A common myth that needs debunking is the idea that dirty hair absorbs dye better. Many people believe that skipping a shampoo before a colour appointment improves the results, but that’s simply not the case. Hairstylists urge clients to arrive with freshly washed, dry hair for optimal results.
Nickie Alton, a master stylist at The Canyon Salon in California, explains that dirty hair creates a barrier, making it harder for colour to penetrate the hair cuticle. This can lead to colour misformulations or uneven results.
Kristina Maccaro, a colour expert at Love Lane Salon in New Jersey, adds that if your hair is particularly oily or has a lot of dry shampoo buildup, it can even make the colour appear darker than expected.
To make the process easier and more effective, stylists recommend washing your hair a day or two before the appointment.
The Dangers of Washing Your Hair Before Chemical Treatments
When booking a chemical treatment like a relaxer, perm, or on-scalp colour application, avoid washing your hair right before the appointment.
While fresh hair is ideal for colour services, it’s a different story for chemical treatments. Washing strips the natural oils from your scalp, which can lead to irritation during the service.
Petula Skeete, a stylist from New York, stresses that shampooing before a chemical service is one of the most common mistakes clients make.
The natural oils protect your scalp from the harsh chemicals, making the treatment more comfortable. So, unless your stylist specifically asks for clean hair, don’t worry about washing it beforehand.
The Importance of Tangle-Free, Honest Communication
Tangled hair not only wastes time but can also affect the precision of the service. Stylist Dawna Jarvis emphasizes that detangling your hair before the appointment helps the process go smoothly.
It allows the stylist to assess the true length of your hair and apply colour or extensions more accurately. Additionally, tangled hair can cause delays, resulting in less time to achieve your desired look.
Another key mistake hairstylists wish clients would stop making is failing to communicate openly about at-home treatments. Whether it’s a DIY dye job or a chemical straightener, not disclosing previous treatments can result in serious damage.
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Maccaro advises always being honest about your hair history so the stylist can provide the best care. As she notes, working “blind” without knowing the full history of your hair can make it harder to achieve the desired results.
Lastly, when unsure about what you want, always bring reference photos. Skeete points out that bringing pictures of both the styles you love and dislike helps your stylist understand your vision and ensures you avoid trendy cuts or colours that may not suit your hair texture or face shape.
Clear communication is key to making sure both you and your stylist are on the same page.
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