“Should I wash my hair before a haircut?” That seems like a simple question that warrants a “yes” or a “no,” isn’t it? But the answer isn’t quite that simple. 

However, it’s not complicated either – we’ll help you decide if you should wash your hair before a salon appointment or whether it’s best to let your hairstylist decide. Read on to know more.

Table of Contents:

• Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut
• What is Your Hair Type?
• What Kind of Haircut Are You Getting?
• Will You Be Cutting and Styling Your Hair?
• Does Your Hairstylist Prefer to Wash Your Hair?
• Is a Hair Wash Included with Your Salon’s Haircutting Services?
• Are You Planning on Donating Your Hair?
• Tips for Washing Hair Before a Haircut

Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut

The answers to the following questions can guide you when deciding whether you should wash your hair before cutting it.

• What is Your Hair Type?

The texture of your hair is an essential factor to consider when deciding whether to wash your hair or not before a haircut. If you have straight hair, it’s easy enough for your hairstylist to dry cut your hair – even if it is unwashed.

If you sport curly or wavy hair, your hairstylist will prefer to work on squeaky clean hair. You can wash your hair before heading off to the salon for your haircut. Your stylist may choose to work on wet hair, as damp hair straightens out for clean cuts and a well-defined hairstyle.

• What Kind of Haircut Are You Getting?

A simple straight cut on fine, straight hair is easy enough, and your hairstylist might be happy enough with just wetting the ends before cutting your hair. A simple trim can also be done on dry, unwashed hair.

More complex haircuts will require your hair to be clean and free of product build-up and grime. If your hair is not clean, your hairstyle could look messy once you do wash your hair.

• Will You Be Cutting and Styling Your Hair?

Many people combine cutting and styling their hair when they visit the salon. If you are one of them, you might want to ensure you wash your hair – you don’t want your newly cut and styled hair to look greasy and dirty! 

Having said that, some styles hold better when the hair has been washed no earlier or later than 24 hours before hairstyling. Ask your hairstylist whether they would prefer you to wash your hair a day before your hairstyling appointment.

• Does Your Hairstylist Prefer to Wash Your Hair?

Some hairstylists and barbers will downright refuse to work on dirty or greasy hair. If your hairstylist/barber is one of them, you must respect this and wash your hair before your appointment. Some hairstylists will tell you whether or not they expect you to wash your hair before your appointment.

Some hairstylists do not want their clients to wash their hair before an appointment. That is because they would like to check out the texture and condition of the client’s hair and then clean it themselves with the right products.

Others would like to use special techniques to wash your scalp and hair before they cut your hair.

When you are unsure what is expected of you, ask your hairstylist what they expect you to do.

• Is a Hair Wash Included with Your Salon’s Haircutting Services?

Today, several salons offer a free hair wash before a hairstyling session. Find out from your hairstylist if they provide this free service. Other hairstylists are happy to wash your hair before cutting it but will charge you for it. 

Find out from your hairstylist if the service is free or if you will have to pay for the service. If you are not comfortable paying for a hair wash, you can wash your hair before you leave home for your appointment.

• Are You Planning on Donating Your Hair?

If you are planning to donate your cut hair, you want to ensure it is squeaky clean before your haircut. A thorough hair washes with a clarifying shampoo can eliminate all the grime and dirt from your hair.

Tips for Washing Hair Before a Haircut

• Choose a shampoo that is designed for your hair type.
• For squeaky clean hair, use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to strip away grease, grime, and product build-up, without drying your hair or causing frizz. WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent chemical-free clarifying shampoo that cleans your hair safely and effectively and leaves your hair healthy, shiny, and vibrant.
  
  

• If your hair is dry and brittle, use a moisturizing shampoo like WOW Skin Science Coconut Milk Shampoo. It will provide your hair with just the right amount of hydration and fights frizz.
• Conditioning your hair after shampooing is essential, but don’t go overboard with the conditioner.
• Thoroughly rinse out all traces of both shampoo and conditioner.
• Ensure your hair is completely dry before your haircut. If your hairstylist prefers to work on wet hair, they will wet your hair before cutting it.

Decades ago, a hair wash always preceded a haircut. But today, we know more about hair than ever before, and the haircutting rules in the industry have changed. Today, while washing your hair before a haircut is still recommended, some hairstyles don’t warrant a prewash. Hair is washed to remove grime and grease, but that need not always be the case.

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products.