There are loads of intricacies associated with dyeing your hair. You’ve got to mix up the ingredients just right, apply it evenly, and leave it on long enough. Show
But one thing that’s not so clear, especially for hair dye newbies, is whether it’s better to dye clean or dirty hair. In this article, we’ll give you a clear answer to that question. Table of Contents
The idea of dyeing dirty hair originated from the belief that having some kind of substance coating your scalp and hair could protect it from the harsh chemicals in the dye. This is true to an extent, and in some cases, it’s best not to dye squeaky clean hair. But this also doesn’t mean that your hair should be dirty. Dirty hair is not recommended for dyeing of any kind. Dirt coats your strands and makes it difficult for your hair dye to do its job. If you want an even all over color job that’s long-lasting, it’s best not to dye hair that’s caked up in products, oils, and debris. The state your hair should be in before dyeing depends on the type of dye you’ll be using. Keep reading to find out more. Semi-Permanent Dyes Should Be Applied to Clean HairIf you’re going for a temporary or semi-permanent color change, your hair needs to be as clean as possible. These dyes are not formulated with ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to help them bypass your hair cuticles to deposit the color pigment. Instead, they stain the outermost layers of the hair. Since dyes like these don’t penetrate the hair shaft, they need a clean canvas to adhere to. And if your hair has anything coating it, it can inhibit the dye’s ability to cling to the hair shaft. For this reason, stylists generally recommend that you wash your hair immediately before applying semi-permanent or temporary hair dye. If you don’t have enough time to wash your hair right before dyeing it, you can do it up to 24 hours prior. That way, your hair color will turn out vibrant and even. You don’t have to worry about hair damage with temporary hair dye solutions (temporary and semi-permanent dye). These dyes are often formulated with conditioning ingredients, oils, and more to leave your hair shiny, moisturized, and more manageable than before. Permanent Dyes Should Not Be Applied to Squeaky Clean HairPermanent dyes, on the other hand, usually contain ammonia to open up the hair’s cuticles. This ingredient is strong enough to bypass your scalp’s natural oils and light product residue. So, your hair doesn’t need to be squeaky clean before you dye it with a permanent dye. Plus, if your scalp has been recently scrubbed, you could experience scalp irritation and burning as the dye sits on your hair. At the same time, if your hair is dirty to the point of visible product buildup, the dye may not work as expected. So, stylists recommend that you wash your hair 48 hours before using a permanent dye for the best results. Your hair won’t be super clean or dirty. This is the sweet spot you should aim for. Within 48 hours, your scalp will have replenished its protective oils, and you’ll be ready for a painless dyeing experience. Note: These recommendations vary a bit when bleaching the hair. Bleach can cut through any oils on the hair as well as moderate product residue. The only time you should wash your hair before bleaching is when your hair is caked in layers of gel, spritz, or other products. Chances are the bleach can cut through these products, but it’s not guaranteed. So, your best bet is to wash your hair several days before bleaching it in this case. Tips to Keep in Mind When Washing Your Hair Before DyeingHow you wash your hair is just as important as when you wash it. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you wash your hair before dyeing:
Dyeing Greasy HairIf you still want to dye your hair while it’s greasy, you can. However, it’s essential to realize that you may not get good results, especially if you’re using a semi-permanent or temporary dye. Here are some of the consequences you can expect if you go through with it:
Dyeing Squeaky Clean HairAs briefly mentioned above, you can use semi-permanent dye on squeaky clean hair. But it’s not recommended to use permanent dye on squeaky clean hair. Here’s what could happen if you do it anyway:
Get the Best Hair Dye Results at HomeIn addition to ensuring that your curls are adequately prepared for the hair coloring process, there are other things that you should keep in mind. Keep reading for some more tips to follow when dyeing your hair at home.
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To sum things up, you should wash your hair before dyeing it: 48 hours prior for permanent dye and immediately before semi-permanent dye. We hope that this article has given you all the information you were looking for on this topic, and we wish you the best in your hair dyeing endeavors. Kenneth Byrd holds a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a serial hair blogger that has been writing about hair care since 2008, when he co-founded Curl Centric and Natural Hair Box. Curl Centric is a website operated by a husband and wife team that encourages healthy hair care. Should you wash hair before Colouring?Should You Wash Your Hair Before Coloring? As it turns out, most hair dyes are designed to work better on hair that is not freshly washed. Skipping a wash allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which in turn helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye.
Is it better to dye your hair when it's greasy or when it's clean?Should Your Hair Be Dirty or Clean Before Coloring? While you may be going greasy out of sheer convenience, it's actually the best thing you could be doing for the health of your hair. “Your hair should be dirty because the natural oils help to protect against the harsh chemicals,” says Fe'.
Can I dye my hair when it's greasy?Yes, you can! Believe it or not, greasy hair can benefit your tresses during the bleach and color process. The sebum or natural oils keep the hair healthy and moisturized and shield it from external damage caused by harsh chemicals.
How do I prepare my hair for coloring?Using warm oil and massaging the scalp helps to stimulate the scalp, condition the hair, and prepare it for colouring. On the day of colouring, don't wash your hair. Having natural oils present will help the stylist achieve a more even colour result.
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