“I haven’t washed my hair in. few days, good thing I'm going to the salon today….” Many people wonder the same thing when planning a trip to the hairdresser: should I wash my hair? I can help answer a few questions to get you a better end result, and save your stylist’s valuable time. For cutting purposes, it’s best to come in unwashed and dry so the stylist can see how you wear your hair on a normal basis, and how you like it styled. Also, getting shampooed is one of the best parts of the visit. Give us a chance to give you the full effect instead of a “quick wash” because you shampooed that morning.
For color, things can get complicated, and depends on your service type. If you’re getting on-scalp color, say grey coverage or a bleach and tone (fully blonde from root to tip), it’s best you don’t shampoo the day of. You shouldn’t wait more than two days, though. Why? Because natural oils do help protect your scalp from unnecessary irritation, but more than a day or two and your color may not take as well, and not fully cover the grey. Too much natural oils on top of hair products can cause a barrier. Plus, it may force your stylist to have to wash your hair before the service, and not allocate the time to chat with you and give the best possible service. When foiling, nothing is being applied directly to the scalp (unless you get both grey coverage and foils, of course). In this case, you can go a few days more (if that floats your boat). You will be shampooed before the toning step, and all will be right in the world. Also, if your hair is too clean, it may be difficult for your stylist to grip the soft hair with enough tension. Balayage. Okay, so I would have to categorized this with foiling. But be mindful of how much product you’ve used. If you can’t run a comb through your hair or you can smell the brand of tequila you drank on Saturday night, do us all a favor, and shampoo lightly with little conditioner.
Dry shampoo might be the best thing since sliced bread, but if you know you’re coming in to see us and you want the best possible results, use your best judgment. Can you run your fingers through? Did you obtain dreadlocks not on purpose? Can you change the oil in your car by ringing out your hair? So, when in doubt, shampoo the day before your visit. You can’t go wrong.
XO,
CHS