areas. The tone is customized to complement your overall color and create a softer, more blended look.

How do I know whether I need semi-, demi-, or permanent hair color?

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That depends on what you’re trying to achieve and how long you want the color to last.

Semi-permanent color is best for short-term changes, enhancing tone, or refreshing faded color.

Demi-permanent color offers longer-lasting results and is often used for blending gray or adding richness without a long-term commitment.

Permanent color is typically recommended for full gray coverage or maintaining a consistent shade at the roots.

Your stylist will help choose the right formula based on your goals, how often you like to change your color, and your maintenance preferences.

Does single-process (all-over) color add shine?

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Yes. When formulated correctly, single-process color can noticeably improve shine. Deposit color smooths the hair’s surface and enhances tone, which helps hair reflect light more evenly. Many clients find their hair looks healthier and glossier after an all-over color service.

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