Do you want new hair for the new year? Are you unsure about whether to get a new haircut, change your hairstyle, or add some colour? Well if you’re not sure what you want, instead of doing something dramatic, why not add a new dimension and a tonne of lustre to your locks with some highlights? Don’t know your balayage from your babylights? No problem, in this blog, we’re going to decode the different types of highlights for you so you can find your perfect match!
Babylights
Babylights are subtle and delicate highlights that look like the natural tones you see in children’s hair. The difference between babylights and normal highlights is that much smaller strands of hair are put into the foils, and the finished result is very natural and sun-kissed hair.
Balayage
Balayage is French for ‘sweep’ which pretty much describes the technique. Highlights are painted randomly through the hair to add depth and lustre. Most of the colour is focused on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Balayage suits everyone from blondes to the darkest brunettes, and the most vibrant of redheads, and it’s a bonus for those who like low-maintenance locks; they look ‘grown-out’ because they’re meant to, which means no root-related nightmares after a few weeks.
Flamboyage
An interesting name for an interesting technique! This technique combines balayage and Ombré methods, but adhesive strips are used in place of foils so that highlights look gorgeously natural. The result is that your natural colour is enhanced, and you’ll look like you just spent a few weeks at the beach. This technique works on all hair types too.
Ombré
This is one of the most popular highlighting techniques, where a darker root extends down to a lighter tip. It’s a low-maintenance option which is great for the summer, and it works best on people whose hair has a little bit of natural body.
Sombré
This is a gentler version of Ombré, where the ends of your hair might be dyed just one shade lighter than the hair closer to the roots. This is a great choice if you’re afraid of going full-on Ombré. If you’re all about low-maintenance, this is a perfect option for you.
Chunky sliced highlights
This is a more on-trend version of those chunky highlights from the 90’s. Larger pieces of hair are coloured to create a more dramatic effect. Always have these done by a professional though, because if they go wrong, you can end up looking more Garfield than gorgeous!
Frosted highlights
These are similar to chunky highlights. The tips of the hair are lightened to create multi-dimensional shades of blonde. And don’t worry, you won’t look like a throwback from a 90’s boyband, the finished result is actually super pretty.
Ribbon highlights
This technique is similar to balayage, but the difference is that the colour is not concentrated on the ends of the hair. Highlights are weaved through the hair which creates a lovely contrast between the lighter strands and your base colour.
Do you want to give highlights a try?
With traditional highlights, you have to come back to the salon every 6 weeks for maintenance, but with the techniques I’ve talked about in this blog, you’ll only have to come back 3-4 times per year, which means healthier, less processed hair.
Ask about highlights next time you’re in the salon and let me help you find your perfect match!