GUIDE TO BABYLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Thinking about switching up your look? There’s never been a better time to try highlighting your hair. This ubiquitous hairdressing technique is available in salons up and down the UK, and stylists are always learning the best and newest highlighting methods to give their clients exactly what they want.

If you’re new to highlights and want to try a more subtle highlighting technique to build your confidence, ask your hairdresser about babylights and lowlights.

They’re an understated, sophisticated way to add shine and brightness to your strands without straying too far from your original look.

What are babylights?

Babylights are a subtle hair colouring technique that mimics the natural, delicate highlights seen in children's hair. Stylists achieve this look by applying fine highlights throughout thin sections of their clients' hair.

Like highlights, babylights are evenly distributed and blend seamlessly with your base colour, for a luminous, blended finish that adds a touch of brightness and softness.

What are lowlights?

Lowlights are used to add dimension and depth by applying darker tones to your hair. Unlike highlights, which lighten specific strands, lowlights involve darkening specific sections of hair, often one to two shades darker than your base hair colour.

They’re ideal for toning down overly-bright highlights, adding subtle warmth, or transitioning to a more natural look.

What’s the difference between babylights, lowlights and highlights?

The key differences between babylights, lowlights and highlights are:

• Babylights are subtle and delicate
• Highlights are brighter and more noticeable
• Lowlights darken strands for contrast and depth

How is balayage different to babylights and lowlights?

Balayage is a distinct hair colouring technique that differs from babylights and lowlights in application, appearance, and overall effect.

In short, balayage focuses on freehand, gradient lightening throughout your strands for a natural ‘flow’ of colour, while babylights have subtle, uniform brightness, and lowlights darken strands for depth.

When stylists create a balayaged look, colour is painted freehand onto the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. The process avoids harsh lines and creates a seamless blend. Babylights and lowlights often use a foil technique, which lets stylists colour your hair subtly, but with more precision.

Can people with dark hair get babylights and lowlights?

Yes, absolutely. Babylights on dark hair add soft, natural-looking brightness without drastic contrast. They can create a sun-kissed effect, especially around the face or throughout the hair for dimension. Warmer tones like caramel, honey, or golden highlights often work well, but cooler tones like ash or mocha can also look beautiful.

If you have brown or light brown hair to start with, lowlights add depth and richness by incorporating darker tones, enhancing your base colour’s dimensions. As your stylist for deeper versions of your natural colour (e.g. espresso or deep chocolate) to create contrast and avoid a 'flat' appearance.

How do I ask my stylist for babylights and lowlights?

Thinking about taking the plunge? Here’s how to get the look you’re after and arrive at the salon feeling confident.

• Gather as many pictures of the colour you’d like, and make sure you take them to your appointment.
• Describe the look as best you can using language your stylist will be familiar with. For example, if you want babylights, say you want soft, natural-looking highlights that mimic a sun-kissed effect.
• For lowlights, mention you’d like to add depth and richness with darker tones.
• If possible, familiarise yourself with the hair colours you like before your appointment. For babylights, think about adding shades of warm caramel, cool ash, or honey blonde. Popular lowlight shades include mocha, chocolate and espresso - delicious!
• Trust your hairdresser’s input. A good stylist will guide you on what tones and techniques suit your hair type, colour, and lifestyle - it’s always best practice to follow their guidance.

Maintaining babylights and lowlights at home

There are several ways to keep your babylights and lowlights looking salon-fresh:

• Use colour-protecting products to strengthen your hair and prevent colour fade. Our PRO Colour Revive range is expertly-formulated to lock in your colour and helps it stay vibrant.
• If you have babylights in cooler tones (e.g. ash blonde), use a purple shampoo once a week to neutralise brassiness.
• Use a deep conditioner once a week (or as often as you need to if you have dry hair) to maintain moisture and prevent dryness caused by lightening treatments.
• Use a heat protectant spray when styling to avoid damage to highlighted or lowlighted strands.
• Wear a hat or use UV-protectant sprays to shield your hair from sun damage, which can fade both babylights and lowlights.
• Finally, make sure you’re on top of your touch-up schedule. Babylights need touch-ups every 8–12 weeks to maintain brightness and blend regrowth. Lowlights can last longer, about 10–12 weeks, since they’re closer to your natural colour.