Should I wash my hair the night before the hairdressers?

Author: Laurence Stanton  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

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.

Should I wash my hair the night before going to the salon?

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.

Do hairdressers prefer clean or dirty hair?

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.

Should I shower the night before my hair appointment?

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.

How long before a hairdresser should I wash my hair?

Ideally, you should wash your hair a day before your haircut. This will allow you to go to the salon with dry and ready to be styled hair. Second-day hair is easier to work with as compared to freshly washed or unwashed hair. It is easier to style and can hold the hairstyle better compared to other hair wash days.

Clean or Dirty Hair Before Your Hair Appointment?

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.

Can you go to a hairdresser with unwashed hair?

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.

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.

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.

Is it better to wash your hair the night before or the morning of the wedding?

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!

What not to do before a hair appointment?

However, try not to shampoo your hair the same day you go to the salon, especially if you want to get your hair dyed. You don't want to over-wash your hair, especially as they will usually wash your hair for you at the salon. Washing your hair before going to the salon removes the natural oil from your scalp.

Is it better to have clean hair when getting highlights?

We can see your true hair color when your hair is clean—essential for color formulation. Lightening is more predictable when your hair is clean because it doesn't have to bust through oils and product buildup first allowing for even lightning throughout.

Is it better to wash hair the night before?

Anyone with fine and/or oily hair may also benefit from washing their hair in the morning and should apply shampoo at the roots and let it lather through the ends. Thick and curly hair is best washed at night, ensuring it is mostly dried before bed.

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 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!

Is a $5 tip good for a $20 haircut?

“$10 to $20 is generous,” Rivera said. “Most people will do $5.” Others said people should leave a similar tip to what they would leave at a restaurant. “I would say around 20% is fine,” said Adam Quintero, owner of Up Hair in the Castro.

How much do you tip for $200 hair color?

Service pricing reflects the complexity and expertise required. A general guideline: $100 service: Tip $15-$20. $200 service: Tip $30-$50.

Is it bad to not tip your hairdresser?

A great way to determine if a tip is the “norm” for a hairstylist is by the way they charge. Most salon professionals who charge by the hour, not by the service are no-tip salons. If you are charged by the service, it is generally customary to tip. Tipping is always appreciated but never expected!

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.

Should you shower before a haircut appointment?

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.

Do hairdressers want you to wash your hair before?

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.

What should you not do at the hairdresser?

14 Things Your Hairstylist Wishes You'd Stop Doing at the Salon
  • 02 of 14. Crossing Your Legs or Looking Down During a Haircut. ...
  • 05 of 14. Not Speaking Up. ...
  • 08 of 14. Arriving With Dirty Hair. ...
  • 11 of 14. Pushing Foils Out of Your Face.

Is it rude to not wash hair before a haircut?

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.

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