Should you wash your hair right before your color appointment? You may have heard conflicting things over the years. Some stylists say they’d never dye unwashed hair because it can prevent the color from taking, while others recommend leaving some oil on your scalp to ease any dryness or discomfort that can be caused by the dye.

After talking to two professional hairstylists at length, it turns out that both things can be true. It just boils down to what type of color you're after. Not to worry, we'll walk you through the nitty gritty details ahead.

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Meet the Hairstylists:

• Angela Hazelton is a colorist at Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. As one of New York's most sought-after colorists, her long-standing list of celebrity clientele includes Mariska Hargitay, Jessica Chastain, Amy Schumer, and Jennifer Connelly.
• Wendy Burns is the national stylist for Henkel on their commercial brands Schwarzkopf and got2b. She is currently based in South Carolina but travels internationally and throughout the United States for events, photoshoots and education for Henkel's color and styling products. Wendy has 33 years experience styling hair and her work has been featured in many social media and ad campaigns.  

Are There Any Exceptions for Washing Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Regardless of which color service you’re having done, if you’re someone who uses root concealers to hide grays in between appointments, you should make sure you give your hair a thorough shampoo before going to the salon.

“Some root concealers coat the hair so much and have a waxy or even tacky texture that’s hard to remove with just one wash using a regular shampoo,” says Hazelton. “Leaving the residue can prevent the grays from getting properly coverage during your appointment,” she adds.

The solution? Use a clarifying shampoo (or, at a minimum, lather up twice) the morning of your appointment to ensure that all root concealer products are removed from your strands.

When Should You Wash Your Hair After Dyeing It?

Burns suggests waiting 48 hours before the next shampoo. "This will give enough time for the hair cuticle to calm down a bit and seal in the color," she says.

Summary: So, Should I Wash My Hair Before Dyeing It?

You should always wash your hair before dyeing it if you are coloring it at home; if you've used root coverup or dry shampoo; or if you're getting highlights or balayage done. When in doubt, consult with your stylist before your appointment.

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