Hair Coloring · Malasaña, Madrid · ÁTICA SALÓN · June 2026
Highlights in Madrid:
A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Technique at ÁTICA SALÓN
balayage Madrid,babylights,foilyage,Malasaña highlights,hair coloring in Madrid,hair salon in Malasaña
Highlights in Madrid: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Technique at ATICA SALÓN
There are hundreds of hair salons in Madrid. But few have the training in color theory to know exactly what highlights your hair, your skin tone, and your lifestyle need. At ÁTICA SALÓN, right in the heart of Malasaña, we perform that assessment before we even pick up a brush.
Highlights have evolved tremendously in recent years. It’s no longer just about lightening random strands: today, advanced color science takes into account your skin undertone, your hair texture, and how much time you can dedicate to maintaining your color at home. The result should look as if it’s always been that way.
This guide explains the main techniques we use at ÁTICA SALÓN, when to use each one, and what results to expect. If you've been thinking about a change for a while, this will help you arrive at your appointment with a clear idea of what you want.
What Are Highlights, and Why Aren't They All the Same?
The term “highlights” encompasses a wide range of techniques: from freehand balayage to the finest babylights that mimic the sun’s natural effect. Each technique produces a different result in terms of contrast, maintenance, and luminosity.
At ÁTICA SALÓN, we don’t start with the technique—we start with you. Before any coloring process, we analyze your skin tone, eye color, natural hair color, and your daily routine. Only then do we decide which technique and shade will truly flatter you.
"Getting the right hair color is a combination of technique and art. Your skin's undertone changes everything—that's the key."
— Isa Otón, founder of ÁTICA SALÓN · more than 20 years of experience in premium styling in Madrid
The 5 highlighting techniques we use at ÁTICA SALÓN
Balayage
Freehand. Gentle gradient and very natural growth. Low maintenance.
Babylights
Ultra-fine highlights. They mimic the sun. Light without sharp contrast.
Foilyage
Aluminum + balayage. More intensity and total control over the shade.
Money piece
Front lighting. It frames the face and makes the eyes look younger.
Melting
Blended from the roots. Smooth transition, with no visible roots.
Balayage: The Queen of Low-Maintenance Hair
Balayage is the most popular technique at our salon, and for good reason. It’s applied freehand, without foil, following the hair’s natural movement. The result is a luminous ombre that grows out elegantly without the roots becoming noticeable after just a few weeks.
It's ideal if you're looking for a noticeable yet natural change, especially on brown and dark hair, where the base color remains the same and only the areas that the sun would hit first are lightened.
Babylights: When Discretion Is a Luxury
Babylights are highlights so fine that the eye can barely make out each one individually, but together they transform your hair. They create small highlights scattered throughout your hair that add radiance, soften your features, and visually lengthen your hair.
They're perfect for those who don't want to "go blonde" but do want to see a real difference. They're also a favorite for blending in the first gray hairs in a completely natural way.
Foilyage: intensity with a natural look
Foilyage takes the best of balayage—its organic look—and combines it with the precision of foil. The result has more definition and intensity than classic balayage, but still maintains that soft transition. It’s ideal if you have dark roots and want a blonder look.
Money tip: Highlight your face without touching your entire hair
The "money piece" focuses highlights on the areas that frame the face—the temples and the front. It’s a quick, low-maintenance technique with a huge visual impact. It makes you look younger and adds radiance to your face without having to color your entire head of hair. In 2026, it remains one of the most requested styles at ÁTICA.
Highlighting Trends for 2026 That Are Already Available at ÁTICA
This year, hair color trends revolve around one idea: natural light, without any artificial touches. No exaggerated contrasts or unkempt roots. Industry experts agree that blended tones and subtle gradients are what’s most in demand.
- Powdery beige-toned blondes — warm, Nordic, and very flattering on Mediterranean skin tones
- Glazed chestnuts — a dark base with a luminous sheen that adds shine without dulling it
- Bronde babylights — an ultra-subtle blend of blonde and brown, a favorite for dark hair
- Copper-toned face-framing highlights — concentrated red tones at the front with a sun-kissed effect
- Integrated gray hair — highlights that complement the gray hair rather than covering it up
How to Choose Your Highlights Based on Your Skin Tone
Without analyzing your skin's undertone, the result may look good at the time but may not be flattering in everyday life. At ÁTICA SALÓN, we always perform this analysis before any coloring process.
If you have a cool undertone (bluish veins; silver suits you better than gold): Nordic blondes, ash tones, and babylights in beige-pinkish shades. If you have a warm undertone (greenish veins; gold looks best on you): honey blondes, caramel, golden copper, and toasted browns. With a neutral undertone, you have free rein, and at ÁTICA, we’ll help you achieve the look you really want.
How to Maintain Highlights at Home
Balayage and babylights have the advantage of growing out very naturally, so salon touch-ups can be spaced out every 3 to 5 months. At home, the key is to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
At ÁTICA, we use Authentic Beauty Concept, a 100% vegan line free of silicones and parabens that protects your color from the very first wash and maintains shine between visits. You can purchase it directly at the salon or through our online store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlights in Madrid
How long does a highlighting session take at ÁTICA SALÓN?
Between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the technique and length. This always includes a preliminary assessment, the coloring process, post-coloring treatment, and final drying.
Can I get highlights if my hair is very dark?
Yes, but you have to do it carefully. On very dark base colors, we use foilyage or babylights with controlled bleaching to avoid unwanted orange tones.
Is balayage the same as California highlights?
Pretty much. “California highlights” is the common name for balayage: a freehand technique that creates a sun-kissed effect with a natural fade from the roots.
How often should you touch up your highlights?
With balayage or babylights, between 3 and 5 months. With foilyage, between 2 and 3 months. With a money piece, between 2 and 4 months, depending on the contrast chosen.
Where is ÁTICA SALÓN in Madrid?
We're located at Calle Velarde 20, Malasaña, Madrid. Very close to Tribunal, Chueca, and Chamberí. Make reservations via WhatsApp at +34 623 268 456.
