The Ultimate Guide to Hair Colour: Balayage, Highlights, Babylights, Ombré and More
If you’ve ever searched for hair colour inspiration, you’ve probably come across words like balayage, babylights or foilyage. The internet is full of advice, but not all of it is accurate—and that can make it hard to know what to actually ask for when booking your appointment.
At Mason James Hair, we believe education is key. Colour is both an investment and a transformation, and it’s important to understand the differences between techniques so you can make the best choice for your hair, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. This guide is designed to demystify the most common colour services, giving you the confidence to book the right one for you.
Balayage: Effortless and Low-Maintenance
Balayage, from the French word “to sweep,” is painted free-hand onto the hair for a soft, sunlit finish. It mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun and grows out seamlessly without harsh lines.
At Mason James Hair, balayage is tailored to the movement of your hair, ensuring it looks natural whether worn straight, curled, or tied back.
Perfect for: Anyone wanting a natural, low-maintenance look with plenty of dimension.
Highlights: Classic Brightness with Dimension
Highlights use foils to lighten sections from root to tip, creating crisp brightness and stronger contrast than balayage. The placement can range from subtle to bold depending on the look you want.
Unlike the sharp regrowth lines that can happen at some salons, Mason James Hair approaches highlights with precision and softness, so they grow out beautifully and extend the life of your colour.
Perfect for: Clients seeking classic blonde or noticeable brightness, with a softer grow-out than traditional foil work.
Babylights: Soft and Delicate
Babylights are ultra-fine highlights, designed to replicate the subtle shimmer of naturally sun-kissed hair. They’re incredibly delicate and create a refined glow without obvious streaks.
Often, Mason James Hair blends babylights with balayage or highlights for a luminous, multi-dimensional result.
Perfect for: Those wanting a very natural, polished finish that enhances rather than transforms.
Other Variations You May Hear About
Ombré – a bold transition from darker roots to lighter ends, with a more dramatic fade.
Sombre – a softer version of ombré with gentler contrast.
Foilyage – a blend of balayage and foils, combining natural placement with brighter results.
Money Piece – face-framing highlights that instantly brighten your complexion.
Shadow Root / Root Smudge – blending the root area into lighter lengths for a “lived-in” effect.
Choosing the Right Colour for You
The right choice depends on three key things:
How bold or natural you’d like the result – balayage and babylights are subtle, ombré and highlights create more definition.
How often you’d like to maintain it – balayage, sombre, and root smudges grow out softly; highlights and money pieces usually need more regular upkeep.
What flatters your lifestyle and face shape – lighter pieces around the face can brighten, while all-over techniques give a uniform lift.
When it comes to colour, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is an honest conversation with your colourist about what you’d like to achieve, how you wear your hair day-to-day, and how much maintenance feels realistic for you.
At Mason James Hair, our colour services are designed not just for how they look on the day of your appointment, but for how they grow out and continue to complement your lifestyle. This guide is here to help you put the right name to the look you want—so when you book, you can feel confident your appointment is perfectly tailored to you.
