A root tap is a hair coloring technique where a small amount of hair color, in a shade that mimics the natural base color, is applied just to the roots of the hair. This technique is used to soften foil lines and keep the grow-out soft, while keeping the lightened hair as bright as possible. Root tapping is best for clients who want to look and feel as blonde as possible. Root tapping is similar to root smudging, which is done with less color, and root melting, which is for clients who love a deep-rooted look. Root tapping is a low-maintenance hair color technique that is great for clients who want to see brightness but also love a lived-in rooty blonde.