This is a plain guide to hair colour in Chennai — the service types, what they cost in 2026, how often each needs redoing, and how to keep colour from going brassy in the sun. For the salon overview and offer days, see best hair colour salon in Chennai; this page is the how-it-works background.
The Main Colour Services
| Service | What it is | Redo every |
|---|---|---|
| Global colour | One all-over shade; grey coverage or full tone change | Roots at 4–6 weeks |
| Root touch-up | New growth only, matched to existing colour | 4–6 weeks |
| Highlights | Foiled sections lifted lighter | 6–8 weeks |
| Balayage | Hand-painted graduated lightening | 4–6 months |
| Fashion / creative | Vivid or multi-tone colour | Varies; fades fast |
Chennai pricing: root touch-up Rs 1,000–1,800, global colour Rs 1,500–3,500, balayage from Rs 4,500. YLG global colour (L’Oreal Majirel) starts Rs 2,939, with 50% off creative colour and balayage every Wednesday (global colour is not covered).
Ammonia vs Ammonia-Free
Ammonia-free lines (L’Oreal Inoa) are gentler and give a softer deposit — excellent for grey coverage and subtle changes, but they lift less. For bigger lightening you need a conventional line plus a bond protector. A colourist should recommend one based on your goal, not sell you the same thing every time.
Keeping Colour True in Chennai Sun
- Sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo — the single biggest factor in fade
- Wash with cooler water; hot water opens the cuticle and leaches colour
- A weekly colour-depositing mask for reds and coppers, which fade fastest
- UV-protective leave-in or a hat for long outdoor stretches
- Space keratin and colour two weeks apart
More: maintaining colour-treated hair in Chennai and balayage vs highlights for Indian skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I colour my hair?
Global colour: root touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. Highlights: 6 to 8 weeks. Balayage: 4 to 6 months.
How much does hair colour cost in Chennai?
Root touch-up Rs 1,000 to 1,800, global colour Rs 1,500 to 3,500, balayage from Rs 4,500. YLG global colour from Rs 2,939 (not part of the Wednesday offer).
Is ammonia-free colour worth it?
For grey coverage and gentle tone change, yes — softer on scalp and hair. For dramatic lightening, a conventional line with bond protection works better.
Why does my colour go brassy?
Sun, hot water and sulphate shampoo strip the cool toners first, leaving warm ones. A toning shampoo or salon toner fixes it.
Can I colour over keratin-treated hair?
Yes, with a two-week gap. Ideally colour first, then keratin.