Can I get my hair done with dirty hair?

Author: Ollie Larkin  |  Last update: Friday, October 31, 2025

In fact, recent surveys among hairstylists reveal that a majority prefer working with hair that's been washed 24-48 hours prior to the appointment. This timeframe allows natural oils to slightly coat the hair, providing a better base for both cutting and coloring.

Is it OK to go to a hair salon with dirty hair?

Short answer: Clean hair please! While we want you to feel pampered and enjoy the experience of a relaxing shampoo, it's ideal for first time clients to visit the salon with clean hair.

How dirty should my hair be when I get it done?

A good rule of thumb is washing 12-24 hours prior to a hair color visit. 2. **Color Absorption**: There is a common belief that slightly dirty hair can absorb color better. However, this is an outdated belief or color myth that we are busting!

Do hair stylists prefer clean or dirty hair for coloring?

Nowadays, the hair dyes are much less harsh, so the preference is clean hair. It will help the dye grab onto the hair. There are a lot more colors these days.

Do hairdressers prefer to cut clean hair?

If you are going to a salon that just sits you down in the chair and spritzes you with a water bottle, then I highly recommend you go in with clean hair. You will end up getting a much more precise cut. It will be easier for the stylist to comb through your hair, and it will lay better while they are cutting.

he has NOT WASHED his Hair since 2016! (I found this in it)

Do I wash my hair before dying it?

In general, it's recommended to wash your hair a day or two before your dye session rather than immediately before it. Skipping a day allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which, in turn, helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye.

Is it rude to not wash hair before a haircut?

In order to avoid confusion, if you're going in for JUST a haircut, it's okay to skip washing prior to your appointment. Your stylist may prefer to cut your hair dry, or simply want to wash it themselves.

Should I wash my hair before a hairdresser?

So, while there's no hard and fast rule about whether or not you should wash your hair before going to a salon, it's generally a good idea to err on the side of caution and start with clean hair. That way, you can be sure that your stylist can give you the best possible hair service.

Can I dye my hair when it's greasy?

Short answer: Yes, you can dye greasy hair, but think twice.

Long answer: Hair dye penetrates the hair shaft and reacts with its proteins. Oil can be a barrier to hair dye, leading to patchy results and uneven color. While natural oiliness might not be a deal-breaker, excess sebum or product build-up is a big no-no.

Can I dye my hair if I haven't washed it in a week?

The general rule of thumb is to not wash your hair the day of coloring or even the day before coloring if your hair washing routine allows. You might hear colorists say a second (or even third) day hair is best. Why is that so? Unwashed hair produces a natural oil protective layer.

Is it better to cut hair wet or dry?

If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.

Do and don'ts before coloring hair?

Don't shampoo immediately before dyeing your hair. Why? Because 1-2 days unwashed hair has a protective barrier on the scalp - it means there's less chance of any irritation and color pigment is better deposited. Also, just before dyeing, avoid using styling products (dry shampoo, hair spray, gels etc.).

Is dirty hair best for styling?

We have all been told that dirty hair styles better but is that really true? Probably not for most textures! Too much product or too much natural oil from the scalp can really prevent you from having the style you are hoping for. Planning ahead can really save you some hair frustration!

What not to say to your hair stylist?

8 Common Phrases You Say To Your Hair Stylist That Are Actually Rude
  • “My previous stylist messed up my hair.”
  • “Sorry, I didn't come prepared today.”
  • “My haircut looks fine.”
  • “Can I have a discount?”
  • “I don't care what you do with my hair.”
  • “Let me tell you all about [insert deeply personal issue here].”

How much to tip a hairdresser?

A 20% tip may be standard, but the percentage can vary. More complex jobs or a stylist that went above and beyond might merit a bigger tip. If service was poor, a little less might be appropriate.

Why do hairdressers ask you to look down?

ask you to look down during a haircut it is to ensure a precise and even cut, particularly at the nape of your neck. This is because tilting your head down reveals the hidden hair at the bottom, allowing us to cut it to the same length as the rest of the hair.

Is it better to have dirty or clean hair before coloring?

While your hair should be clean for all hair coloring services, how clean may depend on the color you're going for. In most cases, having freshly washed strands is ideal—as Moore says, “hair color needs the path of least resistance” for the most seamless end results.

Is it better to have clean or dirty hair when getting highlights?

We can see your true hair color when your hair is clean—essential for color formulation. Lightening is more predictable when your hair is clean because it doesn't have to bust through oils and product buildup first allowing for even lightning throughout.

What happens if I wash my hair before dying it?

Keep in mind that color-wise, the end result will usually be the same whether you're going to the salon with freshly washed or dirty hair. Allowing oil to accumulate before bleaching your strands is solely to nourish your scalp and should have no impact on your desired color.

Can you go to a hairdresser with unwashed hair?

Come In With Relatively Clean Hair

While it's okay for your hair to be somewhat dirty before an appointment (it's okay if you've gone a couple of days without a wash!), if you think your hair is overly dirty, your stylist probably will too.

Do hairdressers like when you bring in pictures?

Bringing a picture helps clarify exactly what you want. Describing a hairstyle verbally can be tricky—one person's “soft layers” may mean something completely different to someone else. By showing a picture, you're able to provide your Solihull Hairdresser with an exact idea of the look you're going for.

Should I do my hair before going to the salon?

Prep Your Hair Before You Go

Arrive with clean, dry hair so your stylist can work their magic. Clean hair ensures even color application and better results. Avoid heavy products like gels or oils, which can create barriers during treatments.

What not to do before a haircut?

Minimize Hair Products

It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

How to pass time at a hair salon?

Not to worry, though, as you can use these five ways to pass the time in the salon chair.
  1. Play games on your smartphone. Your smartphone is the best tool for passing the time in any hair salon. ...
  2. Read a book. ...
  3. Speak to the person next to you. ...
  4. Scroll social media. ...
  5. Grab a magazine.

Previous article
Where should you not apply conditioner?
Next article
When should you stop Moisturising a new tattoo?