For best results, we recommend washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo 24 hours before dyeing, but no sooner. You can use your normal conditioner, but we'd advise against using a deep conditioner before dyeing your hair due to potential product build-up.
You generally shouldn't shampoo immediately before coloring, because this will remove the natural oils that help protect your scalp during the coloring process. It's best to shampoo 12 - 24 hours before coloring when using semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color. Shampoo 24 hours before using permanent color.
It's generally recommended to use box dye on clean, dry hair. This ensures oils, products, or dirt do not interfere. Washing hair 24 to 48 hours before dyeing is ideal. This allows the scalp to produce natural oils. Natural oils help protect it during the dyeing process.
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.
Always apply to dry hair. It absorbs color better. Color on wet hair would slide right off and won't take.
**Stylist Preference**: Stylists prefer working with clean hair because it allows them to better assess the natural color and condition of your hair.
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.
Heat opens up the cuticle, much in the same way ammonia does chemically. This is why some hair dyes will suggest covering your head or applying heat while the color sets. The extra heat, whether from your own head or an external source like a blow dryer or steamer, optimizes the dye's processing for stronger results.
Should I Condition My Hair Before Coloring It? The answer to this question is generally no. You should avoid washing and conditioning your hair immediately before coloring.
Note that while you can wash your hair the same day you dye it, you don't have to lather up immediately prior to hitting the salon.
Stylists advise that bleach does not need to go on clean hair, and that it's actually healthier for your hair to be a little oily when you bleach.
We often get the question: how long do you have to let the hair dye sit before rinsing it out? The answer is, you always have to let the dye sit for at least 35 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye. After 45 minutes the dye loses it's effect so it's no use letting it sit any longer.
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.
If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.
Is 24 hours enough for a hair dye patch test? No, to be safe always leave your patch test on for 48 hours.
The length of the hair makes a big difference with the colour process. I can tell you that the only way to achieve a platinum blonde is to bleach the hair to an ivory colour first. The hair needs to be as light as possible with no traces of yellow before a platinum colour can be applied for the colour to look amazing.
Top tips for dyeing your hair at home
Always dye dry hair - if your hair's saturated with water, it won't absorb the dye as well. Don't mix shades to create a 'custom' colour - just pick a shade you like, and follow the pack's instructions carefully.
To get the best results from your hair coloring session, avoid washing your hair for at least 24 to 48 hours before dye application. This allows your scalp's natural oils to act as a protective barrier against irritation and damage.
Certain harsh chemicals in popular box dyes have given many stylists pause. Common concerns include: Ammonia - This mixing agent lifts cuticles to deposit colour but is quite drying over time. Peroxide - High volumes like 30+ developer cause more damage to delicate hair.
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.
If your hair is very oily, wash it the day before coloring for best results. If you have normal or dry hair, wash 48-72 hours before you plan to color. The best base to apply hair color are strands with enough natural oil to keep them moisturized and protected, but not so much that it affects the results.
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.