We count down the days until we’re sitting in our hairdresser’s chair for a colour top-up. It seems odd, then, that we do so little to prepare for it. I don’t mean washing your hair the day before or bringing a book with you for entertainment; I’m talking about prepping your hair to supercharge your salon appointment.

According to Zoë Irwin, celebrity hairstylist and creative director at John Frieda Salons, we can make our hairdresser’s lives a whole lot easier and boost the longevity of our colour by making a few small tweaks to our haircare routine at home before setting foot in the salon. 

Let’s face it, keeping your colour intact is not only time-consuming, but it’s costly, too. So if there’s a way to boost your results and keep your colour vibrant for a week or two longer, we’re on board.

No matter what your hair colour or texture, there are some general rules and tips to be aware of to get the results your hair investment deserves. Here’s what to do (and what not to do) before your next hair colour appointment. 

Why is it important to prep hair before dyeing it?

You might think that how your colour turns out is all down to your hairdresser, but how we care for our hair at home has a huge impact.

“We are colouring the quality that the hair is, so if the hair is sensitised [ie weak] on the mid-lengths, ends or throughout, then the cuticle is raised and the vibrancy of the colour is more likely to be lost over time,” explains Irwin. This happens because the molecules and the rich colour can escape, which might be why your colour is dulling at a rapid rate.

Your hair’s porosity also plays a role. If you’re a fan of bleaching your hair frequently or using heated hair tools without protection, it’s likely to be damaged. This may result in high-porosity hair, which Irwin says can change the tone of your colour and prevent you from getting the soft results we all aspire to. 

Minimising the damage where possible is key for a vibrant colour and mirror-like shine, and this starts at home. 

How can I prep hair for my colour appointment?

We got intel from Irwin about how you can reap the most from your hair colour with a few tweaks to your haircare routine. 

1. Invest in a hair treatment

“The best prep I recommend for my clients is a strengthening, bonding or protein treatment, alternating with a moisture mask,” says Irwin. She advises getting into a routine by using a treatment at least once a week for three weeks before your hair appointment to get your strands in optimum condition to achieve the best results.

2. Check your ingredient lists

We know that what we put in our hair will impact the colour, and this means getting into the specifics. “Many products I come across contain silicones, and I find these products create a barrier to the hair, especially when having a gloss,” she says.

While avoiding silicones is advised, looking out for colour-boosting ingredients is a great way to get prepping. Ferulic acid not only helps minimise inflammation, which is great for troublesome scalps, but it’s also rich in antioxidants to help reduce colour fade. 

3. Avoid toning products

You may think you’re helping your hair colour by using a toning shampoo, but it can do the opposite. “Silver shampoos can change the tone of the hair,” says Irwin. This doesn’t apply to all toning shampoos, but some contain a stronger pigment than others, leading to warmer tones at the root and can cause sensitivity, leading to colours not popping as they should.

“If you’ve toned your hair using this kind of product, it means that when you have your hair coloured during an appointment, the colourist is first having to correct that, and it takes up a lot of time, so avoid toning products for the most part,” she advises.

4. Detox your hair

Many assume detoxing shampoos are harsh and dim your colour, but it’s the opposite. “The most beneficial way to come to a colour appointment is when hair has been detoxed using a product that will remove colour build-up,” says Irwin.

This means coming to your appointment without using any kind of hair ‘make-up’. “Many people who have roots come to appointments with powders used to disguise them, and the technology of these products means that they adhere to the hair, creating a barrier that has built up over weeks,” she says. This means your hairdresser spends more time cleansing the hair, taking away from the time that should be spent on your colour.

5. Don’t use dry shampoo

Similar to the previous point, no matter how greasy your roots are, don’t reach for your dry shampoo before heading to the salon. “Dry shampoo is an issue for colour appointments as some make it more difficult to lighten the tones of the hair,” says Irwin, which she says can prevent you from getting the shade you want.

6. Make sure your scalp is in tip-top shape

Scalp care is the new skincare. As we know, a healthy scalp is key to the condition of your hair, so it’s having an impact on your colour too. “I have a treatment I do for clients a week before their colour appointment called ‘The Radiance Reset’ which is a facial for the hair and removes dead skin cells on the scalp,” says Irwin. This helps remove product build-up and fortifies strands to add hydration and benefit whatever colour you opt for. 

Images: courtesy of brands