Most hairdressers wash the hair after coloring. However, the general recommendation is to avoid clipping your hair for the first 72 hours after coloring.
There are various reasons why hairdressers wash your hair after coloring. Besides, they use specific products to ensure that the wash cycle does not interfere with the results.
Why do salons wash hair after dyeing?
The main reason hairstylists overlap hair after coloring is to remove residual hair dye. Washing also helps the color to set and seal. It also allows the hairdresser to look at your hair and determine if the color is well distributed and that the results are desired.
Below is a detailed look at why salons wash your hair after coloring.
#1. Remove residual paint
If not washed thoroughly, the color pigment may build up in your hair. As such, the color is unevenly distributed, with areas with build-up appearing darker. Washing the hair also removes loose hair color molecules, ensuring that the hair color does not bleed if it comes into contact with moisture.
#2. Helps the color penetrate
Washing your hair in hot water opens the cat’s claws, allowing the color to penetrate deep into your hair and fibers. As a result, the color stabilizes better for long-lasting results.
#3. Allows the beautician to confirm that the results are as desired
After the excess color is washed off, the beautician takes one last look at the hair to determine if the results are desired. If not, they can make the necessary changes.
#4. can be an opportunity for hair care
Dyeing hair can strip it of moisture and essential oil, leaving it dry and brittle. Conditioning the hair after coloring restores moisture to the hair strands. Some manufacturers include a post-dye conditioner on the hair dye kit for this purpose.
Your stylist can apply the conditioner alone after washing your hair. Alternatively, they can shampoo the hair before applying the conditioner.
#5. Prepares your hair for subsequent hair treatments
For example, if your hair has undertones after coloring, applying a toner can help remove the undertones and achieve the desired color. Washing the hair after coloring removes loose and excess color molecules and helps the toner set better.
It is best to apply the toner to damp, non-dripping hair. After washing it, pat the excess water and then apply the toner. Washing off excess paint prevents it from being transferred to the salon’s design equipment.
Can you wash hair after dyeing it at home?
If you dye your hair at home, it is not recommended to wash it immediately afterwards. This is because home coloring kits wash off easily. Hairdressers use professional quality dyes, which are stronger. Unlike at-home coloring kits, they set and seal better to the hair.
Therefore, there is minimal fading when washing the hair. As such, washing your hair immediately after coloring it at home can cause it to fade. Ideally, you should just wash it off with water and wait at least 72 hours for the color to set before shampooing.
Even so, take precautions when washing dyed hair to prevent the color from washing off and protect the hair from damage.
Tips for washing hair after dyeing
- Use cool water. This keeps the nails closed to prevent the paint from washing off the shaft. On the other hand, hot water opens the nails and removes the color molecules, causing the color to fade.
- Use color safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid sulfate shampoos as they fade the color. Also, avoid shampoos with drying alcohol as they strip the moisture from your hair and scalp. Instead, use a shampoo like purple or blue shampoo, which help the color settle and remove any undertones.
- Space out your wash cycles. Avoid washing dyed hair too often. 1-2 washes per week are enough. In the meantime, use dry shampoo to remove accumulated oil and dirt.
- Deep hair treatment after washing. Massage it gently into the scalp and hair strands and leave it on for two to five minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Washing your hair after dyeing is not recommended for permanent dyeing and dyeing kits at home. However, it is common for hair stylists to wash your hair afterwards to get rid of excess color pigments and help the color pigment penetrate. They use special products to prevent the color from fading.