Should You Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut? Answered

Although getting a haircut ought to be a pleasant, relaxing experience, there are times when not knowing the proper salon etiquette can interfere. Many people may wonder should you wash your hair before a haircut.

To wash or not to wash all comes down to the type of haircut you typically get. You should have recently washed hair when you visit the salon if you are getting a dry cut.

We’ll delve into the subject further in this blog post and attempt to determine what steps you should typically take to get yourself and your hair ready for a new haircut.

Should You Wash Your Hair before a Haircut?

It all depends on the type of haircut you are getting.

A good way to tell whether a dry cut is needed is by looking at the type of haircut you’re going in for. Your stylist might be more likely to do a dry cut if you only need a light trim, a bang touch-up, or you want to add a few layers for a little more movement in your hair (but not much length).

Additionally, straight hair that wants more shape than curls or waves is more frequently given this technique.

If you typically get your hair cut while it’s wet—which is the most typical method—it’s a different story.

Many stylists will select to wash your hair prior to cutting since most prefer to cut the hair wet rather than dry.

This is particularly true when you want to trim an inch or more off the ends, have curls or coils that could use some stretching before cutting, or want to add a lot more texture and layers.

You can probably skip the shampoo before going to the salon if you belong to this group.

Read More:

• How Often Should You Wash Curly Hair?
• How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
• Can I Wash My Hair With Just Water?

When You Should Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut?

It’s not always easy to determine if your hair should be washed right before your haircut appointment, though.

The situations when you should wash your hair before a haircut are listed below in case you’re worried about embarrassing yourself or annoying your stylist with dirty hair.

If You’re Getting a Dry Cut

When do you typically get your hair cut—dry or wet? Whether or not you wash your hair prior to your haircut appointment may depend on your preference (or that of your stylist).

In general, freshly washed, clean hair without any product in it is best for dry cuts. Included in that is dry shampoo, which leaves a slender buildup on the hair and scalp.

If Your Hair Gets Oily Fast

Oiliness follows the same logic. If you are aware that your hair tends to become oily quickly, you may want to shampoo a little bit earlier to avoid having greasy hair when you arrive for your appointment.

Even a few hours after washing oily hair, it can already start to become limp and weighed down with grease at the roots.

You already know that your hair hangs and lays differently when it’s oily if you struggle with oily hair.

If You Have a Lot of Product Buildup

The majority of us use hair products on a daily basis to keep our hair looking its best, including dry shampoo, mousse, hairspray, serum, leave-ins, gel, and wax.

If you wash your hair the night before your haircut but use a lot of product in the morning, you’ll show up for your appointment with hair that looks clean but feels dirty due to all the product on it.

Weighty product buildup can affect the final length of your hair after the cut and the layers in your hair.

In order to avoid using any heavy or sticky hair products the day before your appointment, try to wash your hair the night before. This gives your stylist the best possible starting point.

If a Shampoo Isn’t Included With Your Haircut

The cost of a haircut service at many salons includes shampoo. It’s typically unnecessary to wash your hair first if that’s the situation at your salon.

However, if a shampoo is not included with your haircut, your stylist will assume that your hair is at least somewhat clean when you arrive.

If your hair won’t be getting shampooed at the salon, you should wash it at least the day before your appointment.

If You’re Donating Your Hair

Many women don’t think about this in advance, but if you plan to donate your hair, you need to make sure it’s extra clean and free of product residue before getting your haircut.

Before being cut off and packaged for donation, the hair must be clean and dry.

Does Your Hairstylist Prefer to Wash Your Hair?

Not all hairstylists will advise you if it’s necessary to wash your hair before your appointment, so be sure to ask.

In order to assess the structure and condition of the client’s locks before washing them with carefully chosen products, some hairstylists frequently request that their clients arrive for appointments without washing their hair.

If your hairstylist strictly enforces a no-dirty hair policy, you must respect their wishes and make sure to wash your hair prior to the appointment.

In many hair salons, the styling appointment also includes shampooing your hair. If that applies to you as well, let your hairstylist wash and revive your mane before cutting it.

Before cutting your hair, some stylists wet it anyway, and some even like to wash their own hair. They can then work with a sort of blank canvas because they are certain that there are no leftover oils or hair products in your hair.

Summary: Should You Wash Your Hair before a Haircut

So there you have it. Should you wash your hair before a haircut? The answer is, it depends.

The choice will ultimately depend on your hair type and the preferences of your hairstylist. Therefore, if you’re ever unsure, just ask!

The experts you consult will be able to ease your concerns by telling you whether you need to shampoo right before the appointment.

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