Craving a Subtle Hair Change? Try Babylights

December 19, 2023
Ariel Wodarcyk
By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Image of a person with blonde highlights

As much as we love a dramatic hair color change, whether it be platinum blonde or on-trend red, it can be difficult to keep up with the frequent root touch-ups. If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance way to switch up your hair color, babylights are the way to go. They grow out easily, are complementary to all hair types and only require touch-ups every few months. Below, celebrity colorist Rita Hazan breaks down everything you need to know before you get babylights. 

What Are Babylights?

“Babylights are a strategic way of highlighting your hair by placing delicate, small highlights throughout the hair,” explains Hazan. “This technique creates an illusion of fuller, thicker hair.” They’re not just an ideal choice for fine hair, though — Hazan adds that babylights can complement any hair texture and style.

Babylights vs. Highlights

Babylights require a lot of precision — if they’re applied to chunky sections, they’ll end up looking too much like traditional highlights. The placement of the color services also differ.  “While highlights are typically placed at the top of the hair, babylights can be placed more subtly on the front strands and hairline, depending on your cut and style,” says Hazan. 

How to Maintain Babylights

Babylights are even easier to maintain than highlights. “I’d recommend babylights touch-ups every few months, as they tend to have minimal growth and blend well with your natural hair color when they do grow out,” says Hazan. 


In order to keep your color looking fresh in between salon visits, try using a hair gloss every few weeks. We love the Rita Hazan True Color Ultimate Shine Gloss and the nous glosses, both of which come in a range of shades to match any hair color. For a drugstore alternative, try the L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss.


To keep your babylighted hair soft and tangle-free with every wash, we recommend the Matrix Food For Soft Hydrating Shampoo and Detangling Hydrating Conditioner

L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

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