Dyeing hair at home can bring some doubts. For example: do you have to wash your hair before using the dye? Or is it better to leave a day before without washing? Although the instructions will vary depending on the hair color, the rules for cleaning the hair are universal.
If you’re not sure if it’s better to give up shampoo or start the hair coloring process with absolutely clean hair, we have the solution.
Should the hair be clean or dirty?
Although you may be oiling for convenience, it’s actually the best thing you could be doing for the health of your hair. Hair needs to be dirty because natural oils help protect it against harsh chemicals. The fat serves as an extra layer so that when we break the cuticle, there is less damage and breakage to the hair and irritation to the scalp. The more oil there is in the hair, the more protection we will have during the bleaching process.
Most hair dyes are designed to work best on hair that hasn’t been freshly washed. Skipping a wash allows oils to build up on the scalp, which in turn helps protect against irritation that hair dye can cause. However, that doesn’t mean we should skip the cleansing routine altogether in the days leading up to dyeing. We can wash the hair one or two days before the dye session.
Although oil won’t get in the way, there are hair products to consider. Although dry shampoo won’t interrupt the coloring process, it can change hair texture and technique. It is recommended to concentrate the dry shampoo on the roots and leave the ends free of product.
Does the color disappear if washed afterwards?
After bleaching, the hair is washed and cleaned before toning takes place. That way, the buildup doesn’t interfere with the actual color. Beyond that, clean hair can make things difficult for the hairstylist, especially when applying a painting technique like balayage. If the hair is freshly washed, we will have more loose hair, so it is a little more difficult to remove and dye the new hair. Some specialists sometimes even put hairspray on it to make it dirty if it’s too clean before spraying on the bleach.
Once the hair color has been processed, it will not wash out or fade. So we are free to go from the hairdresser to the gym or to the shower: the color will not go anywhere.
That said, it’s important to use sulfate -free shampoos that are formulated for color-treated hair. Using shampoo and conditioner for colored hair will help us to wear down your color more and preserve the tone. Sulfate-free products protect against breakage and help hair look and feel healthier.
