Should I wash my hair before dying it at a salon?

Author: Candido Hessel  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

It depends. If your client's hair is very oily then, yes, they might want to wash their hair around 24 to 48 hours before coloring. However, they don't need to head to the salon with super squeaky clean locks, so tell them not to wash on the day of their appointment.

Should I wash my hair before going to the salon to get it dyed?

A: It's generally recommended not to wash your hair immediately before dying it. Washing your hair 24 to 48 hours before the dye application is ideal. This is because the natural oils in your hair can help protect your scalp during the dyeing process.

Is it better to go to the salon with washed or unwashed 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.

Should hair be clean or dirty before coloring?

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 happens if I don't wash my hair before dying it?

When the hair is not clean it's your hair, time, and wallet that suffers. Many chemical reaction possibilities and an overall decrease in colour/bleach effectiveness are major factors. Extra damage can be incurred which is the most unfortunate.

Clean or Dirty Hair Before Your Hair Appointment?

Is it better to dye hair when greasy?

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.

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.).

Should I wash my hair before going to the hairdresser?

Unless your service includes a shampoo, the rule of thumb should be to visit the salon with clean hair. If you're ever unsure of what to do, feel free to call the salon or ask your H&F Stylist what they prefer during your next reservation!

Should you dye your hair wet or dry?

If your hair is healthy, meaning it's not fragile and damaged, technically, you can dye it when wet. However, we recommend coloring hair when dry so you achieve a look that aligns with your desired results.

Can hair be too greasy to bleach?

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.

Is it bad to go to the hairdressers with freshly washed hair?

In general, it's always a good idea to arrive at your hair appointment with clean hair. This helps ensure that your stylist can properly assess your hair and determine the best course of action. It also helps avoid any potential scalp irritation that could occur if you had product build-up on your hair.

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 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.

How do I prepare my hair for salon coloring?

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. The cleaner your hair, the better the color will deposit and stick.

Should I wash my hair before dying it semi-permanent?

Should I shampoo the hair before or after I apply a semi-permanent color? Since a semi-permanent color washes out of hair quicker, it is recommended to shampoo and towel dry the hair before the color application.

Why do hairdressers wash your hair after dying it?

Dye residues left on the scalp can cause itching, redness, or even more severe allergic reactions. Washing the hair immediately removes these residues and reduces the risk of such unpleasant side effects.

Is it better to dye hair clean or dirty?

1. **Even Application**: Clean hair ensures that there is no buildup of products like hairspray, gel, or dry shampoo, which can create a barrier that prevents the color from being applied evenly. If there is too much buildup, it can lead to patchy or uneven coloring.

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.

Should I wash my hair first before dying?

While your hair should be clean for all hair coloring services, how clean may depend on the color you're going for. In most cases, having freshly washed strands is ideal—as Moore says, “hair color needs the path of least resistance” for the most seamless end results.

Should I wash my hair before a hair color appointment?

Wash your hair the night before or the day of. Color does not take better to dirty hair. In fact, it's more work for the color or lightener to break through heavy build up or excessive oiliness, resulting in a less than desired lift or color deposit.

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].”

Should I brush my hair before going to the salon?

So please brush your hair and follow these simple instructions before heading to your hairdresser. A nasty rumor must have been spread years ago that you should go to the hair salon with dirty hair, because its easier for your stylist to do your color. That is not the case!

Does hair need to be completely dry before dying?

"Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color can be applied to wet or dry hair, but wet hair application in not recommended for permanent hair color." Meanwhile, permanent color changes require a dry hair application. This could mean going lighter, or darker.

What is the rule in hair coloring?

A basic rule of haircolor is that cool (ash) tones neutralize warm (red or gold) tones and warm tones neutralize cool tones. Decide if it is too red, orange or yellow, then just choose the complementary tone that is opposite on the color wheel.

How long to leave hair dye in for grey hair?

Processing time with grey hair

The pigments in the dye need more time to penetrate through that so they can do their job. So with grey hair it's also best to let the dye sit for 45 minutes from the moment you've finished applying all of the dye so you'll be sure you have enough coverage.

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