How long before a hairdresser should I wash my hair?

Author: Dora McGlynn  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Clean hair without build-up from products or excessive oils can absorb color more evenly, resulting in a more vibrant and lasting hair color. 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.

How long before a hair appointment should I wash my hair?

Ideally, you should wash your hair a day before your haircut. This will allow you to go to the salon with dry and ready to be styled hair. Second-day hair is easier to work with as compared to freshly washed or unwashed hair. It is easier to style and can hold the hairstyle better compared to other hair wash days.

Should I wash my hair before going to the hairdresser?

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.

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

It's best to color your hair on clean hair. If you have too much product buildup or oil. or any sort of environmental stress in the hair, it could prevent the color from. fully penetrating your cuticle and covering.

How many days before a haircut should you wash your hair?

Ideally, you should wash your hair a day before your haircut. This will allow you to go to the salon with dry and ready to be styled hair. Second-day hair is easier to work with as compared to freshly washed or unwashed hair. It is easier to style and can hold the hairstyle better compared to other hair wash days.

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

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 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.

Do hair stylists prefer clean or dirty 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.

What not to do before dying hair?

Along with washing your hair right before dyeing it, avoid applying any styling products, like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioners.

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.

What not to say to a hairdresser?

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].”

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

No. 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 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.

Do I wash my hair before going to the hairdressers?

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.

How do I prepare my hair for a hair appointment?

If your coming for a haircut appointment, wear your hair the way you normally would. This way the stylist can see your hair texture and what you generally do with it. For a color appointment, it's best to arrive with your hair dry and shampooed within a few days.

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

In conclusion, it is recommended to come to your hair appointment with clean hair but not freshly washed or wet hair. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to ask your stylist for their preference to ensure you get the best possible results.

What not to do before going to hair salon?

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. This could make your hair color look uneven.

What color to wear to a hair appointment?

We love plain black tops as a contrast to highlight your blonde, but plain grey, white and nude are also great so we can photograph the hair best on a plan and neutral background. Patterns and colours on clothing can be distracting which shifts the focus and voids the purpose of the image.

Is it okay to go to the hairdresser with unwashed hair?

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. Despite what you may have heard before proms and formal dances back in the day, it's actually preferable to work with hair that is free of oil and buildup.

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.

How long after washing hair to get a haircut?

Wash your hair a day before your appointment.

Instead of washing and conditioning your hair the day of your appointment, go ahead and get your hair clean the night before.

Is a $5 tip good for a $20 haircut?

“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.

Is it bad to not tip your hairdresser?

A great way to determine if a tip is the “norm” for a hairstylist is by the way they charge. Most salon professionals who charge by the hour, not by the service are no-tip salons. If you are charged by the service, it is generally customary to tip. Tipping is always appreciated but never expected!

How much do you tip for $200 hair color?

Service pricing reflects the complexity and expertise required. A general guideline: $100 service: Tip $15-$20. $200 service: Tip $30-$50.

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