Getting your hair colored can be an exciting experience. However, many people have questions about how to best prepare their hair for coloring services. One common question is whether you should wash your hair before going in for a dye appointment. There are pros and cons to washing hair beforehand, and the ideal approach depends on your hair type and the specific color service.
The Case for Washing Hair Beforehand
There are a few reasons why washing your hair prior to getting it colored may be beneficial:
- It removes dirt, oil, and product buildup. If you have a lot of product in your hair or it’s looking greasy, washing can help provide a clean slate for dyeing.
- It opens up the cuticle. The warm water, shampoo, and friction of washing can cause the cuticle (outer layer) of the hair to swell and open slightly. This allows the hair color to better penetrate the strand.
- It avoids transfer issues. If you apply color to dirty hair, the dye may not adhere as well through any oil or dirt. This could lead to transfer of color onto clothing, pillows, etc.
For these reasons, many stylists recommend shampooing your hair the day-of or day before a coloring appointment. It prepares the hair to accept the dye.
Why You May Want to Skip Washing
On the other hand, there are also some advantages to skipping a wash before hair color:
- Hair is more porous when unwashed. The natural oils help fill in gaps in the cuticle, allowing better dye uptake.
- There is no risk of over-drying. Shampooing too often can dry your hair out, making it prone to damage.
- You avoid follicle fallout. Aggressive washing right before a chemical process may increase hair shedding.
- Color lasts longer. Natural oils help seal in hair color and provide added protection.
Many stylists actually recommend not washing hair for 24-48 hours prior to color services for these reasons. The natural oils protect the hair during the process.
The Best Approach Depends on Hair Type
When deciding whether to wash or not wash before a dye appointment, it helps to consider your individual hair type and needs:
| Hair Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dry, damaged hair | Skip washing to avoid over-drying |
| Oily hair and scalp | Wash to remove excess oil before dyeing |
| Chemically treated hair | Avoid washing to protect integrity |
| Virgin hair | May benefit from wash to open cuticle |
In general, damaged or treated hair benefits from leaving natural oils intact. But those with an oily scalp or virgin hair can wash right before coloring with minimal issues.
Tips for Washing Hair Before Dyeing
If you do opt to wash your hair prior to a color appointment, follow these tips:
- Wash 1-2 days before, not right before. Washing immediately before applies color to wet, vulnerable hair.
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid anything harsh or clarifying.
- Rinse with cool water. Hot water can damage and dry strands.
- Apply a nourishing conditioner mid-lengths to ends. Avoid the roots near application.
- Blot dry with a towel. Rubbing creates friction that can damage the cuticle.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or mask after to add moisture.
- Let hair dry fully before applying dye. Never apply to wet hair.
Following these tips will allow you to wash hair prior to coloring while avoiding potential downsides like dryness. The key is being very gentle when washing.
How to Prep Unwashed Hair for Dyeing
If you choose not to wash your hair before getting it colored, you’ll want to prep it in other ways:
- Use dry shampoo at the roots if needed. This soaks up excess oils and dirt.
- Apply a hydrating hair mask mid-lengths to ends. Nourish to prevent dryness.
- Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb. Avoid tugging or friction.
- Skip hair sprays, mousses, gels, etc. Products can block dye absorption.
- Clip up hair securely. Get it out of your face for ease of application.
- Consider using petroleum jelly on hairline. This prevents skin staining.
- Arrive with clean, product-free hair. Leave oils in but skip styling products.
Prepping unwashed hair correctly will allow the stylist to apply dye to hair that is ready to absorb it without being dried out.
Other Tips for Optimizing Hair Color Results
In addition to your washing approach, the following tips can help you get beautiful, long-lasting color results:
- Do a strand test first if coloring at home. See how your hair reacts.
- Book a consultation ahead of time. Discuss your goals and expectations.
- Come with at least 1⁄2 inch of undyed roots showing. This allows for proper application at the regrowth.
- Avoid heat styling for 1-2 days before. Heat damage makes hair porous.
- Protect colored hair from sun exposure. UV rays speed fading.
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate-free is best.
- Extend time between washes. Washing less preserves hair color.
- Get a gloss or glaze service between dyes. This refreshes faded color.
Optimizing your hair health and condition overall will support better dye results. Avoid heat damage, minimize washing, and nourish strands.
The Pros and Cons of Pre-Coloring Hair Washing
To summarize the main pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
As you can see, there are good arguments on both sides. Generally, washing seems most beneficial for oily hair, while skipping washing helps maximize color vibrancy and minimize dryness.
The Final Verdict
So what’s the final word on whether you should wash your hair before getting it dyed?
The answer depends on your individual hair type, condition, and coloring goals. Here are some final guidelines:
- Dry or damaged hair: Avoid washing for 1-2 days beforehand.
- Oily hair or scalp: Wash with a gentle shampoo 1-2 days prior.
- Sensitized or chemically treated hair: Skip washing day-of to protect integrity.
- Virgin hair: Light wash to open cuticles OK if done gently.
Talk to your stylist about what they recommend for your unique situation. With the proper preparation, you can achieve beautiful, healthy, vivid color results.
The most important things are to avoid over-washing, use only gentle products, detangle carefully, and prep your hair based on your hair type. Follow these tips and you can look forward to love your new dyed locks!