Should You Wash Your Hair Before Coloring It?
You should not wash your hair right before coloring it. Shampooing right before coloring strips the natural oils, and coloring can further dry out the hair and cause hair breakage. This does not mean you can dye oily, greasy, and dirty hair. The hair and scalp should be clean but not excessively greasy before dyeing. Excessive oil and grease can affect the color payoff and may give inconsistent results. Laura Dale, a licensed cosmetologist, explains that gray hair may not get covered thoroughly because the hair color cannot break through excess oil. So, what is the ideal time to wash your hair before coloring? Read on to find out!
When To Wash Your Hair Before Coloring
Ideally, you should wash your hair 12-24 hours before coloring it. By that time, the scalp will produce some amount of natural oils and sebum to form a thin, protective layer on the strands. This helps prevent excess hair and scalp damage and irritation. Apart from the protective barrier, there will be a healthy friction between the hair that makes it way more manageable and comfortable to section. Although you know how to wash your hair, there are a few pointers to keep in mind when you are washing it before coloring.
How To Wash The Hair The Right Way Before Coloring It
Here is how you can wash your hair: Some products are ideal if used before coloring, and some are a big no-no. In the next section, we have discussed that in detail.
What Products To Use And Avoid Before Coloring
Products To Use
Pre-Color Treatment: A few weeks before coloring, use deep hydrating conditioners (if you are not already) and hair masks, and try oil treatments at home or a hair spa. These products will prep your hair for the coloring session and prevent excessive damage. Clarifying Shampoo: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo 12-24 hours before coloring. Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup and excessive grease and dirt from the hair and scalp. Always follow up with a conditioner. Non-Oily Products: If you are using serums and sprays, use a lightweight and non-oily product to avoid oil and grease buildup. Dye Removers: Only get a dye removal done if recommended by your hair colorist or stylist. Hair expert and licensed cosmetologist Laura Dale says, “Dye removers should not be used before a salon visit. The stylist can address any issues with the previous color.”
Products To Avoid Since the one product you should be using 12-24 hours before coloring is a shampoo, let us determine what kind of shampoo is best for the job.
What To Look For In A Shampoo
Not every shampoo does the job. Some shampoos are too mild to get all the grease and dirt off the hair. A clarifying shampoo is ideal for thorough cleansing. Unlike your everyday shampoo, a clarifying shampoo contains high SLS levels (a detergent) that can provide deep cleansing to remove the remnants of gels, mousse, hairsprays, and any trace of hair products that stick to the scalp and sebum. Licensed cosmetologist Laura Dale elaborates that clarifying shampoos have a high pH level which opens hair cuticles to provide a deep cleansing process. However, it is not recommended to use one every day as it may damage your hair. Use it once in two weeks and always follow up with a nourishing conditioner. When should I wash my hair after coloring? Wait for two days post-coloring before washing your hair. Can the color wash out if you wash hair too often after coloring? Yes, frequent washing may fade the color. Why do salons wash your hair before coloring? Salons usually wash your hair before coloring to ensure that there is no residue that could affect the color tone while your hair is dyed your chosen shade. Is it better to dye hair wet or dry? It is better to dye dry hair if you want a permanent hair color job or want to make detailed color changes to your hair. Wet hair works well for demi- and semi-permanent hair dyes. However, it is better to avoid dyeing wet hair if your hair is damaged or dehydrated as it can absorb a lot of water and very less color.
