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UAWondering whether you can wash your hair the day before colouring? Should you wash it before going to the hairdresser? How should you care for your hair before and after colouring, lightening or toning? Read our guide – it will clear up your doubts.
Do you need to wash your hair before colouring?
No, you don’t. In fact our hairdressers advise against it. The natural layer of sebum is not your enemy: it protects, moisturises and nourishes the hair, and it forms a delicate coating that shields the hair from the harsh effects of the dye. Rinsing with water alone will wash away excess sebum or dust, but it won’t cleanse the hair – it’s fine if you feel the need to freshen up before colouring.
Many people also wonder whether to wash their hair before toning or lightening. The rule is the same as for colouring – it’s best not to do it right before the treatment. Regularly washed hair won’t be very greasy, and a light layer of sebum won’t affect how the dye works.
Can you dye greasy hair?
On very greasy hair the colour may not come out as well as on hair that is washed regularly. So keep up your usual hair-washing routine – it’s enough to wash your hair at least one day before the planned colouring.
Should you wash your hair before colouring at the hairdresser?
No – the rule is the same as for colouring at home. It’s better not to wash your hair before the visit. During the appointment our hairdressers will colour your hair, wash it and condition it. With professional products you’ll get not only a new colour but also shiny, smooth hair.
What if I wash my hair every day?
We understand. Many clients of our salons struggle with greasy hair. Besides looking after yourself from the inside through a good diet, we recommend seeing a specialist (dermatologist, trichologist) and having basic blood tests, especially if greasy hair goes together with excessive hair loss. Remember that hair and skin reflect the state of the whole body.
Back to colouring: if your hair isn’t very greasy, you can skip washing it for one day. If that’s not possible, wash it as usual and apply a conditioner, which will gently protect the hair from the dye.
Why is dye applied to unwashed hair?
As mentioned above – to protect the hair from the dye. It’s especially inadvisable to wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo before colouring: such shampoos have many advantages, but they can dry out the hair a lot and leave no sebum layer.
Salons use high-quality products, but colouring can still affect the condition of the hair. If your hair tends to be frizzy and dry, colouring right after washing can make this worse. That’s why we recommend not washing your hair right before colouring. If you must, wash it as usual and apply a light, moisturising conditioner – it won’t weigh the hair down and will help protect it from drying out.
Hair care after colouring
Whether you colour your hair yourself or at the hairdresser’s, look after it every day. Choose a shampoo for your scalp, and conditioners and masks for your hair type – products for coloured hair help stop the colour from washing out, so it stays vivid longer. Coloured hair can become drier and more brittle, so use conditioner after every wash.
If that’s not enough, try the CWC method (conditioner–wash–conditioner): apply conditioner to wet, towel-dried hair to protect it from the detergents in the shampoo, then wash your scalp as usual, rinse, towel-dry again and apply a richer conditioner. This improves moisture and can help prevent breakage. Once or twice a week swap the conditioner for a mask, use a protective serum on the ends, and dry your hair naturally or with cool air.
Remember: beautiful hair is healthy hair. By following a few rules you can be sure the colour will last longer, be even, and your hair won’t be as dry and damaged.
→ Find your nearest Haircut Express salon and check colouring prices.
FAQ
Should I wash my hair the day before colouring?
Yes, that’s the best time – wash your hair 24 hours before colouring. Within a day a thin layer of sebum builds up that protects the scalp, and the hair won’t be greasy yet.
Should hair be dyed dirty or clean?
Slightly “unwashed” (1–2 days after washing). Very greasy hair can give an uneven colour, while hair washed just before the treatment is more prone to irritation and dryness.
Do I need to wash my hair before a colouring appointment at the hairdresser?
No. The hairdresser applies colour to unwashed hair and washes it and applies conditioner afterwards. The exception is hair with a lot of hairspray, dry shampoo or paste – then it’s better to wash it the day before.
Can I use conditioner before colouring?
A light one – yes, if your hair is very dry or you have to wash it just before the treatment. Skip heavy masks and silicones, as they can prevent the colour from absorbing evenly.
Is colouring at Haircut Express done without an appointment?
Yes. Colouring, lightening and toning are done without a prior booking – just walk in. You’ll find the prices in the price list and the salons on the map.
Read also
- From dark brown to light brown hair
- Balayage, ombre, sombre, highlights – what is the difference?
- Colouring children’s hair – safe, washable colour
- Colouring – price list
