Washing Your Hair Before Colouring: The Essential Guide
You’ve booked your dream hair colour appointment and can’t wait for your transformation! But one question might linger: should you wash your hair beforehand or not? This isn’t a simple yes-or-no question. Let’s discuss the best approach and other tips for achieving gorgeous, long-lasting results.
The Ideal Hair Canvas: Not Too Clean, Not Too Oily
The key to flawless colour is finding a happy medium. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Oily Hair: If your hair gets greasy easily, washing it 24-48 hours before your appointment is a good idea. This way, your stylist can work with fresh, but not squeaky clean, hair.
- Normal or Dry Hair: Embrace your natural oils! Day-old or even second-day hair provides some protection and moisture for a healthier-looking colour—no need to wash the day of your appointment.
Bleaching: The Same Rules Apply
Whether you’re going for platinum blonde or pastel highlights, the balance between clean and naturally conditioned hair still matters. Follow the same guidelines as above for your best hair day.
When It’s Okay to Colour Damp Hair
Sometimes, your stylist might recommend freshly washed hair, depending on the desired results. When applied to damp locks, techniques like wet balayage or certain toners create a softer, blended effect. Trust your stylist to guide you so they can achieve your desired look.
Prep Tips for Stunning Colour
- Focus on Hair Health: The healthier your hair feels before your appointment, the better your colour will look. Nourishing masks and leave-in treatments create a vibrant, glossy base for your new shade.
- The Big Chop – Before or After?: Talk to your stylist during your consultation about trimming your hair before or after colouring. This can affect how highlights and toning are applied, so it’s best to have a clear plan.
After Your Colour: When to Wash
How long should you wait before washing once you have your perfect new shade? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s the general rule of thumb:
- Listen to Your Hair: Aim to wait as long as possible before washing, ideally until your hair feels ready to refresh.
- Colour Longevity: Frequent washing can shorten the lifespan of some hair colours. If possible, wait a few days to maximise vibrancy.
- Use the Right Products: When it is time to wash, choose a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner designed to preserve your beautiful new shade. Your stylist will recommend the perfect products for your hair type.
Choose Professional, Choose Quality
Choose Blackheath Hair & Co!
- ×Penelope Woodman04/10/24Having had my hair cut atrociously by the incompetence of Supercuts Lakeside mistakenly thinking an instant appointment was worth trying out when between stylists, then seeing when shopping they’d shut 1.5hrs early, thought of lovely Blackheath and looked up reviews. Helen had exceptional reviews and they weren’t wrong. The salon is superb with gorgeous decor and a relaxing feel. Helen’s very talented and Blackheath Hair & Co is where I shall be revisiting going forward. Highly recommended. Easy parking in the area. Well priced. Thank you! Xx×Lisa MacKenzie28/09/24I had a wonderful experience at Blackheath hair. I am new to the area and looking for a reliable and friendly salon. Helen was amazing, so friendly and welcoming. Helped me decide what to do with my thinning hair and gave some great advice. Helen cut my hair beautifully and I am really pleased - it’s taken years off me. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you
- ×Claudia09/08/24My visit at Blackheath Hair & Co was simply perfect. I was greeted with a warm welcome, and explained what I wanted. Helen was a gem and cut my hair beautifully! She had a challenge as I ruined my own hair but she managed to save it and made it look the best it ever has. Will definitely go back.Thank you Helen!
- ×El B20/07/24Nadia cut my 3 year old daughter's hair and a great job! She was completely happy throughout and Nadia even platted it in two french plaits afterwards which still looked just as good 3 days later when we took them out to wash it! I would highly recommend her if you're looking for a hairdresser for young children.
- ×My Le Tran14/07/24Danny cut and coloured my hair this week and he was an absolute star. I am thrilled with the transformation and the shade was perfect. He really listened to what I wanted and needed ( short low maintenance hair) and his suggestion to go lighter with less frequent pop ins to top up was so helpful. I really appreciated his suggestion and am in love with the outcome. Thanks a lot Danny!×Jane Bujakowski14/07/24I had a really lovely experience - Emily took the time to talk me through what she recommended based on photos and it’s my favourite haircut in years! Overall service was great, lovely head massage and my hair was finished really nicely as well! Will definitely be going back!
- ×Hanna Byrne08/06/24A wonderful experience. My stylist took the time to listen to me and provided great advice and kept me informed about what she was doing. I received an excellent head massage as I got my hair washed - it was incredibly relaxing. I was offered a drink and there was an entire menu to choose from. The decor and ambience are lovely. And, of course, my finished hairstyle was exactly what I was looking for - my hair is healthy and glossy again. Can't wait to come back.
- ×T R30/05/24I had been wanting to cut my hair into a blunt Bob for months and found blackheath hair&Co on Instagram and really liked Nadia’s work so booked an appointment. She knew exactly what look I was going for and was very thorough compared to other stylists I’ve had in the past. I’m now loving my new Bob haircut and will definitely be back. Thank you x×Tania Read22/05/24Having been highly recommend to book in with Kelsey, I was and am absolutely delighted with how she did my cut and colour! Amazing attention to detail. Very very happy! From first contacting the salon via phone, popping in for a consultation and chatting through a few things with the team, it's been an incredibly professional and wonderfully friendly experience. Made sure I was booked in again before I left! 🙂
- ×Suzanne Burton26/04/24After a fraught time getting to the salon in the rain, I was warmly welcomed and calmed by Danny, my stylist. For a first time client, I was impressed by the instant friendly environment. Danny listened to what I wanted and provided a great service. Fabulous head massage during the washing process. Will be returning.
- ×Becky W04/04/24Obsessed with this place. Emily, the stylist I picked is so kind and her work is incredible. They offer you free (really good) expresso drinks and the entire staff you can tell love their jobs. If you’re like me and get your fringe done, they will keep it up for you for free. Highly recommended.×Victoria Brooks04/04/24I loved my first experience here from start to finish! The team are all extremely welcoming and my stylist, Nadia, took the time to listen to my preferences and long term hair goals. She completely understood my hair and my colour goals. I honestly couldn’t believe the difference in my hair after the colour, treatment, cut and blow dry. It looked so sleek, healthy and revived. I’ve already booked in again! The salon itself is beautifully presented, clean, modern and stylish. The team are extremely attentive and went the extra mile to ensure I was comfortable!
- ×Liza Cebula31/03/24Absolutely thrilled with my experience at this salon! Danny did an incredible job with my highlights. He was not only very friendly but also listened carefully to what I wanted, ensuring the best results possible. I left feeling so happy with my hair and will definitely be back! Highly recommend!
- ×Rosemary Barron08/02/24My appointment yesterday was a breath of fresh air. In the past I’ve had awful experiences where stylists at other salons did not listen and choose to do what they wanted to my hair. Yesterday my stylist Emily was very kind and made me feel very comfortable and at ease. She listened to my requests and also made a few suggestions that worked!! I am so happy with the end result, and now feel I have that confidence to go back without worry. Thank you Emily
- ×Natalie Knezic20/01/24Beyond thrilled with my experience at Blackheath Hair & Co! Getting platinum blonde is no easy feat, but the amazing team there went above and beyond. Three stylists worked their magic, meticulously layering tones and highlighting until I had the exact icy blonde I was dreaming of. Their expertise and attention to detail were truly impressive, and they made the whole process fun and relaxing. My hair has never looked better, and I can't stop smiling at my platinum perfection!
- ×A H03/12/23First time at this salon and will definitely be back. Nadia cut my hair and made the whole experience really pleasant and relaxing. She obviously enjoys hairdressing and took her time making sure I was perfectly happy with the cut. She listened, gave advice but didn't push me and gave me a great precision haircut. I'm extremel fussy and I left perfectly happy which hardly ever happens. I've been to about 20 different salons in Londons and this compared favorably to one in Marylebone where I paid about double the price of this cut. Recommended. (Long hair, had a trim, long layers and straight fringe.)×Sarah Walters03/11/23I'm not a huge fan of getting my hair cut (probably a result of being dragged along to my mum's appointments as a child), but I had an interview for a job I really wanted, so I thought I would splash out. My appointment was with Danny, who last cut my hair in 2018! He gave me a lovely, easy to maintain cut and he also washed my hair, which was so good it was more like a head massage! It wasn't cheap, but it was quality, and if you choose a hairdresser in Blackheath Village you expect to pay more. Best of all, I got the job, so it achieved the objective! I might not leave it 5 years in future...
- ×ashley ahern03/10/23I have been to Blackheath Hair & Co a handful of times since I moved to the area. My stylist Nadia has always gone to great lengths to really listen to what I’m after and talk me through the process. Both cut and colour are always exactly what was described and I will definitely be coming back! The salon experience is always nice and relaxed and the staff are friendly and obliging.
- ×Yolanda03/10/23I had my hair done for the first time at Blackheath & Co with Helen and I’m so happy! Having gone to other salons and not quite getting it right, Helen listened and made sure it was perfect! The salon is lovely and everyone is super friendly, have already booked my next colour and cut. X
- ×AmberAnne Allen03/10/23Fantastic - haven’t been to the hairdressers in about 10 years and after moving to London at the beginning of the year I decided I wanted a change. I finally made an appointment with Danny and he was great. Not only does my hair look fantastic, he was really kind and chatty and just all round lovely, I totally trusted him. All the staff were lovely and it was just such a good vibe. Defo feel like I’ve found my regular hairdressers×Kathlynn Nguyen03/09/23So pleased with my hair, absolutely love the colour and cut! I had such a nice time with Nadia at my appointment today, she was so welcoming and helpful which made the session so relaxing. Literally the best experience with her as she was so kind throughout the colour correction process. Only been a day but I have gotten alot of compliments! Will definitely come back 🙂
- ×jacqueline mason-hamlyn03/09/23My first visit to this salon and because of a recent injury I was in a wheelchair. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the staff who made my visit as comfortable as possible. My hairdresser was Helen and I was equally overwhelmed by the great haircut she gave me. The cut was fantastic and retained the style after first wash with minimum effort. I am very happy with the service I received and will be making a return visit and definitely recommend Helen as a stylist.×Preeti Kharb03/09/23I had an amazing experience with Danny! He gave me a fabulous lob cut with curtain bangs that perfectly suits my face shape. The attention to detail and skill he demonstrated were impressive. I couldn't be happier with the result! Highly recommend Danny for his expertise and friendly demeanor. Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐×Catherine Rodrigues03/09/23I had my haircut at blackheath and co for the first time last month and was very happy with the service and hairstyle. I get very anxious about having my haircut, but Emily (my hairstylist) has been amazing sharing her knowledge/expertise and doing an amazing job with my haircut. Definitely coming back again!
- ×Caitlin Turner03/08/23Very welcoming and friendly staff upon arrival and throughout the entire time I was there. It was my first time here and i would extremely recommend going, they listened to what I wanted and gave recommendations. Overall great hairdressers. :)) I had Danny cut and style my hair and he was amazing! Will definitely be booking in with him again.×Lisa D03/08/23First time here & will not be the last. Booked my hair with Nadia who is lovely. Very talented young stylist. She was amazing & made me feel welcome & comfortable. I left feeling a million dollars & have already had lots of compliments on how great my hair looks. This salon & Nadia are great finds
- ×D. Georgiana03/04/23First time here and I will definitely come back! Nadia was such a sweetheart, very transparent with what she could have done with my hair and what she could not. She explained how I should wash my hair correctly, how to dry it and even showed me how to style my hair! It did make my experience wonderful as I was whiter nervous being my first time at a new salon. I will definitely book with Nadia again ❤️×Gillian Irvine Simpson03/04/23Lisa is just amazing - and beautiful as well! I've seen Lisa a number of times and every time she nails it. She listens to your needs and provides guidance; understands what you want and how to achieve it. She is fantastic at colouring, and that's where a hair stylist really demonstrates their skills. I wouldn't see anyone else!