Potempa recommends showing up to your appointment with clean hair. “I love styling clean hair because you can totally control the prep and products that are being used in the hair to help get the best results without having any leftover product from days prior,” she says.
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.
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.
For the best results it's essential that your hair is super clean and dry without any product in it. The exception to this rule is those with curly hair (see curly hair instruction below). If you're receiving a blow-dry style, you're welcome to arrive with wet 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.
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.
Greasy hair is the recommended hair condition for bleaching, as your hair's natural oils are well-equipped to resist the bleaching process, and protect the scalp from chemical damage. We recommend bleaching hair at least 72 hours post-hair wash for ultimate protection.
We're here to set the record straight – clean hair is actually the secret to unlocking the perfect bridal hairstyle! The misconception that dirty hair provides more grip actually makes styling more challenging, as oil accumulates and builds up on the strands.
Prep Your Hair Before You Go
Arrive with clean, dry hair so your stylist can work their magic. Clean hair ensures even color application and better results. Avoid heavy products like gels or oils, which can create barriers during treatments.
The day of your hair appointment
For a color appointment, it's best to arrive with your hair dry and shampooed within a few days. Hair colors fine if it's not freshly shampooed, but if it's excessively oily, or if you have been conditioning with oil, it should be cleansed prior to your appointment.
We have all been told that dirty hair styles better but is that really true? Probably not for most textures! Too much product or too much natural oil from the scalp can really prevent you from having the style you are hoping for. Planning ahead can really save you some hair frustration!
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.
Since stylists generally recommend washing less to best protect a fragile color, your hair may need a scrubbing before your appointment. Your stylist will want to see clean hair to get the best read on what your hair needs. The same mindset applies when you arrive at the salon for newly dark color, too.
Additionally, it's also a matter of courtesy; clean hair is usually more pleasant for stylists to work with. However, if you're going for a haircut, a little natural oil in your hair is acceptable, as it can help the stylist understand your hair's natural texture and style.
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.
With a freshly shampooed and conditioned head of hair, your stylist can create a custom cocktail of products to help achieve the perfect look. Instead of washing 2-3 days prior, we suggest shampooing/conditioning the night before at the very earliest. Even better, shampoo and condition the morning of the wedding!
Before you start styling your hair, it's important to wash and condition your hair thoroughly. Use a mild shampoo that matches your hair type and a moisturizing conditioner. This will prepare your hair for styling.
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.
Come In With Relatively Clean Hair
While it's okay for your hair to be somewhat dirty before an appointment (it's okay if you've gone a couple of days without a wash!), if you think your hair is overly dirty, your stylist probably will too.
Prepping the Hair
A good updo starts with properly prepped hair. Begin by washing the hair with a volumizing shampoo and follow up with a light conditioner to avoid weighing it down. They should ensure the hair is completely dry and add a bit of texture with a volumizing spray or mousse for better hold.
HHair f Maybe you've heard it said, or maybe 'a hairdresser' once told you, that it's better for your hair to be 'dirty' to hold a hair style…. WRONG! One of THE most important things when it comes to your wedding day hair, and even in preparation for your wedding hair preview session is that your hair is clean.
To look fresh without washing your hair, use dry shampoo for oil control, add volume with styling mousse, or define your curls with a bit of styling balm. Additionally, switching up your hairstyle, like creating a slick ponytail or adding accessories, can instantly give you that refreshed, just-washed look.
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. In fact, the oils in your hair help to protect your scalp during the bleaching process. So, however tempting it may be, do not wash your hair before getting it bleached!
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.
**Stylist Preference**: Stylists prefer working with clean hair because it allows them to better assess the natural color and condition of your hair.