What not to do before going to the hair salon?

Author: Treva Hammes  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

Don't Wash Your Hair Before Going to The Salon 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.

What not to do before your hair appointment?

Before You Go

It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing. It can cause hair color to go on unevenly and affect how your hair stylist evaluates your pre-cut hair type and texture.

How to prep hair before going to the salon?

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.

Should I wash my hair before going to the salon?

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 I shower before going to hair salon?

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.

DO'S AND DON'TS IN A HAIR SALON | What To Expect During Your Visit To The Hair Salon

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.

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.

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 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.

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.).

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.

How do I prepare my hair for a hairdresser?

Clean Hair.

Wash your hair the day before your appointment especially if you're having a colour, as dirty hair will take longer to lift, or be more resistant to taking colour and coverage will be hindered. Greasy hair will make the hair look darker and cooler than its true colour.

How do I prepare my hair before going to the salon?

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.

Should I wash my hair night before coloring?

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.

Should I wash my hair the night before the hairdressers?

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 colouring. 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.

What not to do before going to hair salon?

Having your hair too clean when you go to the salon is not the best idea. On the other hand, hair with too much oil and products is not safe for hair health. Don't use too many hair products such as styling gels or mousses on the same day you want to get your hair done. This could make your hair color look uneven.

Should you shower before going to a salon?

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 to pass time at a hair salon?

Not to worry, though, as you can use these five ways to pass the time in the salon chair.
  1. Play games on your smartphone. Your smartphone is the best tool for passing the time in any hair salon. ...
  2. Read a book. ...
  3. Speak to the person next to you. ...
  4. Scroll social media. ...
  5. Grab a magazine.

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.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

Do hairdressers like when you talk to them?

It's a common stereotype that hairdressers love a good chat, and there's some truth behind it. For one, hairdressing is a highly social job that involves close personal interaction. Hairdressers, like the friendly team at Salon No. 100, are often experts in making clients feel comfortable from the moment they sit down.

How much to tip a hairdresser on $200?

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

How do you know if you have a bad hairdresser?

If a hairdresser consistently ignores your instructions or imposes their own ideas without your consent, it's a sign that they're not focused on meeting your needs. A good hairdresser should be able to communicate with you effectively and make you feel comfortable throughout the whole appointment experience.

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