The Ultimate No-No: Pre-Dyeing Don’ts That Can Lead to Faded Locks After a Few Washes

There are many rules to hair dyeing that you rarely know about.

However, to achieve a long-lasting and beautiful hair color, it’s not just about choosing the right shade but also paying attention to the preparation beforehand. One common mistake that is often overlooked is washing your hair right before dyeing it. This may seem like a necessary hygiene step, but in reality, it’s a big no-no that can cause the color to fade quickly, appear uneven, and even weaken the hair after the dyeing process.

Why shouldn’t you wash your hair before dyeing it?

Choosing and using hair dye involves scientific principles, but not everyone understands them, leading to the risk of using inappropriate products and causing scalp irritation. Therefore, taking precautions before dyeing your hair is extremely important.

Seven, a renowned hair stylist, advises: “I always tell my clients not to wash their hair the day before dyeing it. When they come to the salon, we will shampoo their hair two to three times, so there’s no need to wash it beforehand. Additionally, choosing a salon that offers scalp protection services is crucial to shielding your scalp from the chemicals. Regardless of the dyeing method, using a color-protecting shampoo and a restorative shampoo after dyeing are essential for maintaining the color’s longevity and the health of your hair.”

Experts recommend leaving your hair “dirty” for at least 24–48 hours before dyeing it to ensure that the natural oils are thick enough to protect your scalp and help the dye adhere better.

By not washing your hair before dyeing it, you preserve the natural oils that protect your scalp, resulting in a more accurate color and reduced risk of irritation and hair damage. If your hair is too dirty or has a lot of styling products in it (hairspray, hair oil), wash it 1–2 days beforehand to remove the dirt while retaining the necessary amount of oil.

When you shampoo your hair, the natural oils on your scalp are stripped away. This protective layer is crucial in reducing the impact of dye chemicals. If your scalp is too clean, the dye may cause irritation, itching, or even severe damage to those with sensitive skin. Additionally, when hair is too clean, the color may fade faster and not last as long as desired. Moreover, if the hair is deprived of its natural oils, it becomes more vulnerable during the dyeing process, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage.

Should you dye your hair at home or at a salon for longer-lasting color?

In reality, the choice between dyeing your hair at home or going to a salon depends on various factors such as dyeing techniques, dye quality, and post-dyeing care. However, if your goal is to achieve an accurate and long-lasting color, then dyeing your hair at a professional salon is usually the optimal choice.

The market offers a wide range of hair dyes with different ingredients and purposes. If consumers lack professional knowledge and blindly choose to “dye their hair at home,” it can lead to several issues.

Expert Seven emphasizes, “From a professional hairstylist’s perspective, I don’t encourage clients to dye their hair at home.” Apart from the inability to control the evenness of the dye application, which can result in color variations in the hair, home dyeing can also cause scalp burns, allergies, color stains, and other problems if the wrong product is chosen. Improper use of hair dye can lead to color blotching or locking, requiring corrective measures such as hair bleaching, shampooing, or even mist dyeing, which can be more time-consuming and costly.

In summary, if you’re only aiming for a basic color change and have hair care experience, dyeing your hair at home can be a cost-effective option. However, if you want to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting color while avoiding hair damage, visiting a professional salon remains the safer and more efficient choice.