What is the result of applying color to new growth without coloring the entire hair?

The application of color to new growth without coloring the entire hair is known as a retouch. This technique specifically focuses on the roots to cover gray hairs or match the existing color of the hair that has grown out, maintaining a seamless appearance. Retouching is a common practice in hair color maintenance, allowing for a refreshed look without the need for a complete dye job on the rest of the hair.

In contrast, balayage involves a technique for highlighting hair in a more swept or painted-on manner, often focusing on specific sections or an entire strand, and highlights refer to lighter pieces of color added to the hair rather than a focused application at the roots. Full color typically indicates that the entire head of hair is being dyed, which is different from isolating just the new growth. Therefore, focusing solely on the new growth is what distinguishes a retouch from other coloring techniques.