Dying Hair Question.....Dirty Hair, is it okay?

[JadenLayne]

I want to dye my hair before vacation this weekend. I'm dying it the same color that it is but just covering the greys and making it even.

Anyway on the box it says to color your hair while it's dirty. Maybe it doesn't say dirty but not right after you wash it.

Well I usually wash my hair each and every day. Last night I got in late and was tired and thought I was going swimming today so I didn't wash it. Is it okay for me to go ahead and color it now or should I wash it and then color it?

I really need to do it tonight because I know I'm going to be at the Pool Thursday and I need one day to let it set before swimming.

So what do you think?

 

[OceanAnnie]

I think you are fine. I'd do it. I highlight my hair and I've done it with washed/unwashed hair. No problems.

When you go swimming (pool), do you coat your hair with conditioner first? I do. I jump in the shower & smooth in some conditioner. It keeps the pool chemicals from breaking down the color. Helps it last longer. It was a tip I got from a hair dresser long ago. HTH!

 

[Stucas]

I actually prefer to have my hair very dirty when I color, at least a week of non washing. For me the color looks nicer, dries out my hair less, and burns my scalp less.

 

[Honu]

I think you're fine. I've heard the purpose of not having freshly washed hair is that the natural oils you secrete help protect your scalp from the chemicals.

 

[JadenLayne]

Thank you so much!!!!! I should have said I want to go in the pool! I wanted to go in the pool today, got up, put my suite on opened the door and it was thundering in the sunshine. It's rained on and off all day long. Supposed to do the same tomorrow. So hopefully by Thursday the sun will be back!

 

[julie_yet]

I dyed my "clean" hair once before and it seemed to dry it out. It's better if it's at least a day after you've washed it.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

you're supposed to not wash it the day you dye it.

 

[KariC]

You brave soul....I could never color my own hair! It would end up so funky.

Anyway, my "shear genius" stylist tells me dirty hair for color. (She's not on the show....she's way better!). In fact, if I wash it in the morning before an appt, she wants me to use a product or two, even if I don't style it.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

At least 1 day without washing it.. preferably 2. The color will take better, and yes, when you're swimming, use a sealant (color seal by pantene) or just use spray on/leave in conditioner.

 

[Cool-Beans]

The girl who used to do my hair told me to come with dirty hair for coloring.

The new girl (who I don't like as much) washes it first.

I see no difference and don't know who is right.

 

[Jeanny]

don't wash it the same day you're coloring. Or if you wash it in the morning and do the coloring at night, that should be ok, that should be enough time for your natural oils to come back up.

 

[JadenLayne]

I'm going to color it in a few minutes. Then wash it possibly tomorrow night. Would that be okay?

 

[julie_yet]

^Yeah, that should be fine.

 

[JadenLayne]

Thank you all so much!

 

[Buckalew11]

I prefer coloring at least day old hair. Less sensitive scalp is my reasoning.

BUT, I prefer to wash it afterward. Does the box say not to wash it for 24 hours? Rinsing would not get it in my book. Besides. washing hair after a color is always an easy shampoo.

 

[OK!]

My hairdresser was actually upset with me the time I showed up to have my hair cut/colored just after washing it...I tried telling her that my hair'd looked entirely too gross to venture out in public before I'd washed it, but she didn't want to hear it. Apparently, it's much harder for the color to take hold properly on freshly-washed hair (which I knew, but who wants to show up to the hairdresser's, of all places, with nasty, ratty, greasy hair?!)