Here our hair expert settles the debate once and for all: should you wash your hair before a trip to the salon?
“It’s the age-old question – to wash, or not to wash?
“There are thousands of videos on social platforms like TikTok weighing in on the matter of washing your hair before a salon treatment and whether it matters, with many people disagreeing on the right answer.
“Some argue that arriving for your appointment with clean hair shows courtesy to your stylists, while others argue that certain services benefit from hair being unwashed.
“The truth depends on the service you’re booked in for. Here’s when to suds it up or leave your hair alone…
Dry cuts
“If you’re opting for a dry cut then clean and dry hair is a must as residual oils, product build-up and scalp flakiness can affect the precision of the cut.
“Stylists rely on the natural fall and movement of your hair to determine how much they cut and how to shape your locks. Any interference could create uneven results as buildup can weigh your locks down.
“Washing it the day of your appointment or the day before will ensure you look your best. Plus, your stylist will thank you for it.
“Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any oil and residue and make sure your hair is completely dry before your appointment.
Wet cut and blow-dry
“In most cases, washing your hair won’t be necessary and your stylist will wash it for you as part of the service. They’ll thoroughly shampoo and condition your hair so it’s clean and prepped for a cut.
If your hair is excessively dirty or greasy, consider a light wash the day before to remove any heavy buildup so your stylist can section and style your hair effectively.
“This will also help them avoid spending a longer amount of time properly cleansing your hair.
Colour services
“There’s a common myth that ‘dirty’ hair is easier to colour than clean hair, but there are caveats to this.
“While a small amount of natural oils can minimise scalp irritation during the bleaching process, overly greasy hair will act as a barrier and prevent an even application and proper absorption.
“If you’re applying regular colour to your hair, consider washing your locks a day or two before the appointment, and if you’re bleaching your hair, wash it two to three days before to allow some natural oils to build up.
“However, this also depends on your hair type and how quickly your hair becomes greasy. If it becomes dirty quickly, opt for one day before, and if it takes a while for oils to build up, you can leave a larger gap between wash day and your appointment.
Smoothing treatments
“Smoothing treatments like keratin and nanoplastia are designed to smooth and strengthen hair, and for optimal results, you’ll need it to be fresh.
“Most salons include a clarifying shampoo wash as part of the service to remove any oils and residue before applying the treatment, but this is not guaranteed.
“Arriving with freshly washed hair that’s free from any conditioner or styling products will allow the keratin formula to penetrate more deeply to create the desired look you’re after.
“Washing your hair yourself will also mean your scalp and locks will be squeaky clean in the event a shampoo service is offered.
Styling services
“For a simple blowout, you’ll want to arrive at your appointment with clean and dry hair unless otherwise instructed by your stylist.
“Some salons prefer clients to skip washing so they can tailor prep to the desired style. The best results of a blowout will be on clean hair, but alternative styles like updos will benefit from hair that has a bit of texture to it.
“Again, this can also depend on your hair type. Oilier hair types will need to wash their hair closer to an appointment while normal and dry hair types will benefit from washing their hair a day or two before an appointment for an up-do.
Hair extensions installation
“Whether you’re getting tape-ins, nano tips, or flat tip extensions, the cleanliness of your hair is crucial. Freshly washed and clean hair will help the extensions to adhere properly and maximise their longevity.
“Wash your hair the night before your appointment with a sulphate-free shampoo and skip any heavy conditioners or treatments to avoid creating any surface residue that could interfere with the bonding process.”
Comments by Hair Expert Nicole Petty of Milk & Blush
