Hair dyeing is gaining popularity over the years, so it’s no surprise if you’re thinking of doing yours too. But when it comes to hair dyeing, one wrong procedure could affect the eventual turnout. This you know, and that’s you must be asking, “Should I wash my hair before dyeing it?”
It is best not to wash your hair before dyeing it.
Leaving your hair unwashed before dyeing is advantageous as it protects your hair and scalp from harsh chemicals in the dye. For this reason, most dyes are formulated to work on moderately dirty hair.
Meanwhile, there are certain conditions when washing your hair is ideal before coloring it. At such times, you must ensure a 24 to 72 hours window between both processes.
Why should you not wash your hair before dyeing, and when do we set aside this rule? Is there any safe way to wash your hair when washing becomes necessary? You’ll get to find out about these and more as you read on.
Confused About Either To Wash Or Not?
What Happens If You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?
Are you still considering washing your hair before dyeing? Here are some reasons why you may want to rethink doing so.
Removes oil from scalp and hair
Shampoos, like detergents, would attempt to remove anything they can from your scalp and hair. Unfortunately, that includes the oil acting as a defensive layer to your scalp and hair.
The consequence of this is the exposure of your scalp to potentially harmful chemicals of the dye. Unclogging the hair pores is healthy, but that also means that the gatekeepers are away, and your scalp absorbs more chemicals than it should.
People with sensitive skin may end up itching and developing some skin conditions as a reaction.
May Prevent Dye Adhesion
Don’t forget that shampoos are chemicals as well. When they dry up, some ingredients get absorbed into your hair.
The dye pigments may be unable to displace these elements from your hair, hence, making it easy for the dye to wash away. If it stays, it could end up having a diluted appearance, which will be a lighter color than you desired.
When Do I Need To Wash My Hair Before Dyeing?
We’ve established that there isn’t a need to wash hair before coloring it. Meanwhile, there are certain grounds on which washing your hair before coloring may be advisable.
If Your Hair Is Very Dirty Or Greasy
Dyes may be adapted for not too clean hair, but visibly dirty hair poses some problems too. If your hair is too greasy it could lace the actual color of the dye, making it appear lighter.
Oil from hair will create a barrier that makes the dye penetrate the hair more slowly. And if the case of hair is excessively sweaty, the salt from the sweat can also affect the actual color of the dye.
You’ve Previously Used Different Products On Your Hair
If you have used hair products like dry shampoo, hair wax, oils, and serums on your hair, you would need to shampoo your hair to remove the buildup. The presence of buildups in the hair may prevent the dye from adhering well to the hair.
Again, some chemical deposits can also make the hair appear darker than the natural shade. That can make you unsure of which tint you need for your hair.
You need an exact color
Oil in your hair can make your hair color and texture look much different than it actually is.
If you want to deepen or add lightness to your hair, you need fresh hair.
Should I Wash My Hair Before Dyeing It?
To get the most accurate answer, you need to ask for advice from an expert.
Depending on the condition of your hair, the specialist will give you advice on how to wash your hair.
Most of them will recommend that it is best to wash your hair from one day to three days until the time you want to dye your hair.
Doing so allows you to remove chemical residues from your hair and get back enough serum to protect the scalp. At the same time, your hair won’t be too dirty or clean to accept the dye.
Also, your hair will be completely dry before dyeing. Wet hair would not leave ample space for the dye to sip into the hair strands. You also risk bleeding of the dye all over your head.
How To Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing
If washing your hair seems the better choice for you due to some reason, then you must know how to do it right. Here is how to wash your hair before coloring.
What is the most effective way to wash your hair before dyeing?
Step 1: Make Available A Soft Water Source
There is a high probability you wouldn’t think of this. The softness or hardness of water plays a vital role in your hair’s feel and appearance.
Hard water contains several minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. These minerals will add to the chemical buildup on your hair and scalp.
Besides this, you would notice the formation of films on your hair when it eventually dries. You would be surprised at the level of impact this type of water can have on your hair.
By all means, use soft water for the process. The idea is to take off chemical deposits from your hair and not add more to it.
Step 2: Wash With A Clarifying Shampoo
As you know, there are various shampoo types. A clarifying shampoo is the best for washing your hair when you plan to dye it or go for some chemical treatment.
The shampoo would remove all chemical coats in your hair and scalp. Your hair would be clean and ready for the dye.
By the way, here is how to wash your hair.
- Get your hair fully wet: You can achieve this by allowing warm water to run through it for about a minute.
- Apply just enough shampoo to your scalp and hair: Do not overdo it. Once you’ve gotten enough lather, stop the application.
- Massage carefully and softly: This is to avoid digging your nails into your scalp. The chemicals in your dye will discover any cut, and you’ll feel a burning sensation there. More reactions could even follow.
- Rinse off thoroughly: Keep your hair under a flow of water till you get all of the soap off your hair and scalp. If you leave any shampoo behind, it becomes another accumulation in your hair. Coldwater will be ideal at this stage.
Be careful when selecting your shampoo. Ensure that it is paraben and sulfate-free. The presence of these chemicals in your shampoo can be a major spoiler to your dyed hair.
Step 3: Condition Your Hair
Don’t be surprised that you’ll be needing a conditioner as a pre-dyeing process. Dyeing your hair has a way of drying it and making it brittle.
Without adequate preparations, your hair can become brittle and begin to break. Hydrating conditioners will see to your hair that it isn’t disadvantaged before the dyeing process begins.
Again, here is how to get the best result.
- Apply all over your hair, intentionally avoiding the scalp. You don’t want to get it greasy.
- Let it soak in for a maximum of six minutes or as specified on the product’s instruction label.
- Detangle your hair at this stage using an appropriate comb size
- Rinse with intent to get everything off.
Step 4: Dry Your Hair
Give your hair a gentle squeeze to get enough moisture out. Afterward, use a soft towel to rub through it, lifting different parts at a time.
Do not be violent with the process and avoid using a towel of coarse material for this task. It could lead to abrasion and damage to your hair.
Bottom Line
On a general note, your hair must not be too dirty and neither should it be squeaky clean. You must know that hair washing before dyeing is only necessary on some occasions as already discussed above. Moreover, if you must wash your hair, give it enough time to regain its defenses.
In addition, you must avoid using some hair products on your hair as you prepare to dye. These include dry shampoos, gel, serum, and other heavy styling products. Remember that any misdoing could make the dyeing process go wrong.
Most importantly, be mindful of the type of dye you use on your hair. Check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain hair-endangering chemicals. Else, it won’t matter whether you’ve chosen to wash or not. Your hair may pay dearly for it.
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