Changing the color of your hair is a big thing.
Not only that, but it takes a lot of skill and practice to do it properly.
While the very deed of coloring your hair may take a lot out of you, the preparation before starting is just as important as the very process of dyeing it.
Many girls wonder, should I wash my hair before dyeing it?
Experts believe specific steps taken before coloring the hair will guarantee better results.
So, to get luscious hair, it is best to follow them.
We break down and bust the myth about the importance of washing your hair before coloring it.
Table Of Contents
Should I Wash My Hair Before Dyeing Process
The short answer is: Yes! Washing your hair before coloring is essential to the hair prep process. You will get much better results when you color clean hair than coloring dirty hair. In fact, during the day, all kinds of stuff may get into our hair.
Dirt, minerals, and metals are just some things that end up in our hair without us knowing. Also, some treatments and hair products we use can leave some residue in our hair that might not go well with the dye you are about to add.
We never know how the stuff in our hair will react to the color that we are adding. There may be some unwanted results and the hue you are about to add will turn out completely different or your hair might be spotty.
Therefore, you should wash and dry your hair before trying any hair color ideas.
How to Prepare My Hair for Coloring
Getting your hair in shape for coloring is an essential process as the hair dyeing one. Before you start adding color to it, you need to get it in perfect shape for the change that is about to come.
That way, you can guarantee the best possible results and get the desired hue you’ve been yearning for.
Step 1 – Wash your hair
It is very important to wash your hair once or twice before coloring it. Sebum buildup can interfere with the dye, so it is best to get it out beforehand.
Step 2 – Get a good shampoo
Selecting the right shampoo is equally important. Since you want your hair to be entirely pure for coloring, a mild shampoo is best as it will not damage the hair and allow it to be clean enough for dyeing.
Step 3 – Nourishment
Having a healthy set of hair also guarantees better results. You can add some oils to your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it overnight, a day before you plan to dye it.
Step 4 – Heat-treating tools
Stay away from tools that produce heat, like hair straighteners. Your hair might be straight, but the heat has a detrimental effect on your hair and it does not need added stress before changing its color.
Step 5 – Pick a color
Finally, decide on the color and get at it. And if you are asking yourself about is dyeing wet hair ok, the answer is no. You should add color to dry hair, no matter the tone of your hair.
Best Products to Use
While some coloring experts recommend adding oils to nurture the hair before dyeing it, others say it will interfere with the result.
Adding all kinds of stuff to your hair before dyeing is not a good idea. Nurturing and preparing your hair for the change should be done a few days or the day before coloring it.
On the very day you are coloring your hair, you should wash your hair with mild shampoo. A heavy or strong shampoo might also interfere with the results that you are planning to get.
A mild one will prepare the hair, clean it, and not leave any residue that might interfere with the color. Washing the hair after dyeing is also a good idea, but never go too strong.
You should rinse it with lukewarm water and then let it dry. No products are needed at this stage as they might affect the hair dye expiration date. This is also a good practice to keep in mind as it helps with the skin care routine and not only haircare protection for your locks.
Quick Tips on Washing Hair
If you want to try partial balayage or any other hairstyle that requires adding color to your hair, you should stick by the best practices that the expert propose and follow their tips:
- Wash your hair before dyeing with a mild shampoo.
- Avoid using heavy products like oils or a strong shampoo before dyeing your hair.
- Dyeing dirty hair is not wise, as dirt might interfere with the added color.
- Product buildup may also represent a barrier to successfully dyeing your hair and creating wanted colors.
- It is okay to rinse your hair after coloring it but wait at least 24h before you wash it with a shampoo.
- It is also not good to wash your hair immediately before coloring it. You should wash it beforehand and make sure that it is completely dry.
- Adding a conditioner to your hair is okay, but only after coloring the hair. The appointment oil to help your cuticles is a good hair care routine.
FAQ
Is it ok to dye dirty hair?
No, absolutely not. Dirty hair might interfere with the color you are about to add and confuse the colorist when applying the dye. Also, oily hair might cause irritation along the hairline.
Which products interfere with the hair coloring process?
Products that leave residue in your hair, like heavy shampoos or oils, and those that have minerals that can result in an unwanted reaction for your hair. Each stylist advises clients when applying for a color service to be more manageable with the products they add to their hair.
How soon should you wash your hair after dyeing it?
You must wait at least 24h before washing your hair after dyeing it. You can only rinse it out with lukewarm water after dyeing it. Your hair will not get damaged because of it, nor will you get split ends, but you run the risk of washing out the color from the strands if you do it before that.
Should I wash my hair before covering the gray hair?
Yes, you should, but you don’t have to do it immediately before applying the dye. You can wash it the day before or a few hours before applying the dye, and you also need to ensure that it is completely dry. Hair types like grays don’t require a specific washing treatment, even though the shades of gray don’t have any pigment.
Should you wash your hair before bleaching it?
It is not recommended that you wash your hair before bleaching it. Sebum and natural oils on your scalp are there to protect your head, so washing them away might come with unwanted results.
Also, it is best to lighten your hair without bleach and look for a different method instead.
Conclusion
I think we came to an obvious answer regarding washing our hair before dyeing it. It is more than essential to do it, but you must also do it at the right time and under specific conditions.
When making your salon appointment, no matter if you have frizzy, voluminous, thick, or long hair, they will propose to do everything for you, even wash it. Based on the information we just gave you and the debate we held, you should accept the wash. It helps out the roots and makes your hair soft, smooth, and shiny, besides getting it ready for coloring.
Say yes to washing your hair before dyeing it and no to any products that might interfere with the color beforehand.
Vinnie is one of the members of the Beardoholic writers team. He’s also a barber and hairstylist for 15 years now and he has a kick-ass beard of his own, so he surely knows what makes a magnificent beard and hair and how to achieve them. He’s our go-to guy for all the latest beard and hairstyle trends and he always has a tip or two on how to grow and style a thick beard fast.