Few things scream “hot girl summer” like blonde, sun-kissed hair. But achieving that effortlessly sun-kissed look often requires more than just a few hours in the sun. Say hello to babylights, a clever hair coloring technique that mimics natural sun exposure, giving your hair that sought-after beachy vibe.
Having been blonde for the last couple of years, I recently decided to refresh my look for the summer, but my last dye-job left me with an odd brown-ish halo around my crown. Desperate for a fix, I booked an appointment at Pastels Salon at the Ritz Carlton in Dubai with Stacey, an Australian colorist known for her expertise in blonde hair.
Stacey immediately understood my hair woes and reassured me that she could turn things around. We discussed the shade I was looking for (fortunately, she talked me out of going platinum), and she suggested a mix of sunlit babylights, a technique that employs very fine, delicate highlights applied throughout the hair to create a soft, natural look, alongside cooler tones to give my hair that sun-kissed look that could only be achieved by a summer spent luxuriating seaside. It’s a great shade to try if you’re already quite blonde and seeking something that feels natural, fresh, and youthful.
When she began to work, I immediately felt at ease. Her technique was meticulous, using balayage to create a seamless blend that mimicked an afternoon spent underneath natural sunlight.
Because bleaching your hair can leave it feeling dry and brittle, Stacey finished with a conditioning treatment that left my lengths feeling shiny and healthy.
In the end, my hair was the perfect shade of beach blonde, vibrant and dimensional without a hint of the dreaded brown halo. My fine hair also seemed surprisingly more full, as the technique adds dimension and volume to your locks.
Stacey also gave me great tips for maintaining my new color, and suggested a purple shampoo from Olaplex to neutralize any unwanted yellow or orange hues and keep my blonde fresh and bright.
She explained that babylights grow out more naturally than traditional highlights, reducing the appearance of roots and allowing for longer periods between touch-ups. That meant I could fully enjoy my summer holidays without the nagging thought of having to schedule my next salon visit in the back of my mind.
Pastels Salon Ritz Carlton JBR
+971 4 399 5016
www.pastels-salon.com
