Imagine an awesome hair colour that didn’t need touching up every few weeks or months, and that looks natural and gorgeous, even when you might not be feeling it.

Meet the new way of highlighting, called Babylights. They’re similar to highlighting, but instead of big streaks being coloured, these ones are skinny and fine, resulting in a very natural yet amazing colour.

My hairdresser Shelene Shaer of Tanaz Hair, Body and Nails told me that I would love the Babylights effect, and that I needed to set aside around three hours (plus more for cut and blow) for the treatment, which didn’t deter me – all I could think of was finishing my book, drinking lattes, and reading magazines during the time.

There is a payoff to this “time” though – Babylights maintenance is minimal, and you won’t need to touch up regularly since they are so well blended into your hair. You could even get away with touching up once a year.

Babylights can be done on any length hair, and one any colour hair, since they are so subtle. At Tanaz, they use L’Oreal colour, which has no ammonia.

The idea is to go for colour slightly lighter than your hair, and placing them on areas of the hair where the light can catch it naturally.

The result on my hair was stunning – I went from being dark brown to lighter brown, and it looks so natural I can’t tell where the Babylights begin, and where they end, which is the point. It’s probably the most naturally coloured my hair has ever felt and looked, and it’s a much-needed and welcome change, just before the start of autumn/winter, where I tend to feel my worst.

Babylights cost up to about R2 000 for a full head, and R900 for half a head. Book an appointment at Tanaz Hair, Body and Nails on 011 786 2976.