Should I wash my hair before styling for a wedding?

Author: Prof. Everett Wisoky  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Despite the myth that dirty hair is better for day-of styling, it can actually do the opposite if your hair has too much oil and dirt buildup. "For most hair types, you should wash and air dry your tresses the night before your wedding," says Davis.

How to prep hair for wedding styling?

Wash your hair the night before your wedding day and blow dry it either upside down or preferably with a round brush, elevating everything at the roots. This will ensure your hair has natural body going into the appointment, which is easy for a stylist to build off of.

Should I wash my hair the night before the hairdressers?

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 I wash my hair before getting it styled for a wedding?

For the cleanest possible hair, you should plan to wash it on the morning of the wedding—but not too close to your appointment, since you need your strands to be dry before styling.

Is it better to wash hair before styling?

Ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to the personal preference of the person styling your hair, whether that's you or a professional hairstylist, as well as your specific hair type. Potempa recommends showing up to your appointment with clean hair.

11 Tips & Products for our Thin &/or Fine Hair Friends

Is it better to style unwashed hair?

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!

Do hairdressers like washed or unwashed hair?

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. Secondly, wash your hair before going to the salon so that your hair color will look its best.

How long before your wedding should you get your hair styled?

Three to Four Weeks Before

For healthy-looking hair, you should get trims every 6 to 8 weeks to help keep the dead ends at bay. Your last haircut and color should be 3 to 4 weeks before your wedding.

Is it better to have clean or dirty hair for curling?

Let's clear this up: dirty hair does *not* hold a curl better or take color more effectively—I said what I said! 😬 Here are some tips: ✨ Wash your hair no more than 2 days before your event.

How do you get your hair ready for a wedding?

Two Weeks Before the Wedding

Make an appointment for a trim and colour, so split ends are removed and your hair colour looks fresh. With two weeks to go, this gives your hair time to settle. Keep up your masking sessions and scalp care throughout this fortnight.

Is it better to have clean or dirty hair before coloring?

In conclusion, it is recommended to come to your hair appointment with clean hair but not freshly washed or wet hair. Communication is key, so don't hesitate to ask your stylist for their preference to ensure you get the best possible results.

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 professional styling?

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.

Should I shower the morning of my wedding?

Take a shower

Even if the morning workout isn't a step you see yourself doing, showering the morning of your wedding still needs to be an essential step you take. If you wake up anxious or nervous for your day, showering in the morning can help you calm those nerves.

What not to do before wedding makeup?

Don't Try Out New Beauty Treatments

While these treatments can be beneficial to the skin, the truth is that they can be harsh and everyone's skin will react differently. It's never a good idea to try out a treatment that is brand new to you right before an important event.

How long should you not wash your hair before curling it?

2. Don't wash your hair right before curling it. Having said all of the above, the best hair to start of with is actually second or third-day hair! Although we all love the feeling of fresh, clean hair, curls tend to hold better in dirtier hair.

Why do my curls fall out after curling?

Not Letting Curls Cool: Cooling is crucial! If you touch, brush, or style curls before they've fully set, they'll fall flat fast. Let each curl cool completely before running your fingers through them. This simple step locks in the shape and ensures your style lasts longer.

Do rollers work better on dirty hair?

I find velcro rollers work best on slightly dirty hair. If my roots are looking gross, I will shampoo a section of hair in the sink or simply add water. I then add this fan favorite heat protectant spray and blowdry those pieces to prepare them for the rollers.

Should I wash my hair before wedding hairstyle?

"For most hair types, you should wash and air dry your tresses the night before your wedding," says Davis. This rule also applies if you have wavy or curly hair that you want to heat style.

How do you prep your hair for a wedding?

Day of: Wash and blow out your hair the day before your wedding and the day before your trial run. Style it however you want it and use the products you typically use. On the day of the wedding take a body shower and leave your hair up to your stylist.

Should hair or makeup be done first for wedding?

Time-crunch: Time can become a big issue on your wedding day, especially if the entire bridal party is also getting ready at the same time. Putting your best face forward is always a better solution, so get your makeup done first.

Is it better to have clean or dirty hair before styling?

SPECIAL OCCASION STYLING

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. Despite what you may have heard before proms and formal dances back in the day, it's actually preferable to work with hair that is free of oil and buildup.

Do hairdressers prefer wet or dry hair?

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.

When to wash hair before color or highlights?

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.

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