When it comes to achieving sun-kissed, natural-looking highlights, babylights and balayage are two of the most popular hair painting techniques. But what’s the difference between these two methods? And which one is right for you?
Babylights
What are babylights?
Babylights are ultra-fine highlights that are applied close to the root of the hair. They are typically very subtle and create a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
Benefits of babylights:
- Create a natural-looking highlight: Babylights are so fine that they blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, creating a sun-kissed look that is barely noticeable.
- Low maintenance: Because babylights are so subtle, they require less maintenance than other highlighting techniques. You can go longer between touch-ups, making them a great option for busy people.
- Suitable for all hair types: Babylights can be applied to all hair types, from fine to thick.
Drawbacks of babylights:
- Time-consuming to apply: Babylights are very time-consuming to apply, as each highlight is applied individually.
- Can be expensive: Babylights can be expensive, as they require a lot of time and skill to apply.
Balayage
What is balayage?
Balayage is a freehand highlighting technique that involves painting highlights onto the hair in a sweeping motion. This creates a more lived-in, beachy look than babylights.
Benefits of balayage:
- Creates a more lived-in look: Balayage highlights are less precise than babylights, which gives them a more natural, lived-in look.
- Versatile: Balayage can be customized to create a variety of looks, from subtle highlights to bold, dramatic color.
- Suitable for all hair types: Balayage can be applied to all hair types, from fine to thick.
Drawbacks of balayage:
- Can be more difficult to maintain: Balayage highlights can be more difficult to maintain than babylights, as they require more frequent touch-ups.
- Can be expensive: Balayage can be expensive, as it requires a lot of skill and experience to apply.
The best way to decide which hair painting technique is right for you is to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair type, lifestyle, and desired look to help you choose the technique that will give you the best results.
| Feature | Babylights | Balayage |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Ultra-fine highlights applied close to the root | Freehand highlights painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion |
| Result | Natural-looking, sun-kissed highlights | More lived-in, beachy highlights |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Requires more frequent touch-ups |
| Suitable for | All hair types | All hair types |
| Cost | Expensive | Expensive |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Create a natural-looking highlight | Time-consuming to apply |
| Low maintenance | Can be expensive |
| Suitable for all hair types |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a more lived-in look | Can be more difficult to maintain |
| Versatile | Can be expensive |
| Suitable for all hair types |
| Lifestyle | Desired look | Best technique |
|---|---|---|
| Busy | Natural-looking highlights | Babylights |
| Low maintenance | Lived-in, beachy highlights | Balayage |
| All hair types | Natural-looking highlights | Babylights |
| All hair types | Lived-in, beachy highlights | Balayage |
Q: Which technique is more expensive?
A: Both babylights and balayage can be expensive, but the cost will vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the skill and experience of the hairstylist.
Q: Which technique is more time-consuming?
A: Babylights are more time-consuming to apply than balayage, as each highlight is applied individually.
Q: Which technique is better for my hair type?
A: Both babylights and balayage can be applied to all hair types, but you should consult with a professional hairstylist to determine which technique is right for you.
Babylights and balayage are both great hair painting techniques that can give you a sun-kissed, natural-looking highlight. The best way to decide which technique is right for you is to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair type, lifestyle, and desired look to help you choose the technique that will give you the best results.