Coloring is one of the best ways to revitalize your hair style – but you don’t always need to opt for a full color makeover. In fact, highlights, balayage, and ombre hair have become increasingly popular over the years, for their ability to add dimension and depth to all kinds of styles.
Today, we’re giving a well-deserved shout-out to one of the most subtle, yet powerful highlighting options for anyone in search of a color refresh: babylights.
Babylights are known for their ability to create subtle, natural depth and dimension in hair of any color, length, or shape. And they can easily take any color job to the next level.
Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of babylights, how they work, and who might suit them best.
What are Babylights?
Babylights are essentially extremely fine highlights, placed strategically throughout the hair, to add a sense of depth and dimension to your hair color. These micro highlights are typically brighter towards the crown, and ends of your hair, and more subtle in the middle.
Similar to other highlighting and partial coloring techniques (like balayage and ombre), babylights have captured a lot of attention lately, thanks to the number of social media influencers and celebrities experimenting with new looks. However, they’re not an entirely new form of coloring.
In fact, a lot of expert stylists have used babylights for decades, referring to them as “superfine” highlights, or something similar. Unlike your standard highlights, babylights are very delicate, they’re not intended to stand out with blocks of contrasting color.
Instead, they create a look that mimics what your natural hair is supposed to do – blend together a multitude of different shades and colors. Babylights aren’t supposed to completely transform your hair’s appearance, but they can definitely refresh your look by giving your hair a more natural, multi-dimensional appearance.
Babylights vs. Highlights, Lowlights, and Balayage
So, how do babylights differ from other coloring techniques? Well, first of all, they’re similar to balayage in some ways, because like balayage hair, babylights are supposed to be subtle. Although there’s nothing stopping you from experimenting with bright, contrasting colors.
Typically, babylights cover the whole head, whereas balayage is usually applied further down from the root of your hair. As well as being similar to highlights in terms of the “application” technique, babylights are also closer to highlights than “lowlights” because they often use lighter colors than your natural hair. Lowlights add darker colors to your hair to create depth.
There are stylists that are willing to apply babylights in all kinds of colors however, so you could always consider asking about a “reverse babylights” service.
Compared to highlights, lowlights, and balayage, babylights also color much thinner strands of hair. You don’t get clear lines, ribbons, or “pops” of color. Instead of creating significant visual contrast in your hair, babylights illuminate and enhance the overall color.
Who are Babylights Best For?
One of the great things about babylights is that they’re perfect for just about any kind of hair. It doesn’t matter if you have short or long locks, ultra-straight hair or beautiful waves, babylights can look fantastic on anyone. They even work well for people with frizzy or coily hair.
For the most part, babylights are particularly popular among blonde women who want to add extra-bright, white components to their tresses. However, you can add these highlights to hair of any color. We’ve seen plenty of examples of celebrities (particularly in Korea) experimenting with colorful babylights, for a unique look. You can also add babylights to brunette, red, or black hair.
Almost every color, hairstyle, and length can benefit from adding vibrancy and dimension with babylights. Even if you don’t have a natural hair color, asking your stylist for babylights can give the overall finish a more fresh, powerful look.
Our stylists do say that babylights are particularly fantastic for people with slightly thinner hair, however. The subtle technique means it can be tougher for you to really see the impact if you have coarse, thick hair. Another thing worth keeping in mind is that if you’re worried about damaging your hair, babylights could be the ideal option.
Combined to other dye techniques, this strategy exposes less of your hair to chemicals and heat, meaning less possible damage for your hair.
How Do Stylists Create Babylights?
There’s no real one-size-fits-all approach to any coloring technique. The right stylist, like our experts here at PERFECT X HAIR, will customize the experience to suit your needs. They’ll arrange an initial consultation with you, where they talk to you about your hair goals, and give you tips on the right methods to achieve the perfect outcome.
If you and your stylist decide that babylights are right for you, you’ll arrange an appointment, at which point your stylist will sit you down (potentially cut your hair), and then begin to apply highlights based on your specific hair color and preferences.
Typically, the babylights process involves focusing on three areas: your hairline, natural parting, and the very ends of your hair. Babylights should be extremely fine, but slightly brighter around your hairline, and natural parting, allowing for a soft graduation towards the ends of your hair.
Your stylist may use more than one tone when applying babylights too. This can help to enhance the natural beauty of your existing colors. For instance, they might use different shades of platinum and white on a person with naturally blonde hair. Most stylists will also apply a toner or serum at the end of the process, to really finish the look, then style your hair to show off the effect.
How Do You Care for Babylights?
One major benefit of babylights over traditional highlights and full-head colors, is they don’t require a lot of maintenance. Because they’re very subtle, babylights often grow out more seamlessly than chunkier colors, so you can get away with spending a little longer between appointments.
Of course, how long the color and effects will last will vary depending on your hair color, and the speed at which your hair grows. Your stylist will be able to give you advice on how often you should be coming back for touch-ups.
Depending on the color you’ve chosen for your hair, toning shampoos and conditioners can be extremely helpful for maintaining the overall look. Adding hair gloss can also help to maintain the color, as well as using specialist sulphate-free products for color-treated hair.
Are Babylights Right for You?
Babylights are one of the most versatile hair coloring options for anyone who wants to transform their look in a way that’s subtle, and eye-catching at the same time. These highlights give your hair a wonderfully natural, yet elevated appearance. Plus, they require minimal maintenance, and don’t expose your hair to any unnecessary damage.
The only real downside is that babylights aren’t ideal for truly “drastic” hair changes. Your babylights won’t redefine the shape and appearance of your hairstyle completely. If you’re looking for a bolder change, we’d probably recommend ombre, balayage, full highlights, or a full color.
If you think babylights are the right choice for you, reach out to our team to book a consultation with a stylist, and we’ll help make your hair dreams a reality!
FAQs
What’s the difference between babylights and normal highlights?
Both babylights and traditional highlights are applied to the hair with foils, and generally cover the hair from root to tip. However, babylights focus on much smaller sections of hair, creating less visual contrast and impact, for a subtler, more natural appearance.
Are babylights low maintenance?
Babylights can require a lot less maintenance than highlights and other coloring techniques. Because they’re extremely subtle, they grow out more naturally, giving you the freedom to spend more time between appointments. However, it’s still a good idea to follow your stylists’ instructions to ensure you can maintain your look for as long as possible.
How much do babylights cost?
Prices for babylights vary depending on your colorist and salon. However, in some cases, they can cost more than typical highlights. This is because babylights take longer to apply, and may involve using various different tones and colors throughout your hair. Additional treatments, such as bleaching and Olaplex, can also add to the cost.
