Does washing your hair matter? Should I wash my hair before dying it?
Dyeing your hair can make you look visually appealing. It can improve your confidence and says a lot about your personality.
You must be excited if this is your first time getting your hair colored. However, you should consider a few things before getting your hair colored. It’s crucial to take proper care of your hair before getting it colored and selecting the right color and hair dye. This dye has the potential to not only make you look that much better but also change how people perceive you. Needless to say, it is a huge decision indeed.
However, don’t worry. We here at Hair Spruce say it matters less what people think and say about you and more about how happy your hair makes you. At the end of the day, it’s all about how comfortable and confident you feel in your skin. With that being said, the question still stands. Should you wash your hair before and after dyeing it?
Let’s find out.
How you can prepare your hair for coloring
Both men and women have been sporting colored hair over the past few years. According to data, around 4.1 million Americans color their hair at least four times yearly. The average person dyes their hair two to three times every six months.
Hair coloring includes applying numerous harsh chemicals to your hair, including ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These can alter the color of your natural hair. They can result in brittle and frizzy hair that’s damaged. As a result, it’s crucial to treat your hair well and take good care of it before having it colored. Here’s how to get ready to dye your hair to avoid or at least reduce damage.
- Making sure to fully hydrate your hair before coloring it is the best approach to take care of it. Hot oil can be used to massage your scalp, and you can let it sit overnight. Be careful not to use scalding hot oil, though. We don’t want to fry our hair off. Wash the oil out the next day. Alternatively, you could easily oil your hair 30 minutes before washing your hair.
- Avoid using harsh hair styling tools and products before coloring.
- Plus, hairstylists advise choosing a hair color no more than two shades different from your original hair color. Don’t choose a color that is excessively dark or light. This is so strong chemicals won’t be used on your hair, which can harm your hair and scalp.
Should you wash your hair before dyeing it?
The only step you must take before getting your hair colored is to wash it with a light shampoo and your regular conditioner. It’s a popular misconception that you shouldn’t wash your hair before dyeing it. This is because people think color sticks to messy hair more quickly. In fact, hair experts advise washing your hair a few days before coloring it.
The fact is that if your hair is unclean, you shouldn’t color it at all. Hair that hasn’t been washed will be excessively oily as well as dirty and sweaty. Sweat can induce oxidation since it includes ammonia. This could result in a weird color that no one wants. Additionally, the extra buildup prevents the color from penetrating the hair.
Before dying your hair, should you wash it first? Not really. As we previously stated, shampooing your hair a few days in advance is best. Why? Because your scalp produces sebum, which travels down the length of your hair and keeps it hydrated. Additionally, it shields the hair from outside pollutants. Plus, because of this sebum, your hair remains protected from most the damaging chemicals in hair dyes.
The oil from your scalp will thus travel throughout the length of your hair if you wash it one or two days before dyeing it. It acts as a barrier against the harsh colors in the chemicals. Your hair will be protected from the chemicals, and damage will be reduced. There won’t be any extra accumulation, and the color will seem as it should.
What type of shampoo should you use when you wash your hair?
Washing your hair a day or two before dying is mainly done to remove product buildup. You should, however, be sure to use a gentle shampoo. One that gently washes your scalp when picking a shampoo to wash your hair. A harsh shampoo that depletes your hair of its natural oils and causes frizz should be avoided.
This shampoo doesn’t have to cost you your whole bank account. A gentle, clarifying shampoo from your local drugstore can do the trick. Remember, beauty doesn’t mean breaking the bank. We will never recommend you go for the most expensive option in the market. Often, these products cost well over $500, and you only pay for the branding. Remember, if it works, it works. If it doesn’t, no amount of money will fix it. So go for the option that you like best and the one that won’t put you in debt.
Use castor oil as a moisturizer for dry and frizzy hair. It helps to deeply nourish your hair before washing it. It also contains a lot of vitamin E, which promotes hair growth. Castor oil helps lessen irritation and dandruff. This is because of its antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
Your personality gains oomph when you color your hair. However, it may also harm your hair, causing it to become brittle, dry, and frizzy. Therefore, before dying your hair, make sure to take proper care of it.
Thus,
Washing your hair before dyeing is a straightforward step in the process. Yet, it’s a crucial one that is really important to get the final results of your hair color. Whether visiting a salon or doing it yourself at home, cleaning your hair correctly is important. It can make a huge difference. This really does affect how your color turns out.
First and foremost, washing your hair before dyeing helps remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. When your hair is clean, the hair dye can penetrate the hair shaft more evenly and effectively. This ensures that you get a more vibrant and long-lasting color. If you dye your hair without washing it first, it might not stick properly. This results in uneven color distribution and a shorter lifespan for your new look.
Plus, washing your hair before dyeing it can help you steer clear of problems during the dyeing process. When hair is dirty or oily, the dye might not bond well with the hair. This can lead to uneven patches or splotchy color. Starting with clean hair increases the chances of achieving the desired shade. It also minimizes the risk of color mishaps.
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is essential when preparing your hair for dyeing. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo, as sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils. This makes it more susceptible to damage from the chemicals in the dye. A moisturizing conditioner can also help nourish your hair. It can create a protective barrier against the dye’s harsh chemicals.
How to properly wash your hair
Once you’ve selected the appropriate products, follow these steps to wash your hair before dyeing it:
- Brush Your Hair: Before getting it wet, gently brush your hair to remove any tangles and distribute natural oils from the scalp to the ends.
- Wet Your Hair: Thoroughly wet your hair with lukewarm water. Hot water can open up the hair cuticles, which might make the dye penetrate too quickly.
- Apply Shampoo: Take a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo and work it into a lather. Focus on the scalp and roots, as these areas accumulate the most oils and residue. Massage your scalp to ensure proper cleansing.
- Rinse: Rinse the shampoo with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Be gentle while rinsing to avoid tangling or damaging the hair.
- Condition: Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it with cool water. This will help seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as wet hair is more susceptible to damage.
- Wait Before Dyeing: It’s best to wait a day or two after washing your hair before applying the dye. This allows your hair to regain its natural oils, creating a protective barrier against the dye.
In Conclusion…
In conclusion, washing your hair before dyeing is a crucial step in the process that can significantly affect the outcome of your hair color. It ensures a clean canvas for the dye to work on, promotes even color distribution, and reduces the risk of damage. By following the proper washing and conditioning routine, you can enhance the longevity and vibrancy of your new hair color, leaving you with the stunning results you desire. So, don’t skip this essential pre-dye step – your hair will thank you!
Did you enjoy reading about the various forms of strawberry blonde hair? lt us know! In the meantime, read more articles like How To Use 3-Barrel Curling Iron or Can You Bring A Hair Straightener On A Plane Carry-on?