Rainbow to Ombre: Getting Your Hair Dyed in Tokyo

If your roots are showing (and not in that weirdly unachievable-cool-celeb way) or you fancy a change, it might be time to head to the hairdresser– but where can you get your hair dyed in Tokyo without prices so high your hair falls out after?

Hair. It’s amazing, but also keeping it that lovely shade of blonde (or purple, whatever floats your boat) can be tricky. Finding hairdressers in Tokyo who are familiar with non-Asian-textured hair, speak English, and don’t cost the absolute earth is nigh impossible, but we promise there are some. While it will still probably cost you more than at home, the quality will be good and you’ll leave feeling like a million yen.

The important thing to remember about finding the right place is to look for somewhere that specializes in dyeing hair, rather than just cutting, with coloring done on the side. While doing it yourself is certainly an option (we have an article on it here) it can be tricky, so be prepared for a few attempts until you get it right. For certainty and a little bit of pampering, read on for six of the best spots to get your hair dyed in Tokyo!

1. Kaze Hair Salon: For a total change in style

Kaze Hair Salon in Daikanyama specialize in hosting multilingual stylists who get to know you and your hair. Their stylists are fluent in English, Chinese, and Japanese. They’ll lead every session with a consultation to ensure you know what you’re getting. If you’re less sure, they’ll offer helpful pointers, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

They offer color packages indvidually or as part of a larger treatment package, and their dye options range from budget-friendy to premium. Their most popular color package starts at ¥18,040 for a full cut, color, and retention treatment — great value if you’re looking for a new look. You can build on this basic package with other treatments and premium options for dyes — just ask when you book. But if you’re ready to refresh your look, you can book an appointment at Kaze Hair Salon online now.

2. Yaya: For careful color consultation

Yaya is a hair salon in Asakusa that offers an amazing value cut and color package for just ¥8,900. The talented stylists carefully consider your hair’s condition, your skin tone, and style to help find your perfect color. You can also upgrade to include treatment services to help protect your hair from damage. Make sure to request an English-speaking stylist when you book.

3. Gold Salon Tokyo: For color correction services

Gold Salon Tokyo in Azabu Jūban is another of the most well-known names in Tokyo, with a solid brand and a 98% foreign customer base. They consider themselves to be the city’s “must go to” color salon, and while the prices are higher than independent salons, they have the knowledge to back it up. Their website carefully details the process they go through to match a coloring (if you care to read it) and their team really know what’s what with coloring trends and styles. Whether you know exactly what you want or just a vague concept, they can help make it a reality.

Preferring low-chemical formulas and using henna, they have a good range of products suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Prices are dependent on hair length, but start at ¥11,000 for  semi-permanent and ¥13,000 for permanent. A T-Bar will cost you ¥7,000 and bleach starts at ¥20,000. The also offer color correction, so if you’ve had a disaster, this should be your hairdresser 911.

4. Number 76: For competitive prices

Number 76 is a popular Malaysian hair brand formerly known as Nalu. It’s based in Omotesandō and comes highly recommended — plus it has some of the most competitive rates in Tokyo. The staff speak English and have plenty of experience with non-Asian-textured hair as they have a loyal international clientele. The salon is pretty small though, with just six stylists. With a promise to be polite, kind and, most importantly, honest — you can be confident you will get some good recommendations here for your new color.

A bleach re-touch will cost you ¥8,800,  whereas a full color comes in at between ¥6,600 and ¥13,200 depending on the length of your hair and whether bleach is used. For highlights you will be paying ¥16,500 for a half head and ¥22,000 for a full head.

5. Bulb: For personal service

With the opening line of “hair styling doesn’t have to be lost in translation”, Bulb is a small salon in Daikanyama offering reasonable rates for cuts and dyeing. English lead Soeda had worked in NYC for 5 years and returned to Tokyo ready to cut and style for the city’s foreigners. While they don’t have as full a range of dyeing options, the prices are competitive. With a color costing ¥11,000 and a color + cut costing ¥16,500, you’re getting a double-whammy for less than a full dye job at most places. Plus, the shampoo and blow-dry is included.

The bonus to this place is probably the personal service though, compared  to larger salons, here you get the owner and stylists full attention and can relax. They are happy to work with you to decide on the right color and cut before you get started.

6. Eclat: For the “most attractive version of yourself”

Eclat is dedicated to helping you find the “most attractive version of yourself”. They specializes in hair coloring and are very popular among foreign clients. They avoid the deadly thinning scissors and understand the nuances of hair. The master stylist, Kyosuke has trained abroad, has been featured in Elle Magazine, and is often hired for editorial shoots in many a magazine. Dedicated to the dyeing, Kyosuke’s partner Yoko deals with the styling and cuts for the salon.

The prices are based on hair length and process type, with roots costing ¥8,800 and a single process dye costing between ¥9,900 and ¥15,400. For a double process you are looking at between ¥20,900 and ¥25,300, with highlights ranging from ¥11,000 to ¥18,700.

7. Shinka: For an English phone line

Originally opened in Australia before moving over to Japan, Shinka has two branches in Tokyo: one in Roppongi and one in Azabu Jūban.

Their prices for dyeing start at ¥8,900. Highlights start at ¥9,500, and go up to ¥22,000 for a full head. They have full English service including an English phone line, as well as all staff being fluent — so there won’t be any disastrous misunderstandings.

Bonus mention: Cocode Salon Hanare

At Cocode Salon Hanare in Asakusa, you can enjoy a high quality salon experience at affordable rates. A basic cut, color, and treatment package starts at ¥13,350, but you can also upgrade for more premium treatments. While dyeing your hair can damage it, Cocode Salon Hanare’s treatment will help keep your hair in tip-top condition. They also specialize in men’s styling, so gentlemen this is your sign to dye your hair like you’ve always wanted to.

Note that the staff at Cocode Salon Hanare don’t speak much English, so this is one of those times when a reference photo and Google Translate will go a long way.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in August 2017. Last updated: April 2024.