Is it OK to wash hair after coloring?

Author: Dr. Rodger Heathcote Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

If you lather your strands with shampoo immediately after a color service, it may take a toll on the vibrancy of your hue. That's why VanDyke recommends giving your hair a bit of a post-salon breather. “I generally tell my clients to wait 48 hours before they wash their hair,” VanDyke says.

How long should I wait to wash hair after coloring?

After dyeing your hair, it's generally recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before shampooing. This allows the color to set properly and helps prevent it from fading too quickly. Some experts suggest waiting even longer if possible, especially for vibrant colors.

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.

Will washing my hair make dye fade?

Yes, frequent washing can lead to fading of dyed hair color. Here are some key points to consider: Color Type: Semi-permanent and temporary dyes tend to fade more quickly than permanent dyes, especially with frequent washing. Water Temperature: Hot water can open the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape more easily.

Are you meant to wash hair dye out with shampoo?

The best thing to do is to avoid shampooing directly after dyeing your hair. Instead, rinse with cold or lukewarm water to avoid washing the colour away.

5 Things You MUST Know After Coloring Your Hair

Should your hair be clean or dirty when you dye it?

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 However, this is an outdated belief or color myth that we are busting!

Does shampooing remove hair dye?

If you don't use a color-safe shampoo, your hair color could fade. Opt for shampoos labeled as color-safe, sulfate-free, or made for color-treated hair to help prolong the life of your hair color.

Can I wet my hair after dying it?

It's also suggested that you avoid washing your hair directly after you dye it since shampoo could strip the color just applied. Instead, rinse out the dye with lukewarm water and wait 48 hours before reaching for shampoo.

When should I wash out hair dye?

Another important hair dye color tip is for after the color is applied. The dye needs time to set in, so avoid shampooing for 24 to 72 hours. If you really feel like a wash, use some dry shampoo and style as usual until the waiting time is up.

Does wash out dye ruin your hair?

In general, semi-permanent hair color is less damaging to the hair than permanent hair color, since it does not contain ammonia or bleach. The product may, however, cause some amount of hair damage if it is not used correctly or if it is used on damaged hair.

Do hairdressers prefer clean or dirty hair?

If you're planning to get a haircut, washing your hair beforehand can be crucial. Clean hair gives your stylist a better view of your hair's natural fall and texture. Choosing the Right Shampoo: Use a shampoo that suits your hair type. For color-treated hair, opt for a color-safe shampoo to prevent fading.

How long should I wait to wash my hair after dying it on Reddit?

As long as you can possibly wait would be best, but at least two days.

What is the best color-safe shampoo?

Our top pick is awarded to the K18 Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo because it cleanses, boosts vibrancy, protects color, and imparts shine—and only requires a few drops to make a big difference. Another great choice is the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which is extremely cleansing and strengthening.

Can I wash my hair after 24 hours of dying?

“I generally tell my clients to wait 48 hours before they wash their hair,” VanDyke says. During the first 48 hours after a color service, the pigments of the salon color are still settling—meaning if you shampoo your hair too soon after an appointment, it can cause your hue to fade quicker.

Is it better to wash out hair dye with warm or cold water?

Keep it cool

To keep your new hair colour vivid and bright, we recommend washing your hair with cold water (as cold as is bearable). Cold water keeps the hair cuticles closed and therefore stops the colour running out and fading too soon. Warm water is the enemy!

How to shower with freshly dyed hair?

Be aware that the more time you rinse colored hair under hot water, the more it can lose its vibrancy. Therefore, giving the hair a quick blast of cold water or placing a shower cap over your hair after it's been washed are two much easier (and less chilly) ways to protect colored hair.

Do you shampoo immediately after coloring hair?

The best thing to do is to avoid shampooing directly after dyeing your hair. Instead, rinse with cold or lukewarm water to avoid washing the color away.

How to make hair color last longer?

Limit washing: If you can, reduce how often you wash your hair to retain your hair's natural oils that protect colour. Use dry shampoo in between washes to absorb excess oil. Rinse your hair with cold water: Cold water seals your hair cuticles and prevents colour bleed.

Should you dye clean or dirty hair?

Let's kill the myth that dirty hair is better. Fresh hair will color better with more even results, better gray coverage and increased longevity. "Dirty" hair is only good if you are going to be doing a global lightening with lightener.

Does water ruin hair dye?

#1: Using Hard Water

Hard minerals can fade your hair dye and cause other issues. Those minerals also build up over time — so the longer you wash with hard water, the more pronounced your hair struggles can become.

Can I dye my hair if I washed it this morning?

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.

Should I use conditioner after coloring my hair?

Yes, hair should be conditioned after haircolor, but it's better to condition the hair after the color is rinsed and before the shampoo.

Can you use Dawn dish soap to remove hair dye?

Dish Soap

Fortunately, if you go through the effort of using this drying soap on your dyed hair, it can help remove unwanted color. You'll need to do many washes to fade it out, but it is a step in the right direction if you want to remove a color.

Does washing hair affect hair dye?

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 shampoo will strip hair color?

Sulphate-rich shampoos are ideal for stripping hair since they help to release the colour - especially with dark or vibrant colours. These include clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo.

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