Should You Wash Your Hair Before You Color It? Experts Share What to Do
1. Hair Wash In: The Big Question Before You Color
Whether I’m heading to my colorist or standing in my bathroom with gloves on and nerves kicking in, I always pause at the same thought: Should I wash my hair first? I’ve learned the hard way that this isn’t a simple yes-or-no thing.
The truth lives somewhere in the middle. It depends on your scalp, your hair, and what kind of color you’re doing. Let’s break it down, friend-to-friend, so you know exactly what to do next time.
Keep scrolling. This is the guide I wish I had years ago.
2. Should I Wash My Hair Before a Color Appointment?
Most stylists will tell you the same thing mine did after my first bleach mishap: don’t wash it right before. One or two days without shampoo is usually perfect.
That little bit of natural oil from your scalp? It’s not dirty. It’s protective. It creates a soft buffer between your skin, your strands, and the dye.
Think of it like lip balm before matte lipstick. The color still shows up, but the damage is less intense.
3. Can I Still Dye My Hair If I Just Washed It?
Yes, you can. I’ve done it in a rush, and it works—but it’s not ideal. Freshly washed hair absorbs dye fast, sometimes too fast.
That can mean stronger color than expected or hair that feels extra dry after. I once went from “warm brown” to “why is this so dark?” overnight.
Without natural oils, chemicals like peroxide and ammonia hit harder. If you can wait, give your hair at least 48 hours to chill first.
4. Should I Use Dry Shampoo Before Coloring?
I get the temptation. Greasy roots feel gross, especially before a salon visit. But dry shampoo before coloring is a quiet saboteur.
It can block the hair cuticle from opening fully. That means weaker color and faster fade. Not worth it.
Instead, slick your hair back, throw on a hat, or lean into a clean bun moment. Your future color will thank you.
5. Can I Use Styling Products Before Getting My Hair Colored?
Short answer: try not to. Heavy creams, oils, gels, and sprays can all interfere with how dye sticks to hair.
If your strands are coated, color can’t grab evenly. That’s how patchy results happen. I’ve lived this. It’s tragic.
Wash out product buildup a couple of days before coloring. Then go light—or go product-free—until after the dye is done.
6. Should I Leave My Hair Unwashed for Every Color Treatment?
Not always. This is where things get nuanced.
If you’re doing a quick root touch-up, clean or slightly dirty hair won’t change much. But a full color transformation is different.
Natural oils can make lighter hair look darker than it really is. Blondes, especially, may need cleaner hair so the true tone shows. Darker hair usually doesn’t need this step.
7. Should I Wet My Hair Before Coloring?
Nope. Full stop. Permanent color is made for dry hair. Wet strands dilute the formula and cause uneven results.
If your hair is wet at a salon, they’ll dry it first. That adds heat and stress before coloring even starts. Not ideal—and sometimes more expensive.
If water touched your hair, just let it air dry fully. No rush. No heat.
8. Should I Wash My Hair Before Bleaching?
This is one rule I never break anymore: don’t wash before bleach.
Bleach is powerful. Even when done right, it can irritate your scalp. Natural oils help protect your skin and reduce sting or burn.
Skip shampoo for a day or two beforehand. Your scalp will feel calmer, and your hair will bounce back faster. Trust me on this one.
