What is the difference between balayage, highlights, lowlights, babylights, ombre and tipping technique?

You've probably heard all these terms before, but do you know exactly what the difference is between balayage, highlights, lowlights, babylights and tipping technique? Our Keune hair experts will explain when which technique is used and what effect it has on your hair. This way you can go to the hairdresser well prepared and make the right choice for your look.

Highlights are lighter strands of hair that are placed in the hair from the top of your head with foils or foam foils. They lighten the hair and provide more depth and dimension to the hairstyle. By adding highlights, the hair appears optically fuller and gets a fresh, summery look. Highlights are often used to create a sunkissed effect, especially with blonde hair.

Lowlights are the opposite of highlights. Instead of lighter strands, darker shades are added to the hair. This provides more contrast and depth. Lowlights are ideal for those who want to warm up their hair without making drastic changes. They also help to tone down a light or overgrown hair color.

The biggest difference between highlights and lowlights is the color. Highlights lighten the hair, while lowlights darken it. When both techniques are used together, you get a multi-dimensional hair color with a natural look.

Babylights are ultra-fine highlights that are applied to the hair. Babylights are usually placed around the face and along the hairline to give a soft, natural glow. This makes them more subtle than traditional highlights and perfect for a sophisticated look.

Babylights are finer and more subtle than highlights. Where highlights are often clearly visible and provide more contrast, babylights blend seamlessly with the natural hair color. This makes them look softer and more natural.

Although balayage is often mentioned in the same category as highlights, it is a completely different technique. With balayage, the color is swept into the hair with a free hand, which creates a natural, soft color transition. Want to know more? Read all about balayage and how to care for it here.

The difference between balayage and highlights lies in the application method and the effect the coloring has. With highlights, the hairdresser places blonde sections in the hair with foils or foam foils. This technique creates more depth and a fresh, natural look.

Balayage is applied to the hair with the freehand and usually only starts a few centimeters from the scalp. This technique makes the color transition look very natural and gives you a sunkissed effect without the regrowth being very visible.

Tipping technique is a striking color technique where it looks like the ends of the hair have been dipped in dye. This gives a playful and daring effect. The tipping technique is often applied with bright colors such as pink, blue or purple, but it can also be used with natural shades for a more subtle effect. In contrast to balayage or highlights, the transition with the tipping technique is usually very clear and tight.

The right color technique depends on your hair type, your desired result and how much maintenance you want to spend on it. Highlights and babylights are perfect for a fresh look with lots of dimension, while lowlights help to create contrast. Do you want a daring look? Then the tipping technique might be something for you. Do you want a natural and subtle color transition? Then balayage is a good option.

To keep your hair color beautiful for as long as possible, the right care is essential. Use hair care products for colored hair, such as the Tinta Color or Color Brillianz range, to prolong your color intensity and keep your hair healthy.

Also read: How to keep your hair color beautiful for longer. Want to be sure which technique is right for you? Visit a Keune salon and get professional advice!