Can You Dye Freshly Washed Hair? What Will Happen

To start with, can you dye freshly washed hair? 

Absolutely not, never color freshly washed hair.

In contrast, you should wait at least 24 hours after washing your hair to color it, especially if you plan to color all of your hair.

If your scalp is delicate or damaged, I don’t advise coloring your just-washed hair.

There are, however, some exceptions to this generalization: if you only plan to touch up your roots, your hair may be freshly washed.

Please continue reading as I provide more information, in-depth details, about can you dye freshly washed hair.

Can You Dye Freshly Washed Hair?

Although it is technically possible, it is not advised to dye freshly washed hair. The dye’s chemicals can irritate and itchy skin when you dye your hair. Scratching your scalp increases the likelihood of this occurring, which can occur if you wash your hair right before dying it.

Use a conditioner that will help shield your scalp from the dye’s chemicals if you decide to dye your hair after washing it. To help ease any irritation, you might also want to try an anti-itch shampoo or cream.

In order to avoid any potential irritation, it’s best to dye your hair while it’s still unwashed.

However, if you want to dye your hair and haven’t washed it in four days, be aware that dyes are more likely to make your scalp itchy if you scratch it while wearing oily hair.

Although a little oil on your scalp will benefit you greatly, you shouldn’t let your greasy, unwashed hair remain on your head for several days.

Keep reading for some crucial advice on how to achieve the perfect color as well as what will happen if you dye your hair the same day that you wash it.

How Long To Wait before Dyeing Freshly Washed Hair?

It’s best to avoid washing your hair before applying dye because almost all hair dyes on the market are designed to work on hair that hasn’t just been washed a few minutes or hours prior. not right before dyeing, at least.

You should use dry hair when applying permanent hair dye. You would need to dry your hair first if you had to wash it first before dying it. It is a major pain in the rear to spend all that time drying it only to saturate it with dye, wash it out, condition, and style it once more!

However, you are not required to have greasy hair. The evening before having your hair dyed is the ideal time to wash it.

This provides enough time for your hair to produce natural oils that will protect your scalp without making it look too greasy or dirty. Additionally, if you dye your hair this way, it will take the color better and look fantastic!

It’s crucial that you keep your hair free of product buildup as well. If you styled your hair with gels, mousses, or other products, those must go even if you don’t feel or look like you have too much oil on your scalp. Your best option is to wash your hair 12 to 24 hours (ideally closer to the 24-hour mark) prior to dyeing it.

Here are some of my top suggestions for getting clean hair—hair that hasn’t been washed in at least 24 hours—in order to achieve the best possible hair dye results:

• The minimum amount of time you should wait between washing and dying your hair is 12 hours. 24 hours is preferred though. It indicates that the hair is sufficiently clean while also having a lot of natural oil to safeguard your scalp.
• When washing your hair, be gentle; otherwise, you risk scratching your scalp, which will hurt when you dye or bleach it.
• Wash, wash, wash, workout queens! If you’re a gym rat, make sure your hair color doesn’t resemble a drowned rat. Prior to dying your hair, you should schedule your workout to include a post-workout shower and hair wash. It won’t be good for this situation if there are extra oils and sweat up there.
• You must first wash out any coverups, including any color that was sprayed on to hide your roots until you had a chance to dye them. If you don’t, your dye job will look subpar and you won’t get adequate coverage for grays.
• Use dry shampoo sparingly! Those of you whose most recent shampooing was dry: enter the shower. Dry shampoo has the potential to leave a barrier on the scalp and result in a very uneven dye job.
• Avoid using too many styling products! Only non-oily products should be used; everything else needs to be cleaned off.
• For permanent dye, dry hair works best! Permanent dye must be applied to dry hair; semi-permanent dye can be applied to damp hair (I’ve covered this in another post). Wet hair is also more prone to breaking when it is sectioned off during color lightening. Prior to subjecting your hair to chemical dyes, you should be kind and gentle with it.

Reasons Not To Dye Freshly Washed Hair

Now that you are aware that you shouldn’t dye your hair right after washing it, let’s explore the rationale behind this advice. Continue reading to discover a few reasons why washing and dying immediately afterward is not recommended: 

Natural Oils Protect Your Scalp And Hair

Your scalp naturally produces oils (sebum), which act as a barrier and lessen the likelihood of burning and irritability while dyeing.

As a result, your risk of experiencing chemical irritation rises if you wash these oils out right before dying your hair. The best course of action, particularly if you have a sensitive scalp, is to let your scalp rehydrate naturally before using harsh chemicals on it. 

Risk Of Uneven Color Result

Your hair cuticles deteriorate and become more permeable each time you wash it. Therefore, if you wash your hair just before dying it, some parts of the hair will absorb the hair dye more quickly than others. A result of this might be a color that is uneven and patchy. 

Dye Freshly Washed Hair On The Same Day: When

What happens if you are unable to wait the recommended 48 hours between washing your hair and dying it?

In general, it won’t be disastrous if you wash and color your hair on the same day. Because it was recently washed, your hair won’t fall out in the sink. Before you move forward, you should take a few things into account. 

Think The Hair Coloring Technique

The type of coloring method you want to use (for example,, highlights versus whole head). If you’re getting highlights, you have a lot more flexibility in terms of when you should wash your hair.

You won’t have to worry about sensitivity to the hair dye because highlights are likely to avoid your scalp entirely.  

Use your best judgment based on the specific needs of your hair and scalp if you intend to dye your entire head.

If your scalp is normally not sensitive, dying your hair immediately after washing it may only cause mild sensitivity and irritation. In contrast, you might feel more discomfort, sensitivity, and irritation if you have a sensitive scalp.

No matter how soon you dye your hair after washing it, make sure your hair is completely dry before you start. Since wet hair is slick, it won’t take color as well as dry hair does.

Therefore, always allow enough time for your hair to dry. When drying with a blow dryer, use the “cool” setting if you don’t have time to let it air dry. Prior to dying it, your hair must be completely dry. 

Want To Change The Color Of Your Hair Completely?

It would be best to wait at least a day if you were considering getting a makeover and your hair was just washed.

Why?

The justification is as follows:

• Freshly washed hair may absorb color unevenly.
• Some areas of damaged or hair that is more porous may not be protected by oils.
• It’s possible that the color will turn out uneven.

Keep in mind that your hair will release its natural oils after just 24 hours of washing. In cases of uncertainty, waiting is worthwhile.  

Wash Hair With Any Product Prior To Coloring

There are many different washing products available. However, the issue of hair coloring after washing is unrelated to the products we pick.

The issue with coloring freshly washed hair is actually one of hair damage or porosity.  

The absence of natural oils after washing is also a factor. Like a barrier, they shield our hair from harm.

You can now schedule your coloring and washing times if you don’t want to take any chances.

Mark Calendar With The Day You Wash & Color Your Hair

You already know why you should wait 24 hours after washing your hair to color it.

If your scalp is not sensitive, I’ve also advised you to touch up your just-washed roots.

Have you ever considered scheduling the hair appointments?

I am aware that it sounds absurd.

Is organizing my hair washing and coloring necessary with all the daily responsibilities, you might be thinking.

Yes, I do believe it works, and your lovely hair deserves it as well.

You could set aside one day each month to retouch your roots. You’ll remember not to wash your hair the day before if you schedule it in your calendar.

It’s worthwhile to give it a shot. Think of it as a meeting with your beauty!

Conclusion

Can you dye freshly washed hair was the main topic of the article.

While freshly washed hair technically can be dyed, it is not advised. The dye’s chemicals can irritate and itchy skin when you dye your hair. This can happen if you wash your hair before coloring it, and it is more likely to occur if your scalp is scratched.

Many thanks for reading.