Should You Wash Hair Before Coloring? Pre-Dye Tips

Preparing Hair Properly Before Coloring

Getting your hair ready before a coloring service is just as important as choosing the right color and technique. Properly prepping your strands can help the color last longer, appear more vibrant, and reduce damage.

Washing your hair beforehand is one key step in pre-color prep. But should you shampoo right before applying dye? Or avoid washing for better results? There are a few guidelines to follow.

Should You Wash Hair Before Coloring?

Many people wash their hair as part of their pre-coloring routine. But contrary to popular belief, shampooing right before applying dye is not always advisable.

Overwashing can strip needed oils from hair that protect and nourish. This can lead to dryness and breakage over time, especially with frequent coloring. Additionally, some dye ingredients adhere better to hair with a slight buildup of oil and product.

However, you also don’t want excess dirt, oil and product blocking dye absorption. The best approach depends partly on your hair type and when you last shampooed.

When to Wash Before Coloring Hair

While a last-minute shampoo isn't strictly necessary, washing your hair the day before dyeing is wise in two cases:

If Hair is Excessively Dirty or Oily

If your hair tends to become visibly oily and dirty quickly and it has been several days since your last wash, shampoo the day prior to coloring for best results.

You want the dye to interact with clean yet not completely stripped strands. Let your scalp regulate overnight after cleansing so some protective sebum returns.

After Using Many Styling Products

If you use multiple leave-in treatments, creams, gels, mousse and sprays on a daily basis, shampoo the day before applying color is a good move. You don’t want an accumulation of products to act like a barrier layer between dye and hair.

Swapping heavy products for lighter ones in the days pre-color can also prevent buildup.

When Not to Wash Hair Before Dyeing

In two instances, holding off on shampoo right before hair color is your best bet:

If Hair was Recently Washed

If your last hair washing was less than 24 hours ago, you can likely skip another shampoo before dyeing. Any dirt, oil or product would be very minimal at this stage.

Just rinse thoroughly with water beforehand for fresh strands so the color takes evenly from roots to ends.

When Hair is Extremely Dry or Damaged

Those with very dry, fragile or damaged hair should avoid over-shampooing before coloring. Too much washing right beforehand can strip needed moisturizing oils leading to worsening breakage.

Use a gentle cleansing cream if washing can’t be avoided. Or simply massage in a hydrating mask and rinse thoroughly instead of using shampoo when dyeing parched strands.

How to Wash Hair Before Coloring at Home

If you decide washing your hair makes sense before an at-home coloring session, follow these tips for best outcomes:

Shampoo Day Before, Not Same Day as Dye

Wash hair about 24 hours prior to applying color for clean yet not completely dry strands. Shampoo again right before leads to over-stripping and dye issues.

Use a Clarifying or Chelating Shampoo

These specialized formulas remove more buildup from styling products and hard water minerals that can interfere with color results and evenness.

Rinse Thoroughly & Gently Blot Dry

After shampooing, run cool water through hair until it runs completely clear. Gently squeeze out excess moisture with a towel. Air dry the rest of the way.

Apply Hydrating Mask if Hair is Dry

For those with extremely dry or damaged hair, use an intensive reparative hair mask in place of shampoo to prep for dye without stripping.

What to Do on Day of Dyeing Hair

Prepping your hair well on the actual day you apply coloring products is also crucial. Tips for day of dye session include:

Rinse Hair First if Recently Washed

If you washed your hair the day before dyeing, a thorough rinse with cool water when you wake up on color day removes any residual dirt or oil.

Use Dry Shampoo if Needed

If hair feels a little too slick or limp the day of coloring but doesn’t need full washing, spritz in some dry shampoo to soak up excess oil at the roots.

Divide Into Sections Before Coloring

Section clean, product-free hair cleanly from root to tip before applying color. This ensures every strand gets saturated evenly with dye.

Caring for Hair After Coloring

How you care for newly colored hair is just as crucial as your prep work. Being extra gentle prevents fading and maintains vibrancy. Tips include:

Wait 48 Hours Before Shampooing

Give color time to fully oxidize and set into hair's cuticle by not washing for 2 days after initial application.

Use Color-Safe Shampoo & Cool Water

When you do shampoo, use a gentle, sulfate-free formula to avoid stripping color. Finish with a cool water rinse.

Apply Weekly Sealing Treatments

Masks and conditioning treatments with color-locking technology help seal in color molecules and prevent fading over time.

Caring for your freshly colored hair is vital for getting the most longevity from your new hue!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.