Balayage, highlights, or babylights — what's the difference?
A colorist's plain-English guide to which technique creates which look, and how to ask for exactly what you want.
The words balayage, highlights, and babylights get used interchangeably online — but they're three distinct techniques that produce three very different results.
Balayage
A freehand painting technique. Lightener is swept onto the surface of the hair for a soft, sun-kissed, lived-in result with no visible line of demarcation.
Traditional highlights
Woven sections wrapped in foil. Delivers brighter, more uniform lift — great for a saturated blonde look with defined pieces.
Babylights
Ultra-fine, tightly-woven highlights that mimic the natural highlights of a child's hair. Very soft, very natural, and extremely low-maintenance.
Which is right for you?
It depends on your starting color, your maintenance appetite, and how bold you want the finish. Bring reference photos to your consultation and we'll map out the exact plan.