Should You Wash Your Hair Before Dyeing It?

Whether it’s your first time dyeing your hair at home or your hundredth, there’s a question that has likely crossed your mind: Should you wash your hair before dyeing it? Hopefully, your chosen boxed dye will have instructions indicating whether you should lather up before or after applying your new hue. But if they don’t and you’re still asking yourself “Is it better to dye clean or dirty hair?,” we’ve got you covered. Below, find the pros and cons of washing your hair before dyeing it, plus tips on caring for your freshly-colored tresses. 

When Should You Wash Your Hair Before Coloring?

Washing your hair before dyeing it is, indeed, a good idea. However, this important pre-coloring step isn’t as straightforward as you think. In general, it’s recommended to wash your hair a day or two before your dye session rather than immediately before it. Skipping a day allows for oils to build up on your scalp, which, in turn, helps protect against irritation that can be caused by hair dye. (That’s not to say that you can’t dye freshly washed hair—but if you are, it may be best to use an ammonia-free dye option to reduce any possible irritation).

There are also a few nuances to consider before adding that extra day to your at-home hair dye process. Factors like hair type and the type of dye being used may affect your results. If your hair tends to be oily, you’ll want to make sure your wash window is within 24 hours of your upcoming permanent or semi-permanent dye job. For normal-to-dry hair, that window can stretch up to three days between washing your hair and applying at-home dye. One notable exception is if you’re using a temporary, wash-out hair dye. It’s typically best to apply these to freshly-washed hair, since they’ll only last until your next shampoo session. 

Can You Dye Greasy Hair?

You can dye your hair when it’s greasy and, as noted above, it actually benefits your hair and scalp. The natural oils coat the hair and scalp, which can lead to less hair damage, and it can reduce the risk of potential scalp irritation. Of course, balance is key—while a little greasiness is beneficial, too much my interfere with your dye job. Ultimately, you’re better off dyeing hair that’s a tad greasy as opposed to dyeing squeaky clean (or excessively oily) strands.

As for a preferred type of shampoo, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Simply Clean Shampoo with Essential Oil and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Simply Clean Conditioner with Essential Oil. The gentle duo deeply cleanses and conditions without sulfates, synthetic fragrances or parabens that can weigh down the hair and cause irritation. If you have curly strands, try a pair made specifically for textured hair, such as the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner.

What Not To Do Before Dyeing Your Hair

Along with washing your hair right before dyeing it, avoid applying any styling products, like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioners. While you can color dirty hair, styling products can contribute to buildup and may affect the way the hair dye absorbs. There’s also no need to add heat to your hair before coloring it, so be sure to leave the hot tools for well after your hair is dyed and dried. 

Our Best At-Home Hair Dye Kits

Trying a new hue can be overwhelming, from the process to finding the right products. To help you sort through your options, we’re breaking down several different at-home hair dye options that L’Oréal Paris has to offer. Before applying your chosen dye, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly for a more specific answer to the question “When should I wash my hair before coloring it?” 

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes Permanent Hair Color

If you have a particularly sensitive scalp, reach for an ammonia-free hair dye. This range is a great way to lock in a new hue without sacrificing comfort, as it’s formulated to be gentle on the scalp and strands. Plus, it delivers the long-lasting intensity and vibrancy of a permanent hair dye and features a Pro-Keratin Complex to help protect hair as it colors. Choose from eight natural-looking shades from light blonde to inky black. 

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color

If you’re sold on at-home hair dye and you’re aiming for a long-lasting, high-shine color, opt for a permanent hair color kit. This line offers a fade-resistant color that lasts up to eight weeks and is available in more than 50 shades that will keep your strands looking vibrant for months.

L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color

For a permanent color with a shimmery twist, try this luminous at-home hair dye. The lineup includes a vast range of bold shades custom-blended by L’Oréal Paris master colorists, from natural hues to vivid crimsons, dusty mauves, and shimmering pastels.

L'Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color

This permanent hair color line was specifically designed with an exclusive triple protection system that deeply cares for hair and provides 100 percent gray hair coverage on even the most stubborn grays. It features a caring complex that protects hair as it colors, plus the thicker consistency of the cream formula helps to cut down on drips and spills during the application process. 

4 Tips for Maintaining Your Color-Treated Hair

Taking care of colored hair at home is actually pretty easy, but it may involve switching up your hair routine a bit. Here are three tips and a helpful product to consider for maintaining color-treated hair.

1. Try a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

In general, you’ll want to wait about 24 to 48 hours after dyeing your hair to wash it. It’s important to allow time for the hair color set and for your hair’s cuticle layer to fully close without the potential risk of fading color When it is time to lather up, make sure that you’re using products meant for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair collection. The lineup—which includes a pre-shampoo treatment as well as a shampoo and conditioner—helps to reinforce weakened hair bonds to strengthen damaged color-treated hair from the inside out. 

2. Reach for a nourishing mask

Repeatedly dyeing your hair can contribute to dryness and dullness over time. To help keep your strands looking silky, we suggest adding a nourishing mask, like the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, to your weekly hair routine. This indulgent balm features a 17 percent repair concentrate and helps deeply condition the strands, repairing up to one year of damage to hair smoothness in a single use. You can use it daily or as needed to help promote smooth, nourished tresses. 

3. Go heatless

It’s best to limit your usage of hot tools if you have colored hair, as the heat can cause your color to fade faster while potentially damaging your already fragile strands. If you do need to use a hot tool, always be sure to grab a heat protectant before doing so. We love the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, as it helps protect against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and leaves the hair looking nourished, shiny, and smooth without any weigh-down. 

4. Use an at-home toner 

Even permanent color will fade eventually. When you’re in between hair color sessions and need a pigment pick-me-up that boosts shine and enhances your color, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. The at-home gloss is suitable for all hair types and textures and comes in a range of hues to help enhance color-treated hair. There’s also a clear formula for virgin tresses that need deep conditioning and a brightness boost. 

Next Up: How to Go From Brown to Blonde Hair While Keeping Your Hair Healthy