We've heard of highlights. And we've experimented with balayage, lowlights, mermaid hair, and floodlights in 2021. But what are babylights? And why do they flatter Dakota Johnson as much as they do when she's not even trying? We have so many questions. And a new trend to experiment with in 2022! If you've been looking for a sign to elevate your hair game, this is it for you.
- What does this celeb-approved trend look like?
- What are babylights though?
- Who should opt for babylights?
- Does babylights require maintenance?
- What haircuts and hair textures are best for babylights?
What does this celeb-approved trend look like?
Image Courtesy: @fernihood
It's official: balayage is out after reigning supreme over every other hair trend for so long. You must've seen Priyanka Chopra debut her newly-tousled waves complemented by lighter highlights in a video on Instagram. Yup. Those are babylights. Even Fifty Shades Of Grey star Dakota Johnson was spotted sporting blonde babylights against her trademark chestnut hair just recently. And even though her ensemble was casual, and she was walking around with a cup of coffee, she looked stunning. Jennifer Garner and Katharine McPhee Foster have been experimenting with babylights as well. And, no, they're not another name for highlights. They're pretty distinctive. And here's why.
What are babylights though?
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Babylights are nothing like the chunky streaks of colour fashioned by the likes of Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid. This technique involves weaving lighter highlights into your hair. Yes, there's a bit of a resemblance between babylights and highlights. Let's just establish that the former is a subtle, soft, sun-kissed iteration of the latter - and they're perfect for those with darker strands.
Who should opt for babylights?
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If you're looking to alter your look just a little, babylights are the way to go. This technique won't transform your hair drastically. They're not as dramatic as ombré or balayage. Babylights involve colouring finer strands of your hair as opposed to colouring thicker pieces as done in highlighting. And the method employs more foil into the equation - unlike balayage that works with freehand colouring.
Does babylights require maintenance?
Image courtesy: @by_vero_maravilla
This hairstyle doesn't demand much maintenance. You don't have to visit the salon every six weeks to re-colour your hair. Babylights, surprisingly, tend to look prettier as your hair grows out. And since the coloured sections are finer, and they blend into your hair seamlessly; frequent touch-ups aren't required. They're excellent at adding dimension to your hair, softening its appearance, brightening them naturally, and drawing attention to your features.
What haircuts and hair textures are best for babylights?
Image courtesy: @pvzhair
Even though babylights aren't exclusive to a certain type or style of hair, they flatter layered bobs, long layers, beachy waves, braided hairdos, and a face-framing blowout very well. Just ensure you're following a proper hair-care regimen to maintain the look. To extend the longevity of your hair colour, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like the TRESemmé Pro Protect Sulphate Free Shampoo And Conditioner. It’s formulated with Moroccan argal oil that nourishes your hair and is free of parabens and sulphates. Also, don't use heat-styling tools too often. And avoid washing your hair every day or your colour will fade quickly.
Main Image Courtesy: @jonathaneliasi
Written by Urvi Shah on Feb 03, 2022
A professional writer by day, and a poet by night, I'm a journalism graduate with experience in the news, travel, and food sectors. A frantic compiler of excerpts from books I've read, you can count on me to incorporate quotes and phrases into everyday conversations without a warning. On days I'm not working, I station myself in front of my laptop, and try to work my way through month-old drafts of my writings.