Should I straighten my hair before a color appointment?

Author: Amir Marquardt  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

It's best to leave your hair in its most natural shape, which means without the use of any heating tools, when coming in for your appointment. In order to maximize the colour and look you're going for, allowing us to work with your natural hair shape is important.

Is it better to straighten hair before coloring?

Typically, you should do whatever you're going to do to your hair (cut, straighten) BEFORE you dye it. Hair straightening is supposed to make your frizzy hair more manageable and easy to style. Hair coloring, on the other hand, can make your hair look more vibrant and creates a personal touch.

What should you not do before hair color appointment?

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.

Is it okay to straighten hair before hair appointment?

Hi. Straightening the hair is not wrong before cutting wavy/curly hair. I would recommend taking an air cut cutting or Curly hair cutting class. I find that with clients who wear their hair natural, knowing how to properly define the Curl and let it dry 100% before cutting the curls gives the best results.

How do I prepare my hair for salon coloring?

4. Hair prep is vital.
  • be sure to not shampoo your hair about 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to let the natural oils add a protective layer to your hair.
  • deep conditioning during your last wash
  • use a clarifying shampoo during your wash before the appointment

Should I straighten my hair before I dye it?

Do and don'ts before coloring hair?

Don't shampoo immediately before dyeing your hair. Why? Because 1-2 days unwashed hair has a protective barrier on the scalp - it means there's less chance of any irritation and color pigment is better deposited. Also, just before dyeing, avoid using styling products (dry shampoo, hair spray, gels etc.).

How to prep 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.

When should you not straighten your hair?

A good rule of thumb is to consider what your hair has been through—if it's been colored, or chemically straightened recently, it's advisable not to heat style it for a couple of weeks at least. If, on the other hand, you're good about keeping your hair protected, you can work out a flat iron schedule for you.

Why shouldn't you wash your hair before a hair appointment?

Cons of washing your hair before going to the salon

Second, it can actually make your hair harder to style. Hair that's freshly washed is more likely to be frizzy or flyaway, which can make it tough for your stylist to create the look you want.

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.

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 should I do the night before my hair appointment?

  1. Wash your hair the night before or the day of. ...
  2. Always come to your appointment with dry hair. ...
  3. Communicate your expectations: Take some time to think about what you want to achieve with your hair appointment.

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.

How long after straightening can I color my hair?

Can I Color My Hair After Permanent Hair Straightening? You must wait two weeks after permanent hair straightening to color your hair.

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.

Does straightening hair affect hair dye?

The Not-So-Good News About Flat Ironing

Heat can make your gorgeous new color fade faster. Semi-permanent and permanent dyes react differently to heat. This process also causes moisture loss, which can make your hair feel dry and brittle the more you do it.

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.

Should I wash my hair night 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.

What not to wear to a hair appointment?

Wearing collared shirts, turtlenecks, and hooded sweatshirts to your appointment is a bad idea. “They alter the natural fall of the hair".

What is the least damaging way to straighten hair?

How to prevent damage from straightening
  • Ensure your hair is fully dry before using hot tools. ...
  • Use only high-quality styling tools. ...
  • Decrease how often you straighten your hair. ...
  • Re-nourish your hair with a mask. ...
  • Use a heat protectant spray or cream.

How many times a year is it OK to straighten your hair?

Generally, it's advisable to limit hair straightening to a maximum of two or three times per week, although this guideline is not set in stone. The technique you use plays a significant role, whether you prefer straight styles more frequently or are working with hair that's already damaged.

Is it bad to flat iron dirty hair?

It is also important to never apply heat to dirty hair! Applying heat to unclean hair will only “cook” debris and build up in to hair cuticles and will lead to damage. 9. Stick to regular Deep Treatments – Make sure regular deep treatments are a part of your hair regimen.

What not to do before a hair color appointment?

Do not wash your hair 24-48 hours before your appointment – no products or heat, please.

How do I prepare my hair before coloring it?

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. As soon as you've finished applying your hair color, set your timer for the amount of time indicated on the box.

How to prep hair for color service?

Arrive to your hair salon appointment with freshly washed, product-free hair. This allows the color to be applied evenly for the best results. Avoid using conditioner or styling products before your visit.

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