Difference Between Balayage, Babylights, Highlights and Color Melting

 

I am sure you have heard of some of the many trendy hair coloring terms.  However, there are so many different terms that it can be very confusing to know what each one means and difficult to make a hair appointment not knowing what to ask for.  So let’s learn the difference and see some examples of the different techniques that are trending such as balayage, babylights, color melting, root shadowing, foil highlights, and more.

 

Balayage.

 

Balayage is a hair painting technique that was invented in France in the 1970’s.  It is a freehand highlighting that focuses the lightest color on the ends of your hair. So your roots will be your natural color, and as you go down a lighter color will gradually be worked in until the ends are mostly highlighted.

 

 

That’s why balayage creates that natural, glowing, sun-kissed look that you get after spending time outside in summer.  It also looks more casual because the highlights are fatter and less symmetrical than traditional highlights.

 

Babylights.

 

 

Babylights are very small highlights—like the kind you see in children’s hair.  While both balayage and babylights produce very natural looks, babylights will give you a brighter blonde. As a matter of fact Babylights are applied with foils the way traditional highlights are, but the difference is that you color much smaller sections of hair, and the sections are much closer together.  And that allows the highlights and natural color blend together seamlessly.

 

However, when done correctly, babylights grow out very softly and naturally.  Try this color technique if you are looking for brighter or cooler blondes.

 

Color Melting or Root Shadowing

 

 

Color melting is a color application technique that blends the root color with highlights.  The purpose of this technique is to make the base color look like it is “melting” into the other tones in the hair.  This helps soften the line and contrast between the darker roots and the blonde highlights.

 

Therefore a color melt is great when you want to go longer in between color appointments since it will have a softer and more natural look as it grows out.  Sometimes multiple shades are used in color melting to create the smooth transition.  It’s a hair trend that makes any hair color look like it could’ve happened naturally.  Try this technique with or between your highlights appointments.

 

Foil Highlights.

 

 

Highlights add dimension to your hairstyle and can be subtle or bright. When strands of hair are lighter than your base colour, this is referred to as highlights.

Highlights are typically done with foil. How light your highlights are, the placement and thickness are left up to your preference. Because Highlights start from the roots of your hair and that’s why you would need regular touch-ups to avoid the harsh line of demarcation.  Try highlights for more bold looks!

Call 720-917-5165 to schedule your appointment with Natalia our Balayage and Blonde Specialist.

Cherry Creek Hair Color Salon

Hair by Natalia

2700 East 2nd Ave Studio #24

Denver CO 80206

Balayage Specialist 

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