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.
So, making sure you've washed your hair before your haircut is always a good idea. When it's clean and free of hair products, it's easier for your barber to see its natural texture and how it falls. This helps them cut and style it to perfection.
It's generally acceptable to go to the hair salon with dirty hair. Many stylists prefer that clients come in with unwashed hair, especially for certain services like cutting or coloring, as natural oils can help protect the scalp and hair.
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.
Dirty hair can lead to a not so perfect hair cut. We mentioned the dreaded hair push. Shears pushing the hair instead of cutting right through it can lead to less than perfect lines and uneven haircuts. Blow dried, dirty hair can also cause issues when trying to texturize a finished cut.
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.
Cutting hair with product or dirt in it can dull your blades quicker. Sand in your clients hair can damage the sharp edge of your scissor. Washing hair before a haircut can remove any dirt or product build up, and insure that your scissors stay sharper longer.
Unwashed hair produces a natural oil protective layer. While often we perceive it as an unwanted occurrence, it does help protect your hair and scalp. That's why you don't want to wash these oils out with a shampoo right before coloring.
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.
For one thing, it's just plain courteous. Your hair stylist will appreciate it if you come in with clean hair, and it's not fair to make them work with dirty hair.
The most obvious sign that you are washing your hair too infrequently is greasy roots and lack of volume. If you don't regularly wash the excess sebum from your scalp, hair will become stringy and heavy.
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.
If you're going for a straight-across cut like a blunt bob or boxy haircut, it may be best to cut your hair wet, but just keep in mind that this will be more beneficial for some hair types over others (more on that later).
The ideal base for applying color is hair that's not too clean but not greasy. If your hair is very oily, you should wash the day before coloring, and normal to dry hair types should wash 48-72 hours before.
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.
Product buildup can make hair slippery and hard to section, while natural oils can cause clumping. Clean hair allows for precise, confident cuts, resulting in a sharper, more polished look.
Opt for a wet cut if your hair is experiencing a lot of damage, as your stylist will better be able to assess the health of your freshly washed strands. If you have naturally curly hair and wear your texture every day, you may want to ask for a dry cut.
This technique helps to soften blunt lines, remove bulk, and add dimension to the hair, resulting in a more natural and textured look.
Unwashed hair has too little volume, and just-washed-today hair has too much. Hair that's washed the night before sits just right. It's free of all the dirt, oils, and styling products that get in the way of a good cut, and your barber isn't working with a perm, either.
Yes and no. If you're getting a cut, we'll typically wash your hair for you, but if you've already showered and have wet hair then that's perfectly acceptable. However, if you're getting your hair colored, you'll want your hair to be dry so our stylists can best assess your needs and apply the color.
Arriving With Dirty Hair
While second-day, or even third-day, hair can be totally acceptable, it's best to arrive without a ton of built-up hairspray. It also goes without saying, but don't head to the salon straight from the gym. Sweaty strands don't make for an overly enthusiastic stylist, and rightfully so!
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.
This can lead to a greasy appearance and unpleasant odours, as well as conditions such as dandruff and an itchy scalp. Scalp build-up as a result of not washing your hair could also lead to the follicles becoming trapped, potentially affecting your hair growth and increasing the chance of ingrown hairs.
Should I take a shower before a haircut? This is a common question, and the answer is yes. Not only will it be less painful, but you will also lose less hair. Furthermore, your stylist will thank you for coming in with clean hair.