Just like with the fashion and beauty industries, the hair industry has seen its fair share of trendy styles coming and going over the years. When I was in middle school bold stripey blonde highlights were the must-have look, and most of us probably remember the “balayage vs ombre” hairstyle discussion that took over a few years ago. Whether you’re a hair coloring enthusiast or still stick with your original shade of locks, there are a ton of options when it comes to customizing your color to fit your style and specific hair needs. If you’re not a fan of these traditional lightening methods, or just want to try something a little more subtle with your hair, consider asking your stylist about babylights.

Babylights are fine, delicate and natural-looking highlights — you’ll see brighter color at the crown of the head and ends of the hair, as you might see naturally occurring after time spent in the sun. To achieve this sun-kissed hairstyle, your colorist will work with small sections of hair at a time, with a small separation of the foils to make sure that the color blends in a way that feels natural. 

photo by @hihoneysalon

We know that babylights are — but how do they compare to other forms of highlighting? Be sure to check out our article on balayage vs ombre for an in-depth look at these two styles of highlighting, but here’s a quick overview of what you need to know before your next salon appointment:

The traditional form of highlighting (as well as lowlights), this is the version that most salon clients are probably familiar with and have likely experienced themselves.

• Stylists apply the lightening product or color usually starting from the root close to the hairline, and use foil to separate different bands of color. This differs from babylights both in the application distance from the roots, as well as the general size of color applied to sections at a time.
• You’ll get an even tone of color throughout from root to end — but because the foils are usually applied close to the root, you’ll have a noticeable grow out line that will need to be touched up with future appointments. If this is too harsh for you, or you’d just like a more low maintenance style, try babylights instead.
• Traditionally, bleach or lightening products are applied to highlight your hair, but when you add bands of darker foiled color throughout, you can get lowlights.

Balayage is a freehand painting technique, where the stylist will purposefully apply color to select strands.

• Beginning by finely applying the bleach or color close to the roots with a margin of a few inches, the color is applied gradually heavier as you work down toward the ends. 
• Like babylights, the more delicate application close to the root means a softer grow-out process when compared to traditional foil highlights which can leave a harsh root line of lighter color.
• While balayage works for any hair type from brunette to blonde hair, the effect is most apparent on longer hair, where you can see the graduation of color from the root. If your hair is on the thinner or finer side, you might want to opt for babylights instead, since the application will look more natural.

Ombre is a kind of dip-dye technique, where the color applied will graduate from dark (at the crown) to lighter at the ends.

• The typical application process will involve a stylist applying color or lightener horizontally, then carefully blending it upward to help diffuse the color line. This will give the appearance of a nice slow transition of color, rather than a stark separation from dark to light, or bands of color that you’d see in blonde highlights.
• Roots will normally be the darker part of the hair, with the overall color getting consistently lighter until you get to the lightest point at the ends.
• Like babylights, ombre can have a natural-looking grow-out process if the crown color (the darkest point) is close to your natural hair color. But comparatively babylights will still give you a more natural-looking option, since you won’t have ends that are one solid lightened color.
  
  

photo by @goldandglowco

If you’re looking for the most low maintenance form of hair color, or don’t have blonde hair but want to try something lighter, we recommend babylights. The natural-looking application process will also mean an almost seamless grow-out process, and way less color sessions than other styles. Babylights are also a great choice for anyone with fine hair, or someone who wants a less bold look of traditional highlighting style. Since the process involves freehand painting and significantly less foil, they’re also a nice way to introduce someone to the world of hair color and lightening for the first time. So if you’ve been considering lightening your natural hair color but aren’t really ready to make the dramatic plunge to get a full head of balayage, ask your colorist to start with babylights! And don’t think it’s a one size fits all solution — ask your stylist what they recommend for your specific hair needs, as there are different kinds of hair color to look younger and more vibrant.

Once you’ve had your babylights, you’ll want to invest in the right colored hair products to help them maintain their brightness and look for longer:

1. Choosing the right shampoo is the key to maintaining your color post-salon appointment. To keep your lightened strands looking their best, invest in a shampoo for color treated hair.
2. Use a conditioner for colored hair, as well as a colored hair mask once a week to help restore strength and vibrance to your strands.
3. Since babylights are popular with those who have fine or thin hair, try a reinforcing hair treatment to repair and boost its body.
4. A leave-in serum for colored hair is also a smart buy to help your babylights look their best: the moisturizing formula helps to protect and extend the life of the color, while also boosting shine.

Whether you’re looking for a low maintenance hair update, have fine hair that could use a boost of dimension, or just want to try a new look without a ton of commitment, babylights are a great style solution. If you’ve tried babylights and loved the look (or have additional suggestions on how to care for them), be sure to share your story in the comments below!

by Lauren Hannel, staff contributor

cover photo by @hihoneysalon