7 things not to do before your color appointment.
Short answer: skip a last-minute dye or treatment. Tell your colorist what is already on your hair: dye, bleach, henna, smoothing products, and other treatments. Bring the names and dates if you have them. Follow product labels and ask before trying something new.
Why this list exists
A last-minute dye or treatment can change the work planned for your appointment. Keep your routine familiar and share anything you've already tried. Your colorist can then decide whether the service or timing needs to change.
- Don't make recent at-home color a surprise.Bring the brand, shade, and date of any at-home color you used. A photo of the box and ingredient list helps too. Formulas differ, so your colorist may need a strand test before planning more color. Follow the product’s safety directions. For a bad reaction to hair dye, ask a healthcare provider about treatment, as the FDA advises.
- Don't deep-clarify the day-of unless asked.Don't introduce a strong clarifier right before the appointment unless your colorist asked you to. Depending on the formula and your scalp, a clarifier can leave hair or skin feeling dry or sensitive. Keep your normal wash routine, follow the product label, and ask if buildup needs a different plan.
- Don't leave henna out of your history.Henna and compound botanical dyes vary widely. Some formulas can be difficult to lift or may not be compatible with the next chemical service. Share the package or full ingredient list and when it was applied; your colorist can use that history, a strand test, and manufacturer guidance to decide what is safe and realistic.
- Don't over-purple-shampoo.Purple or blue shampoo adds pigment. Some hair takes more of it than other sections, which can leave an uneven tone. Follow the label and tell your colorist what you used before adding more.
- Don't arrive with heavy, undisclosed buildup.Heavy buildup can make it harder to see your starting color and work cleanly through the hair. Wash as your colorist recommends for the service; if you are unsure, ask instead of switching to a strong clarifier at the last minute.
- Don't combine chemical services without checking compatibility.Timing and compatibility depend on the exact smoothing or relaxing formula, the color formula, and your hair's condition. Tell both professionals the product names and dates, then follow their manufacturers' guidance. A strand test or a longer gap between services may be the safest plan.
- Don't wait to notify the studio if plans change.Color appointments reserve a meaningful block of time. Check the cancellation terms shown when you book, and give as much notice as you can if plans change.
If you've already done one of these
Start by contacting your colorist before the appointment. Share the product name, shade, and date you used it. Your colorist can tell you whether to keep the appointment, change the service, or plan a consultation first.
If you dyed your whole head, used henna, or had a chemical service go wrong, you may need color correction. Send Rachel the details before your booked visit. Bring photos of your hair now. The $20 Color Consultation may be the right first step.
What to actually do the week before
- • Keep your routine familiar. If your colorist gave wash or styling instructions, follow those; otherwise ask before making a major change.
- • Bring your product history. Photos of boxes and ingredient labels are more useful than trying to remember a brand at the chair.
- • Bring photos. Reference photos of color you want, photos of color you don't want, and photos of your own hair from the past if you have them.
- • Plan for the appointment length. If you booked a longer color service, eat first and bring what you need to stay comfortable.
- • Bring a charged phone. Color processing is a great excuse for that book or podcast you've been putting off.