Babylights are the face-framing technique that give hair the ultimate sunkissed look

It’s likely that you and babylights have been one at some point or another. In fact, they often come naturally when sun-meets-strands, and as you know, when they do meet, it’s magic. Babylights are there to give you max dimension and the illusion of naturally glossy, sunkissed hair without you even trying.

What are babylights?

More subtle than a balayage, this technique can also give the illusion of fuller hair through none other than colour theory. It adds depth and texture, which also gives the appearance of thicker and healthier hair. The beauty of them is that they are also very low maintenance and don't require a lot of upkeep. That alone is music to our ears, and if placed correctly they will frame the face and will shine light *no pun intended* onto the main event — your face.

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This is not babylights' first rodeo, as this is actually a very old-school highlighting technique that has reappeared, but now we have a name for it. The beauty of babylights is that they work on any hair colour and length. You just simply have to go for a lighter hue every time. This is because babylights, also known as micro highlights come in the form of a very fine colour technique to mimic that blonde or lighter hue achieved when your hair is naturally brightened in the sun, enhancing its vibrancy.

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What's the difference between babylights and highlights or balayage?

Sounds familiar, well, if like us you're wondering how balayage is actually any different to babylights, Jerome Russell Bblonde brand educator, Jason Collier says: “Babylights are essentially mini-highlights. They are weaved super thin and smaller gaps are left between foils to create a more natural blend with the base colour.” Jason also elaborates that they do not necessarily create that dramatic dimension but more so a subtle sun-kissed look.

He adds: “In comparison, Balayage is a French word that means ‘to sweep’. In this hair colour technique, highlights are hand-painted or ‘swept’ on the surface of random sections of hair. Dye or lightener is usually painted on, starting midshaft and becoming denser as it moves down the section of hair to the ends.”

Who are babylights best for?

The beauty of babylights lies in the fact that they're suitable for most. They works well on various hair lengths, textures and colours, and are best for people who want lifted colour and added dimension for that soft and radiant glossy finish, but in the most low maintenance way. They can be also customised to compliment your original hair colour and in a way so that they can blend seamlessly, as well as enhance the overall look in the most subtle and flattering way.

How to upkeep babylights?

As low maintenance as they are, babylights still require some aftercare. Jason also recommends: using a deep conditioning treatment formulated to strengthen coloured hair like Jerome Russell Bblonde Jplex Bond Maintainer Treatment, £9.99, Amazon for blonde hues: “Used a nourishing treatment regularly, to smooth and seal the hair shaft for strong, vibrant and healthy-looking coloured hair.”

In fact, blondes are more susceptible to brassiness so, in order to avoid that Jason says: “The key to being blonde is maintenance, so remember to top up your toner around six to eight weeks to avoid any yellow brassiness.” He adds: “Purple shampoo and conditioner are your ultimate besties for blonde babylights as they will retain the vibrancy of your shade, while diminishing brassy and dull tones.”

Jerome Russell Bblonde Jplex Bond Maintainer Treatment

£9.49

Amazon

Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

£28

Sephora

Fine, we're sold. Now that the questions are out the way, dive deep into the inspo shots below and find the perfect ones to take straight to your hairstylist. You can thank us later.

For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona