Ready to color your hair? Here are a few things you should do to prep

Whether you’re making a big hair color change or just adding some subtle highlights, there are some things you can do at home before you visit XEX. Prepping on your own will ensure that your hair is as healthy as possible. It will also help the color adhhere to your hair and last longer.

Don’t wash your hair for two days

Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo a few days before your color treatment, but don’t wash it the two days before. Not washing your hair will allow it to retain its natural oils. Keeping the natural oils in your hair will protect them better than any product. Washing your hair also makes it look lighter. For those going blonde especially, your colorist will want your hair to be at its darkest state so they can make the best color match.

Steer clear of heat

Avoid using straighteners, irons and blow dryers before coloring your hair. Heat will dry out your hair and make it brittle, so your color won’t be as vibrant as it could be.

Use a conditioning mask or treatment

Two weeks before your hair color appointment, use a hydrating conditioning mask or treatment. It will add moisture to your hair, which makes the hair healthier and more receptive to the color.

Don’t color again for a couple of weeks

If you received a color treatment within the last two weeks, hold off on getting another one. Giving your hair a break between treatments allows it to recover from the chemicals used in coloring.

Let henna grow out

If you’ve colored your hair with henna, let it grow out before coloring it again. Henna isn’t compatible with chemical-based color, so it can actually damage your hair if you don’t let it grow out.

Credits: NewBeauty, Loreal