Have you ever wondered why hair salons wash your hair after coloring it? Although washing your hair after coloring may seem like an unnecessary effort, there is research to support this practice. Understanding why some procedures are done in a salon can help you maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair, ensuring that your new color lasts as long as possible.
This article will explain why hairdressers wash your hair after coloring it and some tips on how to take care of colored hair.
The Science Behind Hair Coloring
Hair dye is made up of a variety of chemicals that work together to change the pigmentation of your hair. The most important component is known as “oxidative dyes,” which interact with hair protein to change the color of your hair. Ammonia, which is typically present in dyes, aids in opening the hair’s cuticle so that color may penetrate the hair strands.
In addition to the different conditioning agents that protect your hair from damage during coloring, hair dyes also often contain hydrogen peroxide, which is used to activate the oxidative dyes.
These chemicals are harsh on your hair. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your hair both before and after coloring. Some color molecules stay on the surface of your hair shaft after the dye has been applied and rinsed away. If this residue isn’t removed, it could cause fading or discoloration over time, which could be harmful. To prevent this problem, hair salons always do a wash and conditioner to remove any pigment molecules that may still be on your scalp and hair. This helps to make sure that all dye is thoroughly removed from your hair, preventing further harm.
After coloring, use gentle shampoo and conditioner, and try to limit the use of heated hair styling tools. To keep your hair strong and healthy, you might also consider applying hair masks or a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
Why Do Salons Wash Your Hair After Coloring?
1. To Get Rid of Extra Dye
After coloring your hair, washing helps the color spread evenly and gets rid of any extra pigment. This will prevent your hair from dripping dyes for the remainder of your appointment.
In addition, salon-quality dye is far stronger than the dye you’ll get in at-home dye kits. Removing excess pigments helps to guarantee that your hair does not absorb too much color and becomes darker than desired.
2. To Make You Feel Comfortable
Sometimes all you need to unwind after a stressful day is the sensation of hot water and shampoo on your head.
After coloring your hair, washing it in hot water might also make you feel more at ease. It can be a soothing sensation when coupled with a scalp massage.
3. Restoring Hair’s Natural pH
The natural pH balance of the hair and scalp can be tampered with by alkaline chemicals used in hair coloring. Washing your hair helps to restore this pH balance, preserving the health of your hair and scalp.
4. Enhancing Color Longevity
After dyeing your hair, cleaning and conditioning it might help the color last longer. Color-protecting chemicals found in conditioners cover the hair and aid to preserve color, keeping it vibrant for longer.
5. Neutralizing the Chemical Process
After coloring your hair, hairdressers typically wash it to neutralize the chemical process. Acidic shampoos and conditioners are frequently used after coloring, which aids in sealing the cuticle that was opened during the coloring procedure. This prevents any harm to the hair shaft while also sealing in the new color.
6. To Prepare Your Hair for the Next Treatment
Washing your hair makes it ready for the rest of your salon services, whether you’re receiving a blowout, blowdry, or keratin treatment.
Washing your hair will assist your stylist conduct your next service or treatment correctly because the majority of styling procedures work best on clean hair.
By washing your hair right after coloring it, you also avoid having your color contaminate their pricey style products and destroy them.
7. To Introduce New Products to You
Many hairdressers receive a commission for every item they sell a product. The more items your stylist uses throughout your appointment, the more likely you are to find one you like.
After dyeing your hair, washing it is essentially a promotional opportunity.
Salon shampoos and conditioners have wonderful scents and make your hair feel exceptionally silky and smooth. It makes sense that you would want to take them home.
Should Hair Be Washed Before Or After Coloring?
Before coloring your hair, it’s always a good idea to wash it.
By doing this, you can aid to get rid of any dirt, oil, or product buildup that might hinder the color from absorbing evenly.
If you had previously colored your hair at home, it’s also a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any old color that might react with the new color and produce an undesirable color.
Should You Wash Your Hair After Coloring It at Home?
It’s advised to wait at least 24 hours after coloring your hair if you’re not a professional. While stylists might wash your hair immediately after coloring it, at-home colorists aren’t advised to do the same. After coloring your hair, washing it will cause the color to fade faster.
If you are unable to wait that long, use a shampoo and conditioner that is color-safe, and refrain from rinsing your hair with hot water.
You can always choose a dry shampoo if you’re still concerned about washing your hair too soon.
This will absorb any extra oil and leave your colored hair feeling fresh and clean without the use of water.
How To Wash Hair After Dyeing It At Home
Even though it might seem obvious, thoroughly washing dyed hair after applying hair dye is essential to preserving the color and quality of your locks.
Here’s how to do it correctly.
- Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and cool water. Avoid using hot water since it will remove the color from your hair.
- Massage your scalp with your fingertips to create a lather, then thoroughly rinse.
- If required, repeat this process, but don’t overdo it since this can also strip the color from your hair.
- After shampooing, add conditioner and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing it out. This will help to keep the color in place and prevent it from fading.
How Soon After Dyeing My Hair Can I Wash It?
The type of color you used and the condition of your hair both have a significant impact on the answer.
You can typically wash your hair right away without any issues if you used a semi-permanent or temporary color.
However, it’s preferable to wait at least 24 hours after using a permanent color before washing your hair.
This provides the color enough time to completely set and protects your hair from damage from frequent shampooing.
To keep your new color looking vibrant and healthy, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair.
Washing Your Hair After Color: Dos and Don’ts
If you want your color to last, proper washing is crucial. Therefore, below is a list of dos and don’ts when washing color-treated hair.
Dos
- Use Color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Pay special attention to your scalp.
- Rinse your hair with cool or cold water.
- Use color-boosting products to refresh your color.
- To keep your color brilliant, use a showerhead filter.
- Use a dry shampoo to absorb extra oils and avoid washing your hair right away.
Don’ts
- Don’t use hot water to wash your hair to prevent fading
- Avoid harsh or stripping hair products.
- Don’t wash your hair in hot water, the color will fade.
- Avoid clarifying shampoo until you’re ready to fade your color.
- Don’t forget to deep condition your hair after coloring it.
- Hot oil treatments should not be used on freshly colored hair.
- Do not wash your hair soon after coloring it.
- Avoid using products containing sulfates or drying alcohols.
- Don’t wash your hair more frequently than twice or three times per week.
5 Post Coloring Hair Care Tips
1. Use Dry Shampoo
You must maintain proper hygiene, so in between washes, use a color-safe dry shampoo to remove product buildup, grease, and dirt from your hair. Frequent dry shampooing will remove the dirt and filth without fading the color of your hair.
2. Maintain a healthy diet.
Your diet greatly affects the condition and appearance of your hair. A good diet provides the energy that promotes hair growth and luster. Iron- and protein-rich foods nourish your scalp and hair by helping to form keratin, a protein that fortifies your hair, enhances its texture, and promotes hair growth.
3. Use A Color Protectant Shampoo
Your choice of shampoo is a key factor in preventing your hair color from fading. Use a shampoo made specifically for hair with color treatments when you do wash your hair. It will both protect and regulate the hair’s PH. Shampoos which are color-safe keep your hair’s color vibrant and prevent it from fading shortly afterward.
4. Refrain from using heat styling equipment for a few days after coloring
After the color treatment, your hair is vulnerable to chemicals and heat. Therefore, it is advised to refrain from using style products on your hair for a few days, such as hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Apply an anti-heat spray to your hair to protect it if you must use these tools to style your hair. The heat can make your hair appear duller and could lead to frizzy, dry, and damaged hair in the end.
5. Use Conditioners
To prevent dryness, dry hair, and long-term damage after coloring your hair, it’s crucial to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. An excellent conditioner will help with this. However, conditioners also help to detangle hair and provide your locks with the nutrients they need to protect against damaging environmental factors. Additionally, conditioners offer protection that can help maintain the color of your hair by preventing fading. Use a thick conditioner at least twice or three times a week to give your hair the moisture it needs.
Is It Healthy To Color Your Hair?
The health of your hair can be impacted by hair coloring in both positive and negative ways. Here are some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Covering gray hair: Coloring can help hide gray hair and give you a more youthful appearance.
- Confidence-booster: Changing your hair color might make you feel more attractive and more confident.
- Changes appearance: Coloring can alter the appearance of your hair, enabling you to test out various looks and color combinations.
Cons
- Chemical toxicity: The use of chemicals in hair coloring poses a risk for hair and scalp. This may eventually result in brittle, dry hair and even hair loss.
- Allergic reactions: Some people can have itching, redness, or other symptoms after dyeing their hair, as a result of allergies to hair coloring products.
- Fading: Hair color will fade with time, particularly if you expose your hair to chlorine, the sun, or other environmental elements.
It’s crucial to pick a reputable stylist who uses quality products and to be informed of any potential risks if you’re thinking about coloring your hair.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why hair stylists wash your hair after coloring it, but rest assured that your stylist understands what they’re doing.
By understanding the logic behind why salons insist on this process, you can better prepare for any future color treatments, knowing that you’re doing everything necessary to keep your locks looking brilliant for years to come! You can have attractive color-treated locks without worrying about fading or damage if you take appropriate care of them.
If you need more information on the need of washing your hair after coloring it, don’t be afraid to ask your hairstylist.
