For years, the idea of coming to the salon with “dirty” hair has been a common belief. Many clients assume that natural oils and product buildup protect their scalp during colouring, making the process more comfortable. But is this actually true with today’s hair colour products?
Short answer? Myth!
Origins of the “Dirty Hair” Myth
The idea of arriving with unwashed hair began back in the days when traditional dyes were full of harsh chemicals like ammonia and PPD (paraphenylenediamine). These chemicals could irritate the scalp, so natural oils and product buildup acted as a layer of defence, protecting the scalp from discomfort.
"Back in the days when, as stylists, we needed to use harsh chemicals to get the colour our clients wanted, we even used those skull caps and pulled hair through them to create highlights! These days, we use foils or freehand techniques, and products have come so far. Products now are designed to work optimally on clean hair, ensuring even colour distribution and vibrant, long-lasting results."
— Annette, The DO Salon founder
The evolution of hair colour technology
Thanks to advancements in hair color technology, the “dirty hair” myth is no longer relevant. Brands like Evo Pro and Lakmé have developed formulations that prioritise scalp health and hair integrity, using gentle, scalp-friendly ingredients that don’t require a barrier of natural oils.
Evo Pro’s Hue-verse range exemplifies this modern approach to hair colouring. Hue-verse colours are ammonia-free and vegan, designed specifically for sensitive scalps. These advanced formulas allow colour to penetrate more effectively on clean hair, resulting in rich, even tones and lasting vibrancy. Clean hair provides the perfect canvas for these colours to work their magic.
Lakmé: Chroma range
Similarly, Lakmé’s Chroma range offers ammonia-free permanent colour that provides 100% grey coverage while being gentle on the scalp. Chroma’s advanced formulations allow for even colour application on clean hair, leading to longer-lasting colour and superior grey coverage without the need for natural oils as a buffer.
Why clean hair is best for colouring
The benefits of starting with clean hair extend beyond the convenience of skipping an in-salon wash. Here’s why clean hair is ideal with today’s colour technology:
Enhanced colour penetration: Clean hair allows colour to reach the hair shaft more easily and evenly, resulting in vibrant, consistent tones.
Better grey coverage: With no oil or product buildup in the way, colour can adhere more effectively, leading to better grey coverage and overall longevity.
Healthier scalp: Modern colour formulations are crafted for sensitive skin, reducing the need for protective oils and ensuring comfort even on freshly washed hair.
The DO Salon’s approach to clean, beautiful colour
At The DO Salon, we exclusively use natural, organic, professional-grade products like Evo Pro and Lakmé to achieve exceptional results. We recommend that clients arrive with clean, dry hair, ideally washed the night before. This practice helps us skip the pre-colour cleanse, allowing us to focus on delivering the best colour results right from the start.
“If you come to the salon with 'dirty' hair or even hair with styling products, we often need to wash it prior to any colour process. For the best results, we always recommend our clients wash their hair the night before any colour treatment.”
— Annette, The DO Salon founder
The bottom line
The belief that “dirty” hair is better for colouring is a myth rooted in outdated practices.
Thanks to the development of organic, vegan-friendly colour technologies from brands like Evo Pro and Lakmé, clean hair is now the optimal choice. Starting with a fresh canvas allows for even application, vibrant colour, and a healthier scalp, giving you the best possible experience.
So, next time you’re preparing for your color appointment, go ahead and wash your hair the night before. Your stylist (and your scalp) will thank you!