We talked to Redken Celebrity Colorist Tracey Cunningham about the evolution of babylights.
Like most hair color trends, babylights has evolved over time. Tracey Cunningham, Redken Celebrity Colorist and co-owner of Méche Salon in LA says, “what started as highlights as far back as the 1960s has become what is now one of the most popular salon services—babylights.” They’re still highlights but are much finer and delicate, and mainly focused around the hairline. The only difference between regular foil highlights and babylights, says Cunningham, is how much hair you put in each foil. This technique involves paying micro attention to the painting process and the key is blending the highlights with the base for that natural, sun-kissed look. One of the major benefits of this service is its low-maintenance, so hair grows out looking natural without a heavy line of demarcation. What’s more, they flatter everyone no matter what hair color (even red heads), and are incredibly natural looking.
Painter’s Palette
Here are a few products from Redken’s new Blonde Idol collection that will help you achieve perfect babylights.
1. Blonde Idol Free Hand Creamy Lightener offers up to six levels of lift and is ideal for open-air techniques while ceramides seal and repair to help protect color.
2. Blonde Idol Flashlift is the lightener of choice when speed and lift are needed. It’s ideal for achieving lighter blonde results on dark natural hair colors and great for off-scalp techniques such as foil highlighting.
3. Blonde Idol Dimensions is a dust-free, conditioning lightener that works well for color correcting or for highly sensitized hair.
4. Blonde Idol Base Breaker works for subtle brightening that offers one level of lift in only 10 minutes—a time saver for both client and colorist.
Want to get inspired about hair color and learn how to make your work go viral? Check out these Instagram stars for ideas.
- @alix_maya
- @traceycunningham1
- @guy_tang
- @larisadoll
- @bescene
- @glamiris
- @theconfessionsofahairstylist
- @mizzchoi