Global hair colour is a hair coloring technique where a single shade of color is applied to the entire length of your hair, from the roots to the tips. This process results in a uniform, one-dimensional color all over, providing a complete and dramatic transformation of your hair’s look.
The Purpose of a Global Hair Colour
A global hair colour is chosen for several reasons, making it one of the most common hair coloring services offered in salons.
- Complete Grey Coverage: It is the most effective method for covering grey hair completely, providing a uniform base color that blends away all the greys.
- Dramatic Change: For those who want a completely new look, a global colour can dramatically change their appearance by switching their hair color from black to brown, burgundy, or any other shade.
- Uniform, Even Tone: It creates a solid, even-toned look. This can make the hair appear thicker and glossier.
- As a Base for Other Techniques: A global colour is often used as the base color before adding other dimensional colors, like highlights or balayage.
Global Hair Colour vs. Highlights vs. Balayage
It’s important to understand how a global colour differs from other popular coloring techniques.
| Technique | Description | Look and Effect | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Hair Colour | A single color is applied to the entire head of hair, from roots to ends. | Creates a solid, uniform, one-dimensional color. Offers a bold and complete change. | High maintenance. The root regrowth is very noticeable and requires a root touch-up every 4-6 weeks. |
| Highlights | Specific strands or sections of hair are lightened. These sections are typically woven and wrapped in foils. | Creates a multi-tonal, contrasting look with distinct lighter strands against a darker base. Adds dimension. | Medium maintenance. Regrowth can be noticeable, but often less harsh than with a global colour. |
| Balayage | The colour is hand-painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. | Creates a very natural, sun-kissed, and blended look. The transition from the roots is very soft and seamless. | Low maintenance. As the roots are left darker, the regrowth is very subtle and doesn’t require frequent touch-ups. |
The Global Hair Colouring Process
A global hair colour service at a salon is a multi-step process.
- Consultation: You discuss the desired shade with your hairstylist. They will assess your hair’s condition, your skin tone, and your natural hair color to recommend the best shade for you.
- Pre-lightening (if necessary): If you have dark hair and want to go for a much lighter shade (e.g., from black to a light blonde or a vibrant fashion color), your hair will first need to be pre-lightened or bleached. This process removes the natural pigment from your hair so the new color can show up.
- Colour Application: The chosen hair colour is mixed with a developer and meticulously applied to your hair, section by section, ensuring every strand is saturated from root to tip.
- Processing: The colour is left on your hair to process for a specific amount of time, typically 30-45 minutes.
- Rinsing and Aftercare: The colour is then thoroughly rinsed out, followed by a conditioning treatment to seal the hair cuticles and add shine. Your hair is then styled as desired.
After getting a global colour, it is essential to use color-safe shampoos and conditioners (preferably sulfate-free mild shampoos) to prolong the life of your color and keep your hair healthy. Regular deep conditioning treatments or a hair spa are also recommended to manage any dryness from the chemical process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a global hair colour?
Global hair colour is a technique where your hair is colored with one single shade from the roots to the tips. It results in a uniform, one-dimensional color all over your head, providing a complete color transformation.
How long does a global hair colour last?
The color itself is permanent and will not wash out. However, as your hair grows, your natural hair color will start to show at the roots. This regrowth becomes noticeable in about 4 to 6 weeks, which is when you would need a ‘root touch-up’.
Which is better, global colour or highlights?
The choice depends on the look you want. If you want 100% grey coverage or a complete and dramatic change of color, global is better. If you want to add dimension and brightness to your hair without changing the base color completely, highlights are a better option.
Does global hair colour damage your hair?
Any chemical process can cause some amount of damage to the hair by making it drier. However, when done by a professional using good quality products and followed by proper aftercare (using color-safe products and regular conditioning), the damage can be minimized. Pre-lightening or bleaching causes more damage than just depositing color.
How much does a global hair colour cost in India?
The cost varies widely based on the salon, the city, the length and thickness of your hair, and the brand of color used. In India, a global hair colour can cost anywhere from ₹3,000 in a mid-range salon to over ₹10,000 in a high-end luxury salon.