Ever look back on your childhood photos only to wish your hair color had stayed the same? Well now you can recreate that childlike sunkissed glow with babylights- our favorite summer hair color technique! Wondering exactly what we’re talking about? Haircolorist Jessica Gonzales of Sally Hershberger Salon explains that “babylights are soft, fine highlights that create dimension in a super subtle manner.” These highlights are “weaved very finely to achieve a natural appearance and the application is very meticulous and precise,” says Los Angeles based hair colorist Anna Lee of Chaz Dean Studio. We love babylights for the soft grow out and subtle tone variation- which makes it a great intro for those new to hair color.
When going in for this service, you want to be sure the “color tones are complimentary to your natural color,” says Anna. “I always like it when it is a lighter shade around the face and on the ends for a more natural appearance.”
Johnny Ramirez of Ramirez Tran Salon uses babylights to “punch up the baby hair around the client’s face. It gives that child-like ‘lived in hair color’.”
But be careful of the colorist you go to for this kind of appointment as Johnny warns, “you have to know how to do it and do it well so it comes off naturally. If a colorist doesn’t know what they’re doing, it will look horribly unnatural.”
Want to know if babylights are right for you? Anna assures us that babylights are for “anyone who wants natural pretty hair” and that “maintenance can be very minimal (around 10-12 weeks for a touch up after the initial appointment).” Jessica goes on to let us know that “this technique is applicable to any hair color. It is low-maintainence and a great way to add a pop to your existing color.”
Wondering why you’ve never heard of babylights before? Suprisingly it’s been around for a while, as Anna explains, “I feel like I’ve been doing this most of my career but now it just has a name. This is a technique my mentor Chaz Dean taught me, whose concept of hair has always been having healthy, natural, beautiful hair with colors that compliment the client.” Johnny says that babylights have been “actually one of my favorite things to do. It’s like a pick me up [for your hair].”
Curious if you should try this out or if it’s just a fad? “Babylights are not a trend,” assures Anna. “It’s a classic way of highlighting hair.”
Well, we’re sold. Expect us to be asking for babylights at our next hair appointment. If you’re following suit, just be sure to do your research and find an experienced hair colorist who is comfortable using babylights to restore your youthful glow!
Be sure to follow @johnnyramirez1, @jesstheebesttcolor, and @annarunswithscissors for more #manespiration.