Before your hair appointment:
Wash you hair 1-2 days before. Hair should not be excessively dirty, sweaty or oily. Dirty hair does not “grab color better” *see next slide.
However, you want there to be a natural protective oil layer on your scalp to act as a barrier against the chemicals in the hair dye.
Wear your normal makeup routine to your appointment. It’s important for us to see your normal day to day look and important for you to get a clear visual of what your color looks like on you after we are finished! Don’t wear makeup majority of the time? Let us know too! You might be asking for something that will wash you out with out adding some color to your face.
Be prepared! Have a few realistic options for your hair goal. We can help get you there but everyone’s terminology for explaining color is totally different so photos help us see eye to eye. Don’t overwhelm yourself- 5 photos max! While you can’t always have the exact color of the model in the photo you bring in it’s great to see your preferences. It’s smart to have a few visuals of styles that aren’t your fave too.
Treat your hair before! A nice conditioning mask that hydrates or reconstructs is good to use right before your appointment and right after! Masks are more intense than conditioners and are meant to sit on for a bit longer. If you have a clarifying shampoo it would be great to use that before your appointment to remove product and mineral build up. Minerals affect the lightening process by causing a chemical reaction when bleach touches it so if the plumbing at your home is dated you most likely have mineral buildup in your hair.
Cut it!! If you’re taking off more than an inch it’s best to cut your hair prior to your color appointment. A lot of color work is visual so it’s nice to have a clear map where everything is going to fall. I usually do a dry cut before color for that reason!
Don’t wear your favorite piece of clothing/jewelry! Between foils, root touch ups, shampoo bowls and multiples toners things could get messy! Vivid colors or a major color shift could also lead to bleeding a few days after so keep that in mind for light clothing or light linens and towels.
Pack a snack! Union Salon provides beverages but color appointments last anywhere from three hours to up to seven-ish hours. We can feel the tension when you are getting hangry 😅. With that being said also clear your schedule!. Hair can be a little unpredictable sometimes so don’t have any immediate plans after.
Factor in at home hair care to your salon visit budget. We do our part to make your hair look amazing but as soon as you walk out the door it’s your responsibility to maintain your investment! Salon quality Shampoo and haircare is a MUST.
*MYTH
“Dirty hair grabs hair color better.” Okay let’s kill this myth. It’s best to wash your hair 1-2 days before your appointment! Light, natural oils will help prevent your scalp from feeling itchy or too tingly when color touches it whether it’s toner or a root touch up. It will help with a little “give” when back combing for balayage if you hair isn’t washed the day of and super slippery. HOWEVER- excessively dirty, oily, sweaty scalp is a big no no.
Fresh hair will give more even results, better gray coverage and longevity of color. Excessively oily hair or days and days of dry shampoo will lift SLOWER (there’s an extra layer to penetrate). Styling products are generally OK however hard gels or mousses make the hair difficult to work with and uncomfortable for your when we are brushing them out between every section we try to foil.
Excessive sweat is not good before hair color as well. Sweat is made up of water, salts and tiny bits of ammonia. This means sweat could oxidize color a bit differently.