Do I need to wash my hair before highlighting, what will happen if I do it wrong

You can bring out bright, new tones in your hair by highlighting it, but it’s important to know what to prepare for. The question of whether to wash your hair before highlighting is among the most frequently asked ones. Because it depends on a number of variables, including your hair type and the products your stylist will be using, the answer isn’t always clear-cut.

Washing your hair too soon before highlighting can have an impact on the outcome if done incorrectly. The natural oils on your scalp provide a barrier of defense; taking them off could cause irritation or uneven color. Having the appropriate approach knowledge can help you avoid problems and get the desired look.

Do I need to wash my hair

Before the highlighting process, most girls are overcome with doubts in the spirit of "to wash or not to wash." Whether coloring is done at home or in a salon with a colorist, experts most definitely advise against doing this right before the procedure.

Although most girls are terrified to visit a hairdresser with oily hair, sebum actually keeps the structure of the curls from drying out, becoming brittle, and being harmed during coloring. Additionally, experts advise against depriving hair of this protection.

Natural lubrication is removed during washing, leaving the hair vulnerable, particularly when bleaching. For this reason, seasoned hair stylists recommend waiting at least four to five days to wash your hair before highlighting (three days is sufficient for those with very oily scalps). The hairstylist will probably advise delaying the procedure for a few days if the client arrives with a spotless head.

How dirty should the hair be

The natural oiliness of the hair and the speed at which sebum coats the curls will tell you exactly how long you shouldn’t wash your hair. The range is roughly four to seven days.

Take note! You shouldn’t worry that the color won’t take or that the dye will lie worse on unclean hair. Conversely, the coloring will be successful while preventing the hair from becoming overly dry or scorched and preserving its natural, healthy shine.

Naturally, you shouldn’t wait until the hair begins to cling to itself in greasy icicles; instead, you should treat each situation individually and with proportion.

Consequences of highlighting on clean hair

Adding highlights to freshly washed hair may permanently harm the curls. The curls that are not shielded by natural oils are actually "burned" by the lightening agent. Only by cutting and growing burnt strands of hair will it be possible to restore the structure of the hair and give it a healthy appearance.

Given the nearly 100% chance of damage, the aggressive effect of highlighting compounds dictates this kind of hair preparation.

Basic tips

You must correctly prep your hair for beautiful coloring effects and high-quality highlighting:

1. As mentioned above, do not wash your hair before the procedure, for 3-4 days for oily skin, and 5-6 days for dry skin.
2. A month before highlighting, it is advisable to take an intensive course: nourishing masks, balms, and structure-strengthening products. Due to such care, the aggressive effect of peroxide will be somewhat neutralized.
3. It is advisable not to use styling products before coloring: mousses, foams, gels. This can negatively affect the quality of highlighting.
4. It is better not to highlight recently dyed hair, you should wait at least a week. Also, there should be no damage to the scalp (scratches, wounds, irritations, and inflammations). Do not do such coloring if the hair has recently been treated with henna, basma, or permed.

The state of your scalp and hair will determine whether or not you should wash your hair before highlighting. Natural oils found in unwashed hair can shield your scalp from irritation brought on by the chemicals used in the highlighting process. Washing your hair right before could cause uneven color absorption and a sensitive scalp. For best results, wash your hair 1-2 days prior to your appointment.

Features of care after coloring

Because highlights put hair under a lot of stress, proper post-procedure care is necessary:

1. Contrasting rinses.
2. If after washing you first pour warm and then cool water over your hair, it will be elastic with a beautiful healthy shine.
3. Do not try to comb damp, especially wet curls. This will lead to many hairs being pulled out, and the rest will become brittle and unruly from excessive stretching. It is best to use a wooden comb or brush.
4. Regular massage with a suitable brush stimulates blood circulation in the scalp and will promote better nutrition of the hair and strengthen the roots.
5. If possible, you should minimize the use of hot styling products (hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron). If you still use a hair dryer, then it is better to help yourself with a natural brush. You should try to direct the air streams from the hair dryer along the curls, from the roots to the ends – this way the upper scales will be "closed", and the hair will shine beautifully. You should not bring the device too close to your hair, so as not to overdry the strands.
6. You should also choose the lightest styling products and use them only as needed.
7. In the summer, you should not stay in the open sun for too long without a hat or panama. A hat will protect you not only from sunstroke, but also from fading and overdrying of your hair.
8. You also need to protect your locks from chlorine in the pool by wearing a cap. After highlighting, the hair structure has already suffered from aggressive compounds, you should not aggravate this effect with the negative effects of chlorine.
9. Standard care with suitable balms, sprays and masks should be supplemented with healing nourishing oils that will allow strands and scalp suffering from dryness to be moisturized, nourished and healed. An excellent effect is given not only by purchased products, but also by home-made products (infusions, decoctions, masks).
10. If a decoction containing liquid vitamins E or A is used, then the hair is washed with it without shampoo and conditioner. And dry without a hair dryer.

In conclusion, it is still advisable to follow professional advice, give your hair special attention before highlighting, refrain from washing it for a few days prior to the procedure, and nourish your hair with oils and masks after coloring. Beautiful, shiny, healthy curls will be the end result, adding beauty to any chosen image.

• creative;
• classic;
• Venetian;
• melange;
• French or majimesh;
• root;
• American.

Ultimately, your hair type and your colorist’s advice will determine whether or not you should wash your hair before highlighting. Although unwashed hair may provide a more uniform application, dirty hair can help shield your scalp from irritation.

Washing your hair too soon before highlighting can result in uneven color or overprocessing. You can preserve the natural oils that shield your hair and scalp by forgoing a wash for a day or two prior to your appointment.

It’s always best to get advice from your colorist to avoid any mishaps. They can guarantee that you receive the best results from your highlights and offer you advice based on the particular requirements of your hair.

Video on the topic

Do you need to wash your hair before highlighting, what will happen if you do it wrong

Do you need to wash your hair before highlighting, what will happen if you do it wrong

Do you need to wash your hair before highlighting, what will happen if you do it wrong