Satori Hair, sustainable hair salons in Melbourne
Journal · 18 January 2025

Should You Arrive at the Salon with Dirty Hair for Colour?

You've booked your colour. Should you wash your hair beforehand, or arrive with a few days' worth of glorious grime? Let's settle it.

A Satori Hair colourist applying ammonia-free colour with a brush

So, you’ve booked your colour appointment at SATORI Hair – exciting! But a question lingers: should you wash your hair beforehand, or arrive with a few days’ worth of glorious grime? Let’s settle this once and for all.

The myth

Many believe that showing up with dirty hair is best for colouring, protecting your scalp from harsh chemicals. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

The reality

While a little natural oil is fine, excessively dirty hair presents several problems:

  • Product build-up: Hairspray, dry shampoo (in excess!), and other styling products create a barrier between your hair and the colour, preventing even penetration and leading to uneven results. Think patchy colour and a less vibrant finish – not the SATORI experience we aim for!
  • Oil obstacles: While a touch of natural sebum is okay, excessive oil can repel the colour, reducing its effectiveness and longevity. You’ll likely see faster fading and less vibrancy, meaning you’ll need to refresh your colour sooner.
  • Scalp sensitivity: Ironically, the belief that dirty hair protects your scalp is unfounded. Build-up can actually irritate your scalp, making it more sensitive to the colouring process. At SATORI, we use gentle, ammonia-free colours, but a clean scalp ensures optimal comfort.

The SATORI solution: fresh, clean hair (with a little leeway!)

We recommend washing your hair the day before your appointment. This allows your scalp to produce a small amount of natural oil, which provides a touch of protection without hindering the colouring process. Avoid using any heavy conditioners or styling products on the day of your appointment.

What about dry shampoo? A light dusting is acceptable, but avoid heavy application as it can leave a residue that interferes with even colour distribution.

The bottom line

Coming to SATORI with freshly washed (or lightly dry-shampooed) hair ensures the best possible colour application, vibrant results, and a comfortable experience. Let’s make your colour appointment as amazing as you are!

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