Should You Shower Before a Haircut? Is It Bad To Show Up With Dirty Hair?

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Getting your hair cut can be uplifting and enjoyable. It’s nice to be pampered!

But is it weird to show up to the salon with dirty hair? Your stylist probably doesn’t want to deal with that.

Of course, it’s important to keep your hair clean, but should you shower before a haircut? 

You don’t have to shower first, but it’s usually nice to show up to your appointment with clean hair. That said, it also depends on what you’re having done to your hair at the appointment


Contents

Should You Shower Before A Haircut? 

According to a common saying, your haircut can be affected by your hair’s cleanliness. Therefore, it is more important to consider the type of haircut and general hygiene when deciding whether to shower before a cut.

When it comes to hair hygiene, you should definitely not head to the salon with dirty, unkempt hair which hasn’t been washed in weeks.

When it comes to hair hygiene, you should definitely not head to the salon with dirty, unkempt hair which hasn’t been washed in weeks.

On the other hand, you don’t need to wash your hair on the day of your haircut. Unless you have been sweating or getting your hair dirty in the past two days, washing your hair two days before going to the salon is fine.

It is still possible to use dry shampoo if you’re pushed for time and just haven’t had a chance to shower.

Your decision depends largely on the type of haircut and services you are going for. If you’re going for a very basic inexpensive Supercuts-style cut, you’re fine with dry, unwashed hair. More complex cuts are usually more successful when your hair is clean and well cared-for. 

But if you were going for a cut and color, you would want to make sure there are no unexpected leave-in conditioners or other products in there that could impact the coloring process.


Is There A Difference Between Wet And Dry Hair Cuts?

If you get a dry cut, you should wash your hair before going to the salon. Build-up in your locks can weigh it down.

Some stylists, however, prefer cutting hair when it is damp.

In this case, they will most likely wash your hair when you go to the salon.

Washing before you go would result in overwashing your hair, which could dry it out and make it frizzy.

Washing before you go would result in overwashing your hair, which could dry it out and make it frizzy.


Are There Any Reasons Why You Should Wash Before A Haircut?

Hair Stylists Find It More Hygienic

It is not advisable to wash your hair all the time because it will strip the hair of natural oils. However, washing every few days is important.  This is because dust, air pollutants, and sweat will accumulate on your hair as you go about your daily routine.

To remove the residue from your locks, ensure your hair is well washed and shampooed.

In other words, if you go to the salon or barber shop with dirty hair, your stylist is put in an uncomfortable position and has more to deal with. Leave a better tip.

It’s also a good idea to ask when you’re making your appointment whether your stylist likes your hair washed beforehand or not

Hair Loss and Pain are Prevented

Do you have any experience combing your hair when it is full of product?

Yes, it isn’t pretty.

Imagine how it feels to have clippers on your head when it’s oily and dirty. Working with your hair will be more difficult if you haven’t washed it before your appointment.

In cases where your barber or stylist has a headache due to build-up, they can pull hair from the scalp. This can actually cause stress to the scalp resulting in hair loss. 

To make your hair easier to manage, you should wash it beforehand. The clippers will glide through the hair easily without pulling and hurting the scalp.


Should I Shower After My Haircut?

If you find heaps of loose hairs around after the haircut, you can shower and wash it. Sometimes it just makes you feel fresher and prevents itchiness. Most hair stylists will wash your hair after the cut if you wish.

Often it’s a good idea to shower after a cut, particularly if you’re going to be preparing food for dinner or whatever — nobody wants stray hairs in the hummus.

Often it’s a good idea to shower after a cut, particularly if you’re going to be preparing food for dinner or whatever — nobody wants stray hairs in the hummus.

The situation is different when it comes to hair styling. If you get your hair styled at the hairdressers like curled or straightened, it will ruin the style when you wash it.

Chemically straightened or dyed hair is different. Talk to your stylist and get their recommendations on when and how to wash going forward.


Conclusion

It’s a good idea to show up to your hair appointment with clean hair. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to shower before your hair cut, but you want to make sure your hair isn’t dirty or covered in styling products.

It’s not just you who benefits from showering before a haircut, but also your barber or stylist. The benefits of washing your hair are less pain, easier maintenance, and a smoother experience. 

Your stylist will thank you, even if he or she doesn’t say it out loud!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).