Foils. Balayage. Babylights. Teasylights. There are more different types of highlights and techniques than there are types of oat milk at your salon’s coffee bar—and somehow, fewer clear explanations.
You’ve heard the terms. You’ve maybe even nodded along while your stylist mentioned them. But what do they actually do? Who are they for? And how do you avoid walking out with ‘00s zebra stripes when you asked for sun-kissed and effortless?
We’ve got you. This guide isn’t just a glossary of hair color jargon—it’s your shortcut to making better decisions at the salon chair.
With real stylist tips, expert-backed insights, and the kind of hair nerd knowledge you can’t Google mid-appointment (well, not discreetly).
And yes, we’ll explain what Foilyage is. You’re welcome.
1. Foil Highlights
Old-school? Maybe. Still iconic? Absolutely.
Foil highlights are the OG of hair brightening. Think high-impact, high-definition color that lifts like a dream. Perfect if you’re after bold streaks, a full-blonde transformation, or you want that crisp, clean “just stepped out of the salon” contrast.
- How it works: Sections of hair are painted with lightener and wrapped in foil. This traps heat for max lift and precision.
- Best for: Big changes, lightening several shades, or getting rid of that all-over color flatness
- Time & Cost: 2–4 hours | $100–$300
- Maintenance: Every 6–8 weeks for root touch-ups
Pro Tip: Want less regrowth drama? Ask your stylist for a “root smudge” or shadow root after your foils—it softens the line between your roots and highlights.
Expert Insights
“Tailor the placement of foils to the client’s haircut and natural hair movement. Strategic placement can accentuate layers and add volume.” Paris Beauty Pro
2. Balayage
The cool-girl favourite. Effortless, grown-out glam.
Balayage literally means “to sweep” in French—and that’s exactly how the color is applied. The result? Soft, natural-looking lightness that looks like you just came back from a month in Ibiza.
- How it works: Color is painted freehand, usually starting a few inches from the roots and focusing on mid-lengths to ends
- Best for: Natural brunettes, busy gals, or anyone allergic to obvious regrowth
- Time & Cost: 2–3 hours | $150–$400
- Maintenance: Every 10–12 weeks (or longer!)
Pro Tip: Want a bit more oomph with your balayage? Pair it with some foils near the face for brightness that pops.
Expert Insights
“Limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week to prevent color fading and preserve natural oils. Consider using dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.” lavoomsalon.com
3. Babylights
If highlights and subtlety had a baby—this would be it.
Babylights are like your hair’s built-in ring light. They’re so fine and delicate, you’ll look lit-from-within without looking “done.” It’s the glow-up without the grow-out.
- How it works: Tiny, ultra-fine strands are lightened and usually wrapped in foils
- Best for: Fine hair, blending first greys, or softening harsh block colors
- Time & Cost: 3–4 hours | $200–$450
- Maintenance: Every 8–12 weeks
Pro Tip: Babylights around the hairline are chef’s kiss for that barely-there beachy finish.
Expert Insights
“Since the highlights are so delicate, regrowth is less noticeable. This means that a touch-up can be done every 12 weeks or more, making babylights a low-maintenance option.” Revlon Professional
4. Lowlights
When your color needs a little depth—not more blonde.
Think of lowlights as your hair’s contour. Instead of lifting, they deepen. That means more richness, more dimension, and way less “washed out” vibes.
- How it works: Darker tones are woven through lighter hair to break up brightness
- Best for: Over-highlighted blondes, adding autumn vibes, or giving hair that thick, glossy illusion
- Time & Cost: 1–2 hours | $80–$200
- Maintenance: Every 8–10 weeks
Pro Tip: Mixing lowlights with babylights gives a super natural, high-end finish—like you were born with great hair (not bleached into it).
Expert Insights
“Keep in mind that lowlights, like any color treatment, require maintenance. Use the right products and schedule touch-ups as needed to keep your look fresh.” noellesalon
5. Teasylights
Your stylist’s secret weapon for seamless color.
Teasylights are like balayage and foils had a very chic baby. The teasing part helps soften the transition from roots to highlights, making everything blend like butter.
- How it works: Hair is gently backcombed (aka teased) before applying lightener in foils
- Best for: Anyone who loves balayage but wants a little more lift and brightness
- Time & Cost: 2–3 hours | $150–$350
- Maintenance: Every 10–12 weeks
Pro Tip: Especially stunning on brunettes who want glow without losing depth.
Expert Insights
“Teasylights are a hair coloring technique that offers natural-looking highlights and a seamless blend from dark to light tones. Plus, it’s easy to maintain.” Makeup.com
6. Foilyage
The Best of Both Worlds: Precision Meets Natural Blending
Foilyage combines the freehand painting of balayage with the heat conduction of foils, resulting in a natural, sun-kissed effect with enhanced lift and brightness. This technique is perfect for those seeking a more pronounced lightening effect while maintaining a soft, blended grow-out.
- How it works: Stylists hand-paint lightener onto sections of hair and then wrap them in foils. The foils trap heat, allowing for more significant lift compared to traditional balayage.
- Best for: Individuals with darker hair seeking lighter highlights without harsh lines, or anyone desiring a low-maintenance, dimensional look.
- Time & Cost: 2–4 hours | $200–$500
- Maintenance: Touch-ups every 10–12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Want brighter ends but a soft grow-out? Foilyage is your friend—ask your stylist to focus placement through the mid-lengths to ends for max dimension.
Expert Insights
“Foilyage is ideal for clients with darker hair who desire lighter highlights without the harsh demarcation lines. The foils allow for greater lift, making it possible to achieve brighter results while maintaining a natural blend.” — Tracey Cunningham, Celebrity Hair Colorist
7. Money Piece
Face-Framing Highlights for Instant Brightness
The Money Piece involves adding lighter, face-framing highlights to brighten and accentuate facial features. This technique offers a high-impact look with minimal commitment, making it a favorite for those looking to refresh their style without a full-color overhaul.
- How it works: Lighter shades are applied to the front sections of the hair, creating a striking contrast that enhances the complexion.
- Best for: Anyone wanting to illuminate their face and add dimension without altering their entire hair color.
- Time & Cost: 1–2 hours | $100–$250
- Maintenance: Every 8–12 weeks, though the grow-out is subtle and low-maintenance.
Pro Tip: The bolder the Money Piece, the more maintenance you’ll need—opt for a diffused blend if you want longer wear between appointments.
Expert Insights
“The Money Piece is a versatile technique that can be customized to be bold or subtle, depending on the client’s preference. It’s an excellent way to add a pop of brightness and dimension around the face.” — Mirella Manelli, Professional Hairstylist
8. Shadow Root
Seamless Transition for a Lived-In Look
Shadow Root involves blending the root color with the highlighted or lightened sections of the hair, creating a soft, natural transition. This technique is excellent for extending the life of your color and reducing the appearance of regrowth.
- How it works: A slightly darker shade is applied at the roots, blending into the lighter lengths to create a gradient effect.
- Best for: Those looking to soften the contrast between roots and highlights, or anyone seeking a low-maintenance color option.
- Time & Cost: 1.5–3 hours | $150–$350
- Maintenance: Every 10–12 weeks, as the blended roots allow for a graceful grow-out.
Pro Tip: Shadow roots are amazing for softening foil lines—perfect to layer over fresh highlights if you want more grow-out grace.
Expert Insights
“Shadow roots are perfect for clients who want a low-maintenance color. By adding depth at the roots, it creates a seamless blend that grows out beautifully.” Parlour In The Woods
9. Ombré
Bold Gradient for a Statement Look
There’s nothing shy about an ombré. This is the dramatic cousin of balayage—less blend, more bold. It’s all about contrast, and it delivers that unmistakable fade from rich roots to bright ends with serious impact.
- How it works: Ombré involves a gradual transition from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends, creating a striking two-tone effect.
- Best for: Those seeking a dramatic, fashion-forward style with minimal root maintenance.
- Time & Cost: 2–4 hours | $150–$400
- Maintenance: Low; touch-ups every 10–12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Opt for subtle color transitions to ensure a more natural grow-out phase.
Expert Insights
“Ombré is perfect for clients who want a low-maintenance color with a bit of edge. The key is blending the shades seamlessly for a natural progression.” — Enza Piazza, Stylist & Color Consultant
10. Sombré
Soft and Subtle Gradient for Natural Dimension
Sombré is ombré’s chill, soft-focus sibling. It’s what you go for when you want depth and glow without the drama. Think gentle shifts in tone rather than bold contrast—a whisper of light instead of a shout.
- How it works: Sombré, or “soft ombré,” features a more subtle and blended transition from dark to light, offering a natural, sun-kissed effect.
- Best for: Individuals desiring a gentle, low-contrast color change that enhances natural tones.
- Time & Cost: 2–3 hours | $150–$350
- Maintenance: Low; touch-ups every 10–12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Incorporate sombré highlights to add depth and dimension without a stark contrast.
Expert Insights
“Sombré is ideal for clients looking for a natural, sun-kissed look that grows out beautifully with minimal upkeep.” — Hāste – Urban Hair Spa
11. Peekaboo Highlights
Hidden Pops of Color for a Playful Twist
A little secret, a little statement. Peekaboo highlights are tucked under your top layers, only revealing themselves when your hair moves or you wear it up. They’re rebellious, fun, and unexpectedly low-risk.
- How it works: Applied to the underlayers of the hair, peekaboo highlights are hidden until revealed through movement or styling.
- Best for: Those wanting to experiment with color in a subtle, concealed manner.
- Time & Cost: 1.5–3 hours | $100–$300
- Maintenance: Moderate; touch-ups every 8–12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Choose vibrant colors for a bold statement or natural tones for a more understated effect.
Expert Insights
“Peekaboo highlights are a fun way to add a pop of color without the full commitment. They can be as bold or as subtle as you like.” — Chris Appleton, Celebrity Stylist
12. Pintura Highlights
Customized Highlights for Curly and Coily Hair
Curls deserve their own approach—and Pintura delivers. Designed specifically for textured hair, it enhances your natural pattern instead of disrupting it. Think sunlit curls that shimmer without a single foil in sight.
- How it works: Pintura (Spanish for “painting”) is a freehand technique where color is painted directly onto curls to highlight their shape.
- Best for: Enhancing the natural movement and dimension of curly or coily hair.
- Time & Cost: 2–4 hours | $200–$500
- Maintenance: Moderate; touch-ups every 10–12 weeks.
Pro Tip: Make sure your colorist has experience with curly hair to achieve the best results.
Expert Insights
“Pintura highlights allow for a bespoke color placement that accentuates the unique pattern of each curl, resulting in a natural, sun-kissed finish.” — HairbyL’Oreal
So, Which Highlight’s Right for You?
By now, you’ve probably realised there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to highlights—only options, and lots of them!
From barely-there babylights to bold ombré fades, the best technique is the one that works with your lifestyle, your maintenance bandwidth, and the way your hair moves.
Whether you’re booking your first balayage or trying to decode your stylist’s lingo mid-appointment, come armed with this guide.
Ask questions. Show screenshots. And remember: good highlights don’t just lift your color—they lift your whole mood!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
