Should You Wash Your Hair Before You Get It Colored?

Are you getting ready to head to the salon for a fresh and new hairstyle, but wondering whether or not you should wash your hair? We are sure you have heard a handful of people say it’s best to wash your hair before each visit, as well as others saying you should stay away from washes as many as three days prior to getting your hair done. But what process is actually the best for you and your stylist? 

If this question has been on your mind for a while, you have come to the right place! We have taken an extensive look at when it’s best to wash and when it’s best to skip washes because — we hate to break it to you — the answer for whether to wash or not before your hair appointment isn’t as black and white as it may seem. 

There are special considerations and circumstances that largely depend on the service you’re getting, as well as the condition and texture of your hair. And while the answer may not be a one size fits all resolution, we have broken it down for you in a helpful way so you can easily identify which option is best for you. Now, let’s see whether or not you will be using professional hair care products to prepare your hair for your appointment.

When You Should Wash Your Hair Before a Hair Appointment 

Here are some scenarios where you should wash your hair before a hair appointment.

• If You’re Making a Huge Color Transformation 

When you go a few days without washing your hair, your scalp will produce natural oils that will eventually coat your strands. This can darken your hair’s natural shade if you go long enough without washing, which doesn’t give your stylist the most accurate idea of your hair’s natural shade. If you’re drastically darkening or lightening your hair using professional hair color, you should come to the salon with freshly-washed hair to make sure your new color is precisely what you want. 

• If You Use a Lot of Hair Product on a Daily Basis 

Do you use hair products to keep your hair smooth or keep your curls bouncy? If this is you, it’s important to go into the salon with a clean slate. For example, people who have curly hair and use mousse, gel and other conditioners regularly should head to their appointment with clean and clarified hair. Use a clarifying salon shampoo to remove product buildup that accumulates over time.

• If You Use Color-Depositing Products or Purple Shampoo

Do you regularly use purple shampoo or a different color-depositing product on your hair to maintain a certain brightness or color? If so, you may also benefit from washing your hair prior to your visit — without the color depositing product — as well as using a clarifying shampoo. This will help your stylist be able to see your natural color and the progression of your colored hair, which will help you achieve the hair transformation you’re aiming for. 

When You Shouldn’t Wash Your Hair Before a Hair Appointment

If you’re going to see your stylist for these services, you can go a few days without washing your hair prior to your appointment. 

• If You’re Bleaching Your Hair and Going Lighter 

Whether you’re getting highlights or going for an all-over platinum look, it may be best to skip a few washes to allow your scalp to build up some natural oils. Why is this important? Your natural oil buildup can help protect your scalp and hair from the harshness of lightening and bleaching hair. 

• If You Have a Sensitive Scalp or Brittle Hair

For a sensitive scalp and dry, brittle hair, it may be best to come to the salon with your hair unwashed. We suggest coming to the salon with hair that’s been unwashed for three days, at most. This will help protect your hair and scalp from any kind of hair coloring process. 

• If You Don’t Plan on Using Dry Shampoo 

When in between washes, it’s easy to spray on some dry shampoo to keep our hair from looking too greasy. However, if you’re not washing your hair and holding out for your appointment, we highly recommend abstaining from dry shampoo. This product can cause a lot of buildup in your hair and it can mess with your hair’s texture, which makes it harder for your stylist to do a precise job. 

If you’re still a little unclear on whether to wash your hair or not, we advise washing your hair 12 to 24 hours before your appointment so that you’re somewhere in the sweet spot of the hair being clean, but also having some natural oils to protect against harsh dyes.