Dirty or clean – should you wash your hair before dyeing your hair

You may be wondering if it’s better to wash your hair first or leave it dirty before dying it. While some argue that unwashed hair protects the scalp and extends the life of the dye, others insist that clean hair yields the best color.

Knowing what’s best for your hair can be difficult, and there is a lot of misunderstanding on the subject. Your choice may be influenced by elements such as your hair type, the type of dye you’re using, and even the condition of your scalp.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of dyeing your hair when it’s clean versus dirty. This way, you can make the right choice for your next color session.

To wash or not to wash

There are two factions within the hair stylist community that provide radically different responses to this query. While some contend that washing your hair is necessary to achieve a more saturated color, others hold that doing so is not recommended at all since it may harm the structure of your hair. So let us determine which position is more appropriate to start from.

When you need to wash your hair before dyeing

Let’s say you want to get your hair colored again or have a new pigment added. You are going to a salon. Really, are you going to skip a hair wash? Naturally, no!

And this is the explanation:

1. The master who will take on your hairstyle, will not be very pleased to work with dirty hair. And if the hair is also greasy, then he will have a completely negative impression of the procedure.
2. Before dyeing, many of us use styling products (gels, hairsprays, mousses, foams). Leaving such chemicals on your hair, you risk that the dye will not take properly.
3. You want the color to last for a short time, and are going to use a toner or a quickly removed dye? Then be sure to wash your hair.
4. When dyeing a dark color, it is best to wash your hair. This will ensure the saturation and depth of the chosen tone.

Several stylists dispute the notion that clean hair is more vulnerable to damage during coloring, stating that ammonia dyes always damage the hair’s internal structure without influencing the cuticle. Because of this, the sebaceous layer of unwashed hair cannot shield it from damaging substances.

It should be noted, when carrying out the dyeing procedure at home, carefully read the instructions. Dye manufacturers have probably repeatedly tested their product, so they will tell you whether to wash your hair or not.

Why you shouldn"t wash your hair before dyeing

The following arguments are linked to the emergence of the opposing view among experts:

1. When you wash your hair thoroughly, the protective layer of fat and dirt that envelops your head is removed. Thus,, harmful components during dyeing begin to penetrate the hair structure, destroying it. As a result, the curls become dull, and their ends split. If you have sensitive skin and a thoroughly washed head after dyeing, you risk getting redness and peeling of the skin.
2. The color pigment lays on clean curls much worse than on unwashed ones.
3. If there is too much dirt and sebum secretions on the curls, the dye may not take at all. Here it is important to consider the hair type. If they quickly become greasy, then wash them the day before the scheduled dyeing.
4. Before dyeing, a person may not completely wash out the shampoo. When it interacts with the dye, the opposite of the expected effect is achieved – the pigment does not penetrate the hair structure.
5. If a woman has chosen blond painting or going to carry out highlighting, then she should never be washed her hair. The fact is that Facing hair adversely affects their condition, and the absence of the fatty layer increases this effect in half.

Expert assessment

Many hairdressers advise asking "wash or not wash?" when using professional compositions.Furthermore, not at all, as the staining agents will have the same result. Experts think that issues develop because of:

• improper staining technique;
• the choice of cheap and low -quality dyes;
• incorrect care after the procedure.

To stay clear of such issues, you need:

• follow the technology of painting (carefully read the instructions!);
• not increase/reduce the painting time declared by the manufacturer;
• Do not use air conditioners and balms before the procedure;
• do not comb your curls when the dye has been applied;
• start dyeing from the roots of the hair (in case you need to refresh the color).

Is it permissible to apply dye to wet hair

The choice of dye determines the answer to this query. The truth is that some manufacturers create highly saturated coloring pigment, which necessitates wetting the hair prior to the process (a shampoo wash is required for the head). Some manufacturers do not overly activate their dye, so they specify in their instructions that the product should only be used on dry curls.

Some people believe that if you apply the dye to wet hair, it will be evenly distributed and colored. Expert advice, however, is very different: even if you extend the holding time recommended in the instructions, wet hair absorbs the pigment poorly. Additionally, the dye will flow unevenly if it is applied to wet hair.

Expert advice. Wetting your hair before coloring it is not acceptable if you want to go from a brunette to a blonde. The mixture of ammonia, peroxide, and water will not produce the desired color.

Will you get even hair coloring and refresh the color on long locks? If you want to lessen the intensity of the coloring composition, you can lightly moisten the ends with water. The roots must continue to be dry at the same time.

Can I wash my hair with shampoo after coloring

The first thing you need to know after dying your hair at home is how to properly remove the dye. Should I just use warm water to rinse my hair or do I need to use shampoo?

Professionals in hairstyling agree that the type of dye used will determine how this situation is resolved.

You should thoroughly wash your hair with a specific shampoo for colored hair if the paint contains ammonia. It’s advised to use a balm after cleaning.

Distribute the balm’s composition evenly over well-dried hair for optimal results. After 5-7 minutes, drain the mixture under running water.

Using a specific shampoo that removes alkali is the best option for head washings after two weeks.

It’s important to understand! After dying, avoid using anti-dandruff products as they can rapidly remove the dye.

If you use basma or henna as your coloring pigment, you should wait to use shampoo after dying. The truth is that its ingredients prevent the natural dye from fixing correctly. When dying your hair with henna or basma, wait three days before washing it if you want a rich color.

Features of caring for colored curls

The secret to gorgeous hair is aftercare, regardless of the color you selected or if you followed the guidelines when dying it.

Adhere to these stylistic suggestions:

• trim split ends so that they do not split further;
• use special vitamin masks and balms;
• to prevent tangles when combing, do not forget to wash your hair with a conditioner;
• wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, opt for shampoos for colored hair;
• minimize the use of hair dryers, straightening irons, curling irons;
• do not wash your hair every day (once every 3 days is allowed);
• eat as many fruits and dairy products as possible;
• use minoxidil, castor or burdock oil;
• do not comb your hair immediately after washing, as this can damage it (get a comb with rare smooth teeth).

It should be mentioned that coloring again is only permitted after two to three months. You can guarantee color longevity, radiance, and shine for colored hair by taking proper care of it.

Consequently, the choice of hair color and the wish to shield your curls from the damaging effects of chemicals determine whether or not you wash your hair. It is generally preferable to dye your hair at home without first washing it.

However, if you plan to visit a salon, rinse your hair without using conditioner or styling products seven to eight hours before seeing a specialist. Wet your hair right before dying it if you want a subtle tinting effect.

• marbled hair coloring;
• mordonsage;
• gradient in hair;
• "sun kiss" or coloring using the babylights technique;
• 3D and 7D hair coloring;
• stencil coloring;
• shatush;
• ombre;
• balayage.

Whether or not to wash your hair before coloring it primarily depends on the type of dye and the state of your hair. While permanent dyes often work well on slightly dirty hair because natural oils protect your scalp, semi-permanent dyes may absorb color more readily on freshly washed hair.

If your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation, delaying a wash until right before can help reduce discomfort. However, a light wash could be a good idea to help the dye distribute evenly if you have a lot of product buildup.

In the end, pay attention to your hair and heed any particular instructions from the dye manufacturer or your stylist. You can get the best results if you know what your hair needs and what the dye requires.

The type of dye and the state of your hair will determine whether or not you should wash your hair before dying it. In particular with permanent dyes, some experts advise leaving hair slightly unwashed to allow natural oils to shield the scalp from irritation. On the other hand, excessive oiliness in your hair may hinder the color’s even application. Finding the right balance is important; it shouldn’t be overly greasy or too clean.

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