La Rouge Hair & Spa

One of the main questions we get asked often is “what is the difference between highlights, baby lights, low lights, and balayage”. To make it simpler to explain to our clients, below are pictures and descriptions of each. This guide will help you decide which option would suit you best.

What are Highlights in Hair?

Highlights work for precise changes, they are the best way to develop your natural color. Highlights are sections of hair that you would like to lift lighter than your natural color. For example, if you are a brunette you can add highlights to change your hair color to a lighter brown or even blonde. Highlights can be done for both men and women but are more popular with women’s hair.

What are Babylight highlights?

Babylights are very fine, subtle, highlights that are meant to look like the natural hair color. When thinking of baby lights imagine the hair color of small children where color is brighter at the crown and the bottom of the hair. Babylights are a similar approach to highlights however, they provide a more gentle look. The most important rule to remember is the amount of hair in between each section. Due to the fact that these sections are much finer than regular highlights it generally takes a hairstylist a longer time as it is a more precise process; therefore, it comes with a higher cost.

What are Low lights in highlights?

To put this simply highlights are dyed or bleached sections that are lighter than your natural hair color or base color. However, low lights are darker. For example, think of chocolate brown streaks on chestnut hair or dark blonde pieces on a sandy base. Overall, low lights are hints of color darker than your base color which are intertwined into the hair. This coloring technique adds depth to the hair and adds contrast. This hair technique is perfect for people with fine hair who want their locks to look thicker. Low lights are proven to be less damaging for the hair than highlights, since you do not need to lift color for a darker shade. This way you simply deposit more color in your strands, much less chemicals are used; therefore, less damage is done.

What is Balayage?

Balayage is a highlighting technique that doesn’t use any foils. Instead, the hairstylist will hand paint color directly on your hair which creates a more natural and blended color. Balayage is known to give a more subtle result than traditional highlights. The term “Balayage” comes from the French word “Balayer” meaning to sweep. It is a term that refers to the way the color is applied. With Balayage the final look is less stripy than highlights while offering the same beautiful dimension and fun color.

One of the main reasons why Balayage has become extremely popular is because it requires less maintenance than most hair colors. The process is designed to give a look of grown out roots in a way that is flattering and organic. This translates to less time and money spent at the salon and in return less damage done to the hair.

Balayage has become the biggest hair trend especially among celebrities. Celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to the Kardashian and Jenner sisters.

If you would like to find our more about Balayge you can check out our other post “A new hair color for new season” or you can always contact our salon for a free consultation with one of our hair experts. We can be reached at 604-922-5778 or contacted via our contact form.