I recently scheduled a hair coloring service and used a deep cleansing shampoo the morning of my appointment. My Instagram private messages received many questions from followers curious about this, so I’m determined to explain them all here, one by one.
“I would have thought greasy hair would make the color last longer?”
“My hair stylist always tells me that greasy hair is better for color?”
“Why do I need to wash my own hair when I’m just going to the salon?”
Before I elaborate on these questions, I would like to emphasize that if your hair stylist does not instruct you in this way, then you should follow his/her advice. As a hairdressing professional with extensive experience (although I am no longer based behind the barber’s chair), here’s what I think.
If you are seeing a stylist for a haircut, there is no need to pre-shampoo your hair. The only time you need to wash your own hair is if it’s filled with dry cleaning spray or styling powder that makes combing difficult.
If you are visiting a stylist for hair coloring, it is best practice to bring clean, dry hair with you. This is to ensure that your hair can fully absorb the colorant without obstructions such as dry cleaning sprays, styling powders or oils. After all, if your hair is full of conditioning products (a chemical), how can you expect the color (another chemical) to function properly? Most of the time, everything goes off without a hitch, but it’s always best to keep your hair clean and dry in order to ensure that the coloring works.
Imagine painting on a canvas covered in dust, stains and other debris. You may be able to finish the piece, but if the canvas itself is perfectly clean, the piece may not be as polished.
Therefore, if you can wash your hair before coloring, even if it is the night before, it will certainly help the hairdresser and the result of the coloring. If you are unable to wash your hair, then your stylist should be clear on whether shampoo is required to prepare your hair or whether it is safe to apply color directly to your hair.
To prevent misunderstandings, if you are simply going for a haircut then it is perfectly fine not to wash your hair before your appointment. The stylist may prefer to cut dry hair, or they may choose to shampoo your hair themselves. In addition, going in for a haircut with wet hair doesn’t make the service any less expensive!
