How Long Should I Wait to Wash My Hair After Getting it Colored?

Colored hair needs specialized care.

Twenty-Four Hours

Wait 24 to 48 hours before washing your hair.

Whether you use a boxed hair color at home or you get it done professionally at a salon, the recommended wait time before washing your hair is 24 hours. If you use a double-process color (such as a base color and highlights), try to go 48 hours without washing your hair to allow your hair and scalp to build up their natural oils again.

Wash Immediately

If you have unexpected results such as an overly vibrant, dark or ashy color, the professionals at Schwarzkopf (a leader in the hair color industry) suggest washing your hair immediately.

Bottom Line

Use color care shampoo for best results.

Wait a minimum of 24 hours after any color process for best results, unless you want to tone down the color-in, in which case wash it immediately. Always follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture to the hair.

References

• The HairStyler,com: Hair Coloring Tips-Long Live Good Hair Color
• Schwarzkopf: Hints and Tips-What to Do with an Unexpected Result