How Long Should You Wait To Wash Your Hair After Coloring? [The Real Answer]

We all know the feeling. You just left the salon after getting your hair colored and you’re feeling fresh, fabulous, and fierce.

But then, your colorist says something that throws you for a loop. “Don’t wash your hair for three days.” What?! They’re not kidding.

We’re here with all you need to know about how long to wait to wash your hair after coloring.

“Most hair color experts will suggest you wait as long as possible after hair is color processed before washing it the first time.

Some suggest waiting at least 48 hours and others will even suggest waiting up to 72 hours (3 days) or longer.”

Karen Marie Shelton, CEO at Hairboutique.com

The reasons behind the three-day rule.

It may seem counterintuitive, but there are actually good reasons for this rule.

For one thing, it gives your color time to fully develop and set. Washing your hair too soon can cause your color to fade or become dull.

Additionally, shampooing immediately after dyeing your hair can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair and scalp, causing them to become dry and irritated. 

But trust us, it’s worth the wait. Washing your hair too soon after coloring it can cause all sorts of problems, from color fading to damage and breakage.

So if you want your new color to last, it’s important to follow these guidelines and resist the urge to suds up too soon. 

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Why does my hairdresser wash my hair after dyeing it?

If you’re wondering why your hairdresser always washes your hair after coloring it, even though they just spent an hour making it look perfect, there’s a good reason for that.

Hairdressers wash your hair after coloring it to remove any excess color that didn’t take, as well as to get rid of any product or hair dye that got on your skin during the dyeing process.

It’s also a good way to make sure that your hair is evenly saturated with color and that all of the pigment has been evenly distributed.

So even though it may seem like an unnecessary step, washing your hair after coloring it is actually an important part of the process for the professionals.

“After dyeing, shampoo two times and condition. Sometimes the color will continue to oxidize for the next 24 hours and cause (hot roots) or a slightly different shade at the roots. So do a final rinse with cool water.”

D. Smith, Hairstylist at International Hair Salon

Can I wash my hair 24 hours after dyeing it?

You can technically wash your hair 24 hours after coloring it, but you may not want to.

While washing your hair too soon can cause problems like color fading and damage, washing it 24 hours after dyeing it should be fine as long as you use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and take care not to scrub or rub your hair too vigorously.

Washing your hair sooner than 24 hours after coloring it is not recommended, as this can cause the color to fade or become dull.

So if you’re wondering how soon you can wash your hair after dying it, the answer is 24 hours… but waiting a little longer is always better.

Can I wash my hair 2 days after dyeing it?

Yes, you can wash your hair 2 days after coloring it without causing any damage or fading. In fact, this is the recommended time frame for washing your hair after dyeing it, as it gives the color time to set and fully develop.

When you first dye your hair, the color is sitting on top of your strands. By waiting a couple of days and then washing your hair, you’re allowing the color to penetrate your hair shaft, which will help the color last longer. 

It also depends on the type of dye you used and how your scalp is reacting to it.

If you used a semi-permanent or temporary dye, then you should be fine washing your hair after 2 days.

However, if you used a permanent dye, then it’s best to wait at least 3-4 days before washing your hair. This will give the dye time to set and will also allow your scalp to adjust to the new color.

What happens if I wash my hair the day after coloring?

If you wash your hair the day after coloring it, you may experience some color fading and damage. This is because it takes up to 72 hours for the cuticle to fully seal, allowing the color to fully set and become smooth.

Washing your hair too soon can cause your color to fade or become dull, and it can also strip away the natural oils that protect your hair and scalp, causing them to become dry and irritated.

So if you want your new color to last, it’s important to wait at least 2-3 days before washing your hair. This will give the color time to set and will also allow your scalp to adjust to the new color.

Should I wash my hair after bleaching it?

For the most part, you’ll want to avoid washing bleach out of your hair after a bleaching session.

Besides preserving the already processed color, avoiding a post-bleaching wash will also prevent added dryness, breakage and potential re-processing of the bleach that may have settled on your scalp during the process.

That said, it is possible to bleach your hair twice in one day, in which case you may need to wash off the previous process to avoid ending up with patchy results!

Watch and learn: How to wash your hair properly – hair washing hacks.

Here’s a great video that shows some top tips and tricks on how to wash your hair properly – including how much to use and the best way to rinse!

How to take care of your hair after coloring it?

Now that you know how long to wait before washing your hair, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to take care of it in the meantime.

Here are a few top tips:

– Avoid getting your hair wet. This means no swimming, sweating, or even showering (if you can help it). If you must get your hair wet, wear a shower cap or apply a leave-in conditioner beforehand to help protect your color.

– Don’t tie your hair back too tight. This can cause breakage and damage, both of which can lead to color fading.

– Use gentle products. When you do finally wash your hair, be sure to use a gentle, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause color to fade.

– Limit your time in the sun. Exposure to sunlight can cause color fading, so it’s important to limit your time in the sun (or at least wear a hat) if you want your color to last.

– Touch up your roots regularly. To help keep your color looking fresh, be sure to touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks. This will help extend the life of your color and prevent unwanted root growth.

–Use a dry shampoo in between washings to help absorb oil and give your hair some extra body and volume.

–Invest in a good deep conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and looking its best.

–Avoid using heated styling tools as much as possible to prevent damage and help preserve your color. Always use a heat protecting spray when you do.

Following these tips will help you keep your hair healthy and your color looking great for weeks to come!

Parting words

At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether or not you want to follow the 2-3-day rule.

If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort and you know which products to use, you can probably get away with washing your hair sooner.

But if you want to make sure your color lasts as long as possible, it’s best to play it safe and wait a few extra days before hopping in the shower.