Coloring your hair requires some preparation to ensure the best results. Properly preparing your hair beforehand will allow the color to take evenly and look vibrant. A clarifying shampoo will deeply cleanse your hair and remove any product buildup or oils. It will allow the hair color to properly penetrate the hair shaft during the coloring process. Choose a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of healthy oils. Massage the clarifying shampoo thoroughly into your roots and lengths and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Do a hair mask treatment
After clarifying, give your hair some extra moisture with a hydrating hair mask or deep conditioner. The coloring process is drying, so it’s important to condition and strengthen your hair beforehand. Search for a mask with nourishing elements such as coconut oil, shea butter, argan oil, or olive oil. Apply the mask liberally throughout your hair and let it soak in for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. This treatment will prep your hair to better absorb the hair dye.
Avoid heat styling
The day before your hair appointment, avoid using any hot tools like curling irons, straighteners or blow dryers. Heat damage hair and cause it to become dry and porous. It leads to the hair color fading quickly or turning out uneven. Give your hair a break from heat to keep it in the best condition for color application. Air dry or style your hair without heat. Schedule a trim to snip any split ends a few days before your hair salons fort lauderdale visit. Split ends can prevent the hair dye from properly saturating the hair. Ask your stylist to trim just 1/4 to 1/2 an inch off the ends to get rid of splits and create a fresh canvas for color. It will allow the dye to take evenly from roots to ends.
Use a toner
If you have blonde or gray hair, use a toner to prep your hair. Toners help remove brassiness from blonde hair. They also even out porosity differences in gray hair that can cause spotty coloring results. Apply an ash-colored toner a day before coloring for cool blonde and gray tones. Try a gold toner for warm blonde hues. Let the toner sit for the recommended processing time before rinsing.
Put your hair in one or more braids during the 24 hours leading up to your salon visit. Braiding keeps your hair detangled and helps the natural oils distribute from your scalp to the ends. Remember to use a hydrating hair mask while braided to boost moisture retention. Take braids out right before your appointment so your hair is ready to be colored. Communicate your hair goals with your colorist and be open about past hair history or concerns. Don’t be afraid to give your stylist feedback during your service and ask for touch-ups if needed.