Hair highlights 2025-26 in Rotterdam. Trends, techniques and maintenance

In 2025 2026 we look at highlights with fresh eyes. Softer transitions, more dimension and shine, and placement tailored to texture and lifestyle. Think refined babylights, modern foilayage for extra brightness, and face framing that gives a subtle lift.

In this article we share the highlight trends, explain the techniques, and outline a clear maintenance plan so your look stays beautiful longer. For everyone following the face framing trend, the money piece remains relevant and looks more elegant than the version from the nineties.

What are highlights in 2025-26?

Highlights are lighter sections placed through the hair to catch light and add depth. The technique determines the transition, contrast and maintenance. Below are the key methods and when we recommend them.

Once you understand how highlights shape light and depth, the next choice is placement. If you want a seamless, sun kissed result, start with the balayage family and its related placement techniques. Within this family there are several approaches that change lift, contrast, and grow out. Below we outline the main balayage types and when we recommend each.

Balayage

Balayage means freehand painting. The colorist sweeps color on the surface of the hair with a brush so a soft, natural transition from dark to light appears. The result looks sunkissed and grows out subtly. Balayage is ideal when you want minimal visible regrowth, a gentle glow and simple styling. Maintenance is medium. A glossing or toner between appointments usually keeps tone and shine on point.

Foilayage

Foilayage is a hybrid of freehand painting and foils. We paint first for that seamless transition, then wrap selected sections in foils to achieve more lift than classic balayage. You get brightness without harsh lines. Foilayage is ideal if you want to go lighter than balayage allows while keeping a soft grow out. Maintenance is similar to foils, but the transition remains more natural.

Babylights

Babylights are ultra fine weaves placed at high density. They distribute light evenly and create a luxurious, glass like shine. Perfect for fine or normal hair, or if you want a premium blonde look without stripy effects. Babylights require precise placement and a good toner to perfect the tone. Maintenance varies with the contrast to your base color.

Teasylights

With teasylights the section is gently backcombed before coloring. This softens the transition. Teasylights give more contrast than balayage yet stay soft at the root. Ideal if you want to keep visual volume while still adding brightness.

Face framing

Face framing concentrates brightness around the face. A subtle money piece or a few strategic pieces open up the features and add immediate freshness. Works on its own as a quick pick me up or as part of a larger color plan with balayage, foilayage, or babylights. Maintenance is low to medium because the front needs the most attention.

Root shadow and root blend

With a root shadow or root blend we soften the root by adding a slightly deeper tone. This adds depth and extends the time your highlights look seamless. Finished with glossing it creates a rich, natural result with lots of shine.

Highlight trends for 2025-26

Butter blonde highlights with soft shine

Butter blonde is all about a creamy, bright blonde with warmth and depth. We combine fine babylights with gentle face framing for brightness around the face and a calm, refined transition through the lengths.

Why now? Warm blondes look luxurious and flatter many skin tones. They add depth in autumn and winter and look less dull.

Who it suits. Ideal if you want to move from cool blonde to something softer without looking yellow. Great for fine to medium hair because the micro weave boosts shine and fullness.

Maintenance. Finish with a toner for the right tone. Schedule a glossing after six to eight weeks. At home use color friendly cleansing, heat protection, and a weekly mask.

Expensive brunette with caramel tones

Brown hair gets a high end update with caramel, hazelnut and cocoa tones. We build shine and depth with fine weaving or foilayage, plus a root blend for a seamless root.

Why now? Expensive brunette looks chic and is maintenance friendly. The contrast is subtle and the result stays rich for longer.

Who it suits. Perfect for natural brunettes who want dimension without going blonde.

Maintenance. Glossing for tone and shine, and at home a shine enhancing serum and heat protection.

Copper and strawberry nuances for warmth

Copper, apricot, and strawberry bring energy and freshness. We place highlights where light naturally hits so the color play stays lively.

Why now? Warm tones are on the rise and make texture and layers stand out beautifully.

Who it suits. Gorgeous on lighter skin tones for a fresh glow and as a soft veil on deeper hair.

Maintenance. Copper pigments need regular toning. Plan a glossing every six to eight weeks. Use color care products that reduce fading.

Babylights for a glass like blonde look

Babylights create a refined, premium blonde base without lines. Combining micro weaving with a shine service delivers that glassy effect.

Why now? Demand for shine and refinement is growing. Babylights reflect light exceptionally well and need little styling to shine.

Who it suits. Ideal for fine to normal hair and for anyone who loves a high quality soft blonde appearance.

Maintenance. Protect against heat and UV. A violet or blue correcting care can help, tailored to your tone. Toner and glossing keep brightness and shine balanced.

Face framing for a lift around the face

Strategically placed highlights around the face create an instant brightening effect. With a light root shadow the root stays calm while the front looks refreshed.

Why now? Visible lift with minimal time in the chair and lower maintenance.

Who it suits. Perfect as a quick refresher or between color appointments. Works solo or combined with balayage or babylights.

Maintenance. Short touch ups at the front are enough. At home use a shine serum on the face framing pieces.

Dimensional highlights for curls and coils

Curls require a different approach. We place highlights between the curl clumps rather than on top so the shape stays calm and the curl gains definition and shine.

Why now? Curly and coily hair deserve tailored placement and product choices.

Who it suits. Wave to coil patterns that want light and depth without breaking the shape.

Maintenance. Hydrating care, bond repair where needed, and a toner that does not accentuate frizz. Diffuse on low heat with heat protection.

Which highlights suit you?

During your color service we look at natural hair color, texture, skin undertone, length, and lifestyle. Do you want low maintenance or maximum brightness. Do you want contrast or a soft glow. Based on this we create a personal color plan. You get a look that suits you and still looks good after several months. KURO Signature Colours delivers a result that feels premium and grows out comfortably.

Techniques at KURO

We start with a thorough color analysis. Where needed we protect the hair structure with bond repair. For soft transitions we use balayage, foilayage, babylights, teasylights and face framing. KURO Signature services such as full balayage, sun kissed face frame and full bleach are used purposefully to achieve the desired result. We finish with a glossing or toner for the right tone and shine.

Toners and glossing after highlights

A toner is essential for tone, shine, and longevity. After coloring the toner neutralizes or deepens the highlights and closes the cuticle for a smooth result. Want more background. Read our article on what a toner does after coloring. Between color appointments you can refresh tone and shine with a quick glossing without lightening again. Find extra inspiration in our blonde trends 2025.

Maintenance and aftercare

Expect to refresh highlights every 10 to 14 weeks depending on base color and desired brightness. Schedule a glossing or toner in between to maintain tone and shine. At home choose gentle, color safe cleansing, a nourishing conditioner and heat protection. A weekly mask keeps the fiber supple and strong. Consider a KURO Hair Spa or scalp detox for a fresh scalp and less product buildup.

FAQ about highlights

How long do highlights stay beautiful?

Usually 10 to 14 weeks. With a glossing in between, tone and shine last longer.

What is the difference between highlights and balayage?

Foil highlights give more lift and clearer contrast. Balayage creates a soft transition through freehand painting. Foilayage sits in between with more brightness and still a natural finish.

Are highlights suitable for curls?

Yes, provided the placement respects the curl. Dimensional placement between curl clumps gives definition without disrupting the shape.

How often should I refresh my highlights?

That depends on regrowth, contrast, and your maintenance rhythm. During your color service we create a personal schedule.

Do I always need a toner after highlights?

For the most beautiful tone and shine, yes. Learn more in our article on toners after coloring.

Can I combine highlights with a scalp treatment?

Yes. A clean, balanced scalp contributes to better shine and a more beautiful result.

I am doubting between babylights and face framing. What should I choose?

Babylights give overall brightness with a soft finish. Face framing lifts the face most. Often the combination looks best.