How to Prepare for a Hair Color Service — Truths, Myths & What Really Matters

Preparing correctly for your hair color appointment makes a HUGE difference in how your color lifts, how long it lasts, and how healthy your hair feels afterward. As a NYC Master Colorist, here’s the complete guide to what you should (and should NOT) do before your next hair color service — including the biggest myths clients hear online.

MYTH #1 — “You should come in with dirty hair.”

Truth: A little natural oil is fine, but very dirty hair is NOT good for color or balayage.

Too much buildup (dry shampoo, oil, sweat, products) can:

• block lightener from lifting evenly
• cause uneven patches
• prevent toner from absorbing properly
• turn blondes brassy

Best practice: Wash your hair 24 hours before your color service.

MYTH #2 — “Never wash before highlights.”

Truth: Clean hair actually lifts much better.

If the hair is too oily or coated:

• foil highlights can slip
• balayage won’t expand or saturate well
• high-lift color will struggle to break through oils

Wash the day before with a gentle shampoo.

MYTH #3 — “You should use heavy conditioner before coming in.”

Truth: Conditioner on the roots is the worst thing to do before color.

Why?

• It creates a barrier
• Slows down lifting
• Makes roots more resistant

Do NOT put conditioner or oils on your roots 24–48 hrs before.

MYTH #4 — “I should come with my hair styled or with product.”

Truth: Avoid mousse, gel, oils, sprays, serums, leave-ins.

Products can interfere with:

• lightener penetration
• toner absorption
• coverage on gray roots

Arrive with clean, dry, product-free hair.

How to Properly Prepare for Your Hair Color Appointment

1. Wash 24 hours before

Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Rinse well.
Avoid conditioner at the roots.

2. Don’t use heavy oils or serums

Oils block color. Keep serums only on the ends if needed.

3. Avoid dry shampoo

Dry shampoo creates a film that resists color — especially for blonding and gray coverage.

4. Detangle your hair

Brush your hair before coming. It helps your colorist apply color more evenly.

5. Bring inspiration photos

Pictures help you and your colorist understand the tone, depth, and placement you love.

6. Wear a top that you don’t mind getting color on

We’re careful — but color services can be messy.

Extra Tips for Specific Color Services

For Balayage & Highlights:

• Clean hair = even lifting
• No heavy oils, curl creams, or masks
• No tight ponytails (they create tension lines)

For Gray Coverage:

• Wash the night before
• Avoid oil at the roots
• No dry shampoo (it blocks absorption)

For Color Corrections:

• Stop using purple/blue shampoo 1 week before
• No oils or masks before your visit
• Be honest about your hair history — it matters!

What NOT to Do Before Your Color Appointment

• Do NOT use coconut oil
• Do NOT use purple shampoo
• Do NOT arrive with sweaty gym hair
• Do NOT come with wet hair
• Do NOT use heavy conditioner on the roots
• Do NOT layer hair gel or hairspray

Why Preparing Your Hair Matters

Proper preparation = better results.

• Brighter blondes
• Cleaner lift
• More accurate tone
• Longer-lasting color
• Healthier hair
• More predictable results

Ready for Your NYC Color Transformation?

Book your color service at Fabi Pro Beauty in Midtown East Manhattan and experience customized, healthy, luxury hair color.

Book now → https://fabiprobeauty.com/book