Did you know that dirty hair can slow down your hair growth, cause ingrown hairs and lead to bad breath? Many people visit hairdressers for various purposes, but what is the common practice? Should you wash your hair before a hair appointment?
If you’re curious about the proper etiquette for visiting a salon, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about what to do before arriving at the salon.
Should you wash your hair before a hair appointment?
In general, it is better to wash your hair before going to the hairdresser. But why should you bother? Many stylists will wash your hair before starting their styling, after all.
There are several reasons to wash your hair before attending your hair appointment. For starters, your stylist will need to see your hair clean to best decide what to do with it.
If your hair is dirty, it may be oilier than when it is clean. Your stylist may assume that your hair has been cleaned and is particularly oily. The dirt can also make your hair look darker, which can cause your stylist to lighten it too much.
In addition, dirty hair can lead to several health risks. You may develop dandruff from the oil build-up or damage your roots.
However, there are several reasons to visit the salon that may make it best to leave your hair unwashed. For example, most hair colors work better on an oily scalp, as the oils protect against irritation.
All in all, it is better to wash your hair beforehand. If in doubt, ask your stylist at the time of your appointment. Some may not care, while others may require clean hair for your salon appointment.
Do salons wash hair before dyeing it?
It depends on the salon, and you should talk to your hairstylist beforehand. The best step is to talk to your stylist and see what their process is.
Most salons will likely wash your hair before coloring it. This helps the hair collect color better and ensures that no dirt gets dyed into your hair. The process also keeps your hair healthy.
Furthermore, your stylist can color your hair safely and without skin irritation. While some colors will probably still irritate your skin, your stylist can minimize this problem.
Is it rude to show up to your hair appointment with dirty hair?
This, again, depends on the stylist – but it also depends on how dirty your hair is. If you’ve skipped washing and your hair is oilier than usual, don’t think of it as gross.
Your stylist has almost certainly worked with dirtier hair than yours. If you are going specifically for a professional wash, there is no need to show up with freshly washed hair. It can also cause damage to wash your hair too often, so skipping a wash the week of your salon trip is fine.
But if your hair is particularly dirty, it may look coarse. You should not skip several weeks of washing in the same visit as your appointment to the hairdresser.
Dirty hair can have a bad smell and a high amount of oil. These features can make it unpleasant to work on your hair as well as make it work significantly more.
In rare cases, some salons may charge more if your hair took more effort than expected.
The best thing to do is discuss washing your hair with your salon stylist. Ask what their policies or preferences are regarding your appointment. Maybe they don’t mind washing unwashed hair at all, or it’s against their policy. If nothing else, you are a thoughtful customer asking about these details!
Advantages and disadvantages of washing hair before going to the salon
For professionals, it is better to keep hair clean for health reasons. Also, make sure there is no dirt or particles in your hair that could disrupt the dyeing. Clean hair is usually easier to work with as well.
On the downside, washing your hair can strip protective oils from your scalp. Many colors are harsh and can irritate your skin. A protective oil on your hair may also help protect it from damage, although it can also cause the color to not stick as well.
Summary
It is usually better to wash your hair before going to the salon. Talk to your stylist beforehand to see what the hairdresser’s preference or hair care guidelines are. You should also make your decision based on the treatment you get at the salon.
When in doubt, wash your hair and discuss what you should do in the future if you intend to visit the salon again.