How do you prep your hair before getting it done?

Author: Raymond Cruickshank  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

5 Steps To Prepare Your Hair For Color
  1. Schedule A Color Consultation.
  2. Be Realistic.
  3. Deep Conditioning Treatment.
  4. Use A Clarifying Shampoo.
  5. Do not wash your hair 24-48 hours before your appointment – no products or heat, please.

How do I prepare my hair before going to the salon?

The day before your appointment, you should wash your hair thoroughly and do not use any conditioner or styling products. Rinsing hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar works wonders for cleaning the hair naturally. Dawn soap works as well (just use little) but makes hair very dry since it strips all hair oils.

How should your hair be before getting it done?

Arrive with clean and dry hair.

Personally, I prefer to work with clean hair and add products if the hair needs a little more grip. Other stylists however, may prefer for you to have day old hair. my advice would be to arrive with clean hair and then you and your stylist can discuss what would be best for your big day.

Are you supposed to wash your hair before getting it done?

It is almost always a good idea to wash your hair before going to the salon. If you cannot do it the morning of the appointment, the night before. This will give your hairstylist a clean slate so the color is fully absorbed, and highlights can fully lift.

How should I prep my hair before dying it?

How to Properly Prep Your Hair for At-Home Hair Color
  1. Deep Condition Your Hair (the Wash Day Before) ...
  2. Wash Your Hair Three Days Prior. ...
  3. Keep Product Out of Your Hair Before Coloring It. ...
  4. Dust Your Ends. ...
  5. Speaking of Your Ends, Apply the Color There Last. ...
  6. Avoid Ammonia-Based Brands (and Get More than One Box)

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

Do hair stylists prefer clean or dirty hair for coloring?

**Stylist Preference**: Stylists prefer working with clean hair because it allows them to better assess the natural color and condition of your hair.

What not to do before dyeing your hair?

What Not To Do Before Dyeing Your Hair. Along with washing your hair right before dyeing it, avoid applying any styling products, like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioners.

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

It's best to avoid washing at least 24 hours before dyeing. However, if your hair is really dirty, has a lot of product in it, or you need to shampoo for a special occasion, you can do that – as long as it's a one-off, you shouldn't see any long-term negative effects.

Do hairdressers prefer washed or unwashed hair?

Additionally, it's also a matter of courtesy; clean hair is usually more pleasant for stylists to work with. However, if you're going for a haircut, a little natural oil in your hair is acceptable, as it can help the stylist understand your hair's natural texture and style.

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.

How do I prepare my hair for a hairdresser?

Clean Hair.

Wash your hair the day before your appointment especially if you're having a colour, as dirty hair will take longer to lift, or be more resistant to taking colour and coverage will be hindered. Greasy hair will make the hair look darker and cooler than its true colour.

Can I dye my hair if I haven't washed it in 3 days?

As mentioned, your hair type can play a role, too. Those with oily hair may only need to wait one day between their last shampoo and next dye job. People with dry hair, meanwhile, may need 2-3 days in between to allow enough oil to build up.

Do hairstylists like when you bring pictures?

Bring Photos

Describing the type of layers or shade of color you're looking for can be difficult, and the stylist might imagine your words differently. A picture is worth a thousand words. Don't worry. We have all the options to get you started.

What not to do before a hair appointment?

Having your hair too clean when you go to the salon is not the best idea. On the other hand, hair with too much oil and products is not safe for hair health. Don't use too many hair products such as styling gels or mousses on the same day you want to get your hair done.

Why do salons wash your hair after coloring?

Post-color washing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your hair. By cleansing and conditioning, salons help in closing the hair cuticles, locking in moisture, and preserving the smoothness of your locks.

How do I prepare my hair for professional styling?

For the best results it's essential that your hair is super clean and dry without any product in it. The exception to this rule is those with curly hair (see curly hair instruction below). If you're receiving a blow-dry style, you're welcome to arrive with wet hair.

Is it okay to go to a hair salon with greasy hair?

Short answer: Clean hair, please! While some hair types may hold better the second or third day of washing, in most cases it's best to visit the salon with clean, dry hair.

Is it better to put toner on clean or dirty hair?

There are a few cons to washing your hair before toning. First, if you have light hair, washing it can strip away some of the natural oils that protect your hair and keep it healthy. Second, hair that is clean and free of styling products will absorb color more evenly, resulting in a more even tone.

Do hair stylists prefer wet or dry hair?

Pastor says it's no secret why stylists have chosen to cut wet hair for so long: It allows stylists to cut the most precise lines. Because wet hair condenses, cutting hair while it is wet is ideal if you're looking for a cut with sharp lines, like a bob.

How do I prepare my hair for coloring?

5 Steps To Prepare Your Hair For Color
  1. Be Realistic. This is best remedied by a consultation. ...
  2. Deep Conditioning Treatment. This is especially important if your hair is dry or damaged by heat or color. ...
  3. Use A Clarifying Shampoo. ...
  4. Do not wash your hair 24-48 hours before your appointment – no products or heat, please.

Can I use box dye on dirty hair?

“It used to be recommended that you come with dirty hair, but now that hair color has changed to more gentle formulas, it needs as little barrier as possible to effectively color your hair.” In fact, she says, today's hair color doesn't adhere as well if the hair is dirty.

How long should you wait to wash hair after coloring?

Put simply, your client should wait as long as they can before washing their freshly colored hair, as this allows the cuticles to fully close up and seal in their dream shade. For some, this could be 48 hours, while others may be able to hold on for up to one week.

What is the rule in hair coloring?

A basic rule of haircolor is that cool (ash) tones neutralize warm (red or gold) tones and warm tones neutralize cool tones. Decide if it is too red, orange or yellow, then just choose the complementary tone that is opposite on the color wheel.

Do you wet your hair before dying it?

If your hair is healthy, meaning it's not fragile and damaged, technically, you can dye it when wet. However, we recommend coloring hair when dry so you achieve a look that aligns with your desired results.

How long to leave hair dye in for grey hair?

Processing time with grey hair

The pigments in the dye need more time to penetrate through that so they can do their job. So with grey hair it's also best to let the dye sit for 45 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye so you'll be sure you have enough coverage.

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