How to Prepare Your Hair for Your Colour Appointment
A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're about to get your hair coloured, whether it's a subtle change or a bold transformation, proper preparation is key to ensuring the best results. A little care before your appointment can make a huge difference in the outcome of your colour, leaving you with healthy, vibrant hair. Here's how to prepare your hair for your colour appointment:
1. Do Not Wash Your Hair the Night Before
While it might seem tempting to go to your colour appointment with freshly washed hair, it's actually better to skip washing it the night before. Your hair's natural oils help protect the scalp and provide a barrier between the color and your skin. These oils can help reduce irritation and make the coloring process more comfortable. Aim to wash your hair 24–48 hours before your appointment for the best results.
2. Avoid Styling Products
Try to avoid using heavy styling products, such as gels, hairsprays, or leave-in conditioners, in the days leading up to your appointment. Product buildup on the hair can create a barrier, making it more difficult for the color to penetrate properly. Stick to a light leave-in conditioner or a nourishing serum if you need something to tame your hair, but avoid anything too heavy.
3. Hydrate Your Hair
Coloring can sometimes be a drying process, so it's important to keep your hair well-moisturized beforehand. Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask a couple of days before your appointment to ensure your hair is in the best possible condition. This will help the colour take evenly and minimize damage.
4. Consult With Your Colourist in Advance
Before you head to the salon, have a consultation with your colourist. If you're trying a new shade, it’s important to discuss your goals, your hair history (any past colour treatments or chemical treatments), and the look you're going for. Bringing reference photos can help communicate exactly what you're envisioning, so there are no surprises.
6. Avoid Chemical Treatments
If possible, avoid any chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, or straightening treatments a few weeks before your color appointment. Your hair may be more sensitive to colour after undergoing a chemical treatment, which can affect how the colour adheres or develops.
7. Wear Comfortable Clothing
While not directly related to hair prep, wearing comfortable clothing to your appointment can make a difference, especially if you'll be in the salon for a while. Although we are as careful as possible sometimes accidents can happen so maybe don’t wear your favourite top or pants.
8. Arrive With Clean, Dry Hair
On the day of your appointment, try to arrive with clean, dry hair (unless your colourist has instructed otherwise). While you shouldn’t wash it right before, hair that's too greasy or dirty can make the colour process a bit trickier. A light brushing before you arrive also helps ensure the process goes smoothly.
9. Be Honest About Your Hair's History
Make sure to be transparent with your colourist about your hair's history, especially if you’ve coloured your hair previously. This will help them assess the best way to achieve your desired results while ensuring your hair stays healthy throughout the process.
By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and satisfying colour appointment. Preparing your hair ahead of time is a simple way to achieve vibrant, long-lasting colour that looks and feels amazing. Ready to change up your look? Book your appointment today!