Everything To Know Before Going To Salon

For many customers, deciding whether or not to wash their hair before going to the salon can be a common dilemma. The answer usually depends on the type of service you receive, but there are some general guidelines that can help you make the best choice. This blog below is a comprehensive analysis of the considerations involved.

1. ls It Better To Go To The Salon With Unwashed Hair?

Whether it's better to go to the salon with unwashed hair depends largely on the type of service you receive. Here's a breakdown based on services:

Haircuts

Prefer clean hair: For haircuts, it is usually recommended to have clean, dry hair. This allows the stylist to see how your hair falls naturally and assess its texture without the distraction of grease or product buildup. Many stylists prefer to start with clean hair because it helps them better understand your typical styling habits and preferences.

Coloring Hair

Often Recommended for Dirty Hair: When it comes to hair color services, it's a common belief that hair benefits from being slightly dirty (1-3 days after washing). The natural oils on the scalp protect it from potential irritation caused by the chemicals in hair color.

However, clean hair absorbs color better and gives more predictable results because it prevents buildup from interfering with dye application.

2. Should You Wash Your Hair Before Getting Highlights?

When preparing for a highlighting appointment at the salon, whether or not to wash your hair ahead of time may depend on several factors, including the specific type of highlighting service you are receiving.

General Recommendations for Highlights

Prefer clean hair: for highlighting services, it is often recommended to arrive with clean hair. Clean hair allows the stylist to see your natural color and how the highlights will blend in. It also helps to avoid any product buildup that could interfere with the highlighting process.

Time to Wash Your Hair: If you decide to wash your hair, it is often ideal to do so the day before your appointment. This time can produce some natural oils, which can help protect your scalp during the highlighting process while still ensuring your hair is clean.

Avoid heavy products: If you use heavy styling products or dry shampoo, it's best to wash them out before your appointment. These products can create a barrier that can interfere with highlights and may lead to uneven results.

Consult your stylist ahead of time: different stylists may have different preferences based on their techniques and the products they use. It's always a good idea to ask your stylist what they recommend for your specific situation.

3. Should I Wash My Hair Before Going To The Salon For Color?

Here are some practical suggestions when considering whether to wash my hair before going to the salon for color:

For Bleach: If you are going to use bleach, it is usually recommended that you bring slightly dirty hair (unwashed for 1-2 days) to the application in order to allow these natural oils to provide a barrier against chemical burns and discomfort.

For Regular Hair Dye: Clean, dry hair is usually preferred if you are receiving a standard color treatment (without bleach). This ensures that there is no product residue that could interfere with color application and absorption.

Wash your hair 12-24 hours in advance: Many stylists recommend washing your hair 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. This time allows the scalp to produce natural oils that can prevent irritation during the coloring process, while ensuring your hair is clean enough for optimal color absorption.

Avoid washing your hair immediately before coloring: Washing your hair before coloring is usually discouraged, especially if bleach is used. Natural oils can help protect your scalp from potential irritation caused by the chemicals in the dye.

It's best to wash your hair 12-24 hours before coloring in order to retain some of the natural oils. However, if your hair is very oily or you use strong styling products, it may be helpful to wash it earlier.

4.What Not To Do Before Going To The Salon?

There are several important do's and don'ts before heading to the salon to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are the key things to avoid:

Avoid heavy products: In the days leading up to your appointment, do not use heavy styling products, oils or treatments. They create a barrier that interferes with coloring and make it difficult for your stylist to assess the natural texture of the hair.

Do not arrive with wet hair: Unless a treatment is specifically requested, it's best to arrive with dry hair. Wet hair can complicate the cutting and styling process.

Avoid drastic changes: Do not make major changes to your hair (such as a cut or color) prior to your appointment. This may limit the stylist's ability and may affect the final result.

Do not wear restrictive clothing: Avoid turtleneck shirts or white clothing as they may get stained during the coloring process. Clothing that is comfortable and easy to remove is ideal.

Avoid too tight hairstyles: Tightly tied hair (such as ponytails or braids) may leave marks or kinks in your hair, which may detract from the appearance of your hair after a cut or style.

Don't change your services at the last minute: If you need to change the type of service you receive, try to communicate at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute changes can disrupt schedules and affect a stylist's ability to deliver the desired results.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can help ensure that your salon visit goes smoothly and you achieve the look you want. Be sure to consider consulting with your stylist about specific preferences related to their services.

Summary

Overall, whether or not you should wash your hair before going to the salon depends greatly on the services you receive. For haircuts, clean hair is usually best, while for coloring or highlights, it's best to wash 12-24 hours in advance. Be sure to consult your stylist about their specific preferences based on the techniques and products they use. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you arrive at the salon prepared for a successful appointment!