When should you wash your hair before going to the salon?

Author: Ressie Cronin  |  Last update: Friday, December 5, 2025

In fact, recent surveys among hairstylists reveal that a majority prefer working with hair that's been washed 24-48 hours prior to the appointment.

When should I wash my hair before getting it professionally done?

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 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 you wash your hair before going to the salon for color?

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 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.

Expert Tips on How to *actually* Wash Your Hair (& how often!) 🚿

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.

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.

Should I shower before going to hair 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.

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.

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.

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 rude to go to the hair salon with greasy hair?

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.

Is it okay to not wash your hair before a haircut?

So, making sure you've washed your hair before your haircut is always a good idea. When it's clean and free of hair products, it's easier for your barber to see its natural texture and how it falls. This helps them cut and style it to perfection.

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.

Why shouldn't you wash your hair before getting it done?

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.

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.).

How dirty is too dirty to dye hair?

“A shampoo the night before is totally fine,” Moore says. There are exceptions, of course. If you're sweaty or just hit the gym, wash your hair before heading to the salon. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly (or have your colorist dry it).

Why do salons wash your hair after coloring?

Post-color washing is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your hair. By cleansing and conditioning, salons help in closing the hair cuticles, locking in moisture, and preserving the smoothness of your locks.

How to make your hair darker overnight?

The onion rinse can make the hair darker up to several tones. You will need two handfuls of onion shells and three cups of water – cook all ingredients on low heat for half an hour, leave overnight, drain and use to rinse your hair.

Is it better to go to a hair appointment with unwashed hair?

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.

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

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.

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.

What happens if I wash my hair before dying it?

In general, it's recommended to wash your hair a day or two before your dye session rather than immediately before it. Skipping a day allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which, in turn, helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye.

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.

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.

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