Do I use shampoo to wash out hair dye? Is it okay to wash your hair soon after dyeing?
You are naturally going to have these questions when you first explore the world of hair dyes.
Worries like “OMG, the color will fade away if I use any shampoo now” is par for the course when it comes to coloring your hair.
You know all your effort will go wasted if you lose all the dye just because of shampooing too soon.
So, should I use shampoo to wash out hair? Well, it basically depends on the type of dye you use.
Yes, you can shampoo to wash out your hair dye if you use a permanent hair color in the first place.
Do I Use Shampoo To Wash Out Hair Dye Or Not?
This is a frequently asked question on which people have varying points of view.
Interestingly, it is not always about whether you can do it or not. But, it is more about if you should do it or not.
In most cases, yes, you can wash your hair after coloring, although you should not in most circumstances.
It is an unusual and unsatisfying response at first, but it all makes sense in the end.
One possible justification is that there is no way to know for sure that your hair color will not fade if you wash it immediately after a coloring treatment.
Therefore, if you are concerned about it, it is best to wait.
Waiting Before You Wash Your Hair After Coloring
Generally, it is a good idea to play it safe, and that means you should avoid washing your hair after a coloring treatment.
Your hair has a protective layer known as the hair cuticle, and it regulates your hair’s look.
Hair dyes have chemicals that lift the cuticle, making the hair more porous and vulnerable to damage and fading.
In order to maximize the dye’s penetration into your hair, you should wait for some time before shampooing.
An Important Consideration
Most experts agree that waiting at least 24 hours before washing hair after coloring is necessary, although they often recommend waiting even longer.
Tip: Be sure to use the conditioner that comes with your color kit when you eventually decide to wash your freshly dyed hair.
The Effects Of Shampooing And Different Types Of Dyes
Many people think it is okay to shampoo to wash out the hair dye, but others believe it is not the right thing to do.
What they do not know is that it all depends on the types of dyes they use.
The results are different for permanent hair dye compared to semi-permanent hair dye.
Shampooing After Using Permanent Hair Dyes
Permanent hair dyes can be washed out with regular shampoo, which will not damage your hair or color.
However, you need to ensure that the shampoo you use does not contain any parabens, sulfates, or metallic salts.
Instead, you should opt for products that contain fruit extracts, keratin, or coconut oil.
The Science Behind Permanent Hair Color
With a permanent hair dye, you combine a 20-volume developer and ammonia to change hair color.
Once the cuticles of your hair are opened by the developer, the ammonia may enter the shaft and seal in your new color.
This makes the color impervious to the effects of the sun, pool chlorine, and other styling aids.
That is the reason why you can just shampoo the dye away afterward.
Shampoos made to clean your hair of dirt will also clean your hair of any leftover chemical or color residue.
Dye residue left on the hair after washing is a potential source of scalp irritation, and washing your hair afterward helps with that.
Why Shampooing Makes Sense With Permanent Hair Dyes?
Shampooing helps get rid of any stains on the skin around the hairline and washes off any excess color from the hair to stop it from rubbing off on clothes and sheets.
Sometimes, while using hair dye, the manufacturer recommends shampooing the hair immediately after rinsing out the dye.
Permanent hair color formulas leave a tint on the very surface of your hair in addition to injecting color into the shaft, but the color in the shaft is what really matters.
Tip: It is generally fine to shampoo after using permanent hair dye, but even then, it can slow down the chemical reaction of the dye.
Shampooing After Using Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes
Semi-permanent hair dyes leave a film on your hair to change the color of your hair.
But, the layer is not permanent and can be washed out using shampoo.
Therefore, shampoo should not be used to remove semi-permanent hair color.
Shampooing your hair after applying semi-permanent dye will keep the color from setting in.
By doing so, you will remove all of the vibrant hues.
The Time Is Of The Essence With Semi-Permanent Dyes
Since semi-permanent dyes only last after 8-12 washes, it is best to let the hair soak up as much color as possible before washing it.
If you think your semi-permanent hair color is too strong or too black, you may always wash it out with a mild shampoo.
Shampoos You Can Use To Wash Out Hair Dye
When you decide to wash out the hair dye, you will obviously be concerned about which shampoo to use.
First, I should probably mention that sulfates can be found in a lot of shampoos.
You can clean your hair with them, but you will lose your hair color in the process because they include detergents.
If you want a bold and persistent hue, you should avoid using them.
So, what type of shampoo to use to wash out hair dye?
Well, ideally, it should not contain sulfates. Moreover, you need to ensure that it is free of parabens and does not contain metallic salts as well.
Instead, you should look for a shampoo that contains moisturizing ingredients, such as:
- Ceramides
- Keratin
- Amino acids
- Coconut oil
- Fruit extracts
How To Use A Shampoo After Dyeing Your Hair?
Remember, you should use any shampoo only if you have used permanent hair dye in the first place.
If that is the case, here is the process to follow:
- Apply the dye and let it sit for the recommended time.
- Simply wash your hair with lukewarm water after the exposure time.
- Persist until the water runs clear.
- Now, take the shampoo and apply it to your hair.
- Be sure to move from roots to ends.
- Gently massage into the scalp and rinse again.
- Towel dry your hair and finish with a conditioner.
- Rinse your hair again after 5 minutes.
What Besides Shampooing Affects Your Hair Coloring Treatment?
Shampooing right after dyeing your hair is not a great idea, but many other things can also affect the outcome of your coloring treatment. For instance:
Washing Hair Before Coloring
If you plan on dyeing your hair, wait at least a day after shampooing. Why?
There is a reduced possibility of discomfort and better deposit of color pigment when hair has not been washed for 1-2 days.
Similarly, you should not use hairspray or gel before you color your hair.
Note
Blondes should avoid silver shampoo at all costs. Also, stop using violet shampoo a week before dyeing your hair.
The reason for this is that using so many different products may prevent the dye from reaching the hair.
Tip: You can use a special deep cleansing shampoo a couple of days before you decide to undergo a hair coloring treatment to get rid of styling buildup and impurities.
Processing Time
Do not exceed the recommended processing time, and try not to under-process either.
To get the best results, use the product as directed.
It is important not to let the development period for some dyes go beyond what is recommended because they can be quite aggressive and cause damage to the hair’s structure.
The color will not turn out right if you remove it too soon.
The standard duration of exposure is 35–40 minutes.
During the first 15 minutes, ammonia activates to soften your hair cuticle, making it easier for the dye to penetrate.
In the final few minutes, chemicals that care for and protect hair are triggered.
Your hair’s thickness, texture, and length all have a role in how long the development process takes.
Tip: Avoid using hot water while rinsing colored hair, as this can cause the hair cuticle to open and make your coloring treatment less effective.
Takeaway
Do I use shampoo to wash out hair dye? Yes, it is probably okay to do it if you have used a permanent hair color in the first place.
It is not the same for semi-permanent hair dye, though. Remember, what you do before and after coloring your hair will have an impact on the results you get.
So, shampoo only when using permanent hair dye, opt for a sulfate-free product, and do not forget to condition.
