Babylights, Lowlights, and Highlights: What’s the Difference?

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Published on: 2025-09-23

When it comes to hair color, the terminology can sometimes be confusing. You may have heard the terms babylights, lowlights, and highlights thrown around—but what do they really mean, and which one is right for you? At Venelle Salon & Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, our expert colorists help clients understand the differences so they can choose the best option for their hair type, skin tone, and desired look.


What Are Highlights?

Highlights are strands of hair that are lightened to create dimension, brightness, and contrast. They can be bold or subtle, depending on the desired effect. Highlights can:

  • Add natural-looking sunlight-inspired brightness

  • Accentuate layers and hair texture

  • Refresh dull or flat hair

  • Create contrast and depth in darker hair

Traditional highlights are often applied using foils, but they can also be blended with freehand techniques like balayage for a softer, more natural finish.


What Are Babylights?

Babylights are ultra-fine, delicate highlights designed to mimic the subtle, soft lightening seen in children’s hair. They are:

  • Applied in very small sections for a natural, barely-there effect

  • Perfect for adding soft shimmer and dimension

  • Ideal for low-maintenance color with subtle regrowth

  • Best for clients who want a refined, elegant look without dramatic contrast

Babylights are particularly popular among those seeking a lived-in, natural appearance while still brightening their hair.


What Are Lowlights?

Lowlights are strands of hair that are darker than your base color. They are used to:

  • Add depth and dimension to light hair

  • Balance overly bright highlights

  • Create a multi-dimensional look that prevents flatness

  • Enhance natural-looking contrast

Lowlights are especially useful for clients with blonde or highlighted hair who want to soften overly bright tones or achieve a richer, more dynamic color.


Choosing the Right Option

The choice between babylights, highlights, and lowlights depends on your hair goals:

  • Babylights: Subtle, soft, natural brightness—minimal maintenance

  • Highlights: Noticeable contrast and dimension—can be bold or blended

  • Lowlights: Richness, depth, and balance—perfect for multi-dimensional hair

Many clients choose a combination—for example, babylights paired with lowlights to create soft, dimensional color that looks effortlessly natural.


Why Trust Venelle Salon & Spa

Our colorists at Venelle specialize in all three techniques and take a custom approach to every client. We consider:

  • Your natural hair color and undertones

  • Skin tone and personal style

  • Desired maintenance level and lifestyle

We also pair our color services with keratin smoothing, gloss treatments, and the best blow dry in Park Slope, ensuring your hair not only looks beautiful but feels healthy and radiant.


Book Your Custom Color Appointment

Ready to enhance your hair with babylights, highlights, lowlights, or a combination? Trust the experts at Venelle Salon & Spa in Park Slope to create a look tailored just for you.

📞 Call us today at 718.989.9855 to schedule your color consultation.

With the right technique, your hair will have dimension, depth, and shine that turns heads every day.