Do You Wash Hair Dye Out With Shampoo?

After spending time and money coloring your hair, you want to make sure the results look amazing. An important part of the process is knowing whether and when to use shampoo to wash out the hair dye. Shampooing plays a role in removing excess color and setting your new hue. But how soon should you lather up after dyeing?

Washing dye out of hair requires a gentle approach. Here’s what you need to know about using shampoo after coloring for stunning, lasting results.

Should You Shampoo After Dyeing Your Hair?

Shampooing is generally recommended after permanent and semi-permanent hair dye to:

• Remove excess dye from hair surface and skin
• Prevent staining on skin, clothes and bedding
• Allow true undertones to develop by washing off top layer
• Seal in color and enhance shine
• Clear away product buildup

However, harsh or frequent shampooing can cause rapid fading. And temporary dyes must be left in place until they naturally wash out.

So whether to shampoo after coloring depends on the type of dye you used.

When to Shampoo Out Permanent Hair Dye

Permanent hair dyes use an oxidation process to open the cuticle and deposit color inside the hair shaft. Manufacturers typically recommend gently shampooing shortly after to:

• Prevent excess dye from transferring
• Remove staining around hairline
• Allow true undertones to show through
• Lock in long-lasting color

The first post-color shampoo helps permanent dye set and last. Follow instructions based on your formula.

Tips for Shampooing Out Permanent Dye

• Wait the recommended time before shampooing
• Use a sulfate-free, color-safe formula
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
• Limit early washes to preserve color
• Apply a hydrating mask or oil after shampooing

Shampooing permanent dye immediately or too often can cause fading. But gently washing with sulfate-free shampoo helps set the color.

Should You Shampoo After Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?

Semi-permanent dyes coat the outside of the hair shaft rather than penetrating the cuticle. They last through 4-8 shampoos before fading out.

With semi-permanent color, experts recommend waiting 2-3 days before shampooing to allow dye to fully absorb. Otherwise, color may appear uneven or get stripped out entirely.

Follow with a hydrating conditioner or mask after rinsing to counteract shampoo’s drying effects.

Tips for Washing Semi-Permanent Dye

• Let dye absorb fully for 2-3 days before shampooing
• Use a color-safe, moisturizing shampoo
• Rinse hair with cool water
• Limit early washes to prevent fading
• Condition well after shampooing

Shampooing too soon can remove semi-permanent dye before it sets. But gentle washing helps prevent transfer to skin and bedding.

Should You Shampoo Out Temporary Hair Dye?

Temporary dyes only last until your next shampoo, so you should not wash them out with shampoo immediately. The color will disappear entirely with washing.

However, if you want to remove temporary dye quickly or tone down the vibrancy, go ahead and shampoo it out. Just know the color will fade significantly with each wash.

Tips for Washing Temporary Dye

• Don’t shampoo immediately if you want it to last
• Use cool water and gentle motions when shampooing
• Apply conditioner after to counteract drying effects
• Reapply dye whenever you want to refresh the color

Shampooing temporary color immediately causes it to disappear. Let it remain until ready to wash out the hue.

How Soon Can You Shampoo After Dyeing Your Hair?

Most permanent and semi-permanent dyes can be gently shampooed starting the next morning or within the first 1-3 days. But how soon you should wash depends on the formula.

Look for the manufacturer’s recommendations on your hair color instructions for ideal timing.

As a general timeline:

• Permanent dye – Shampoo the next morning or within 24-48 hours
• Semi-permanent dye – Wait 2-3 full days before shampooing
• Temporary dye – Don’t shampoo until ready for color to wash out

When in doubt, err on the side of waiting if you want to preserve the color. Limit early washes to every 3-4 days.

The Best Way to Shampoo Dyed Hair

1. Wet hair thoroughly, then lather up a nickel-sized amount of a high-quality, color-safe shampoo.

2. Gently massage shampoo into scalp, roots and lengths, avoiding direct friction on strands.

3. Rinse hair with lukewarm water until water runs clear.

4. Follow with a hydrating conditioner or mask. Leave on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out.

5. Blot hair gently with a towel. Avoid rubbing wet hair.

6. Style as usual and allow to air dry.

7. Repeat shampooing once every 3-4 days as needed.

Be extra gentle when washing color-treated hair. Limit shampoo to twice a week to maintain vibrant dye!

Common Questions About Washing Hair Dye Out

Does shampooing help set and seal in hair color?

Gently shampooing 1-2 days after coloring helps remove excess dye and allows the true undertones to come through. This seals in the color and locks in shine.

Should you shampoo hair with hot or cold water after dyeing?

Always use lukewarm water when shampooing freshly dyed hair. Hot water can cause rapid fading, while cold water prevents color removal.

Is it bad to shampoo hair every day after dyeing?

Frequent shampooing can strip color-treated hair of moisture and vibrancy. Limit washing to 2-3 times per week. Rinse with water only on non-shampoo days.

Should you use a special shampoo after coloring hair?

Yes, use a sulfate-free, color-depositing shampoo made for color-treated hair to help extend the lifespan of hair dye.

When can you shampoo out semi-permanent vs. permanent dye?

Wait 48 hours before shampooing permanent dye. For semi-permanent, wait 2-3 full days to allow the color to absorb fully.

The Takeaway

Shampooing hair after coloring helps remove excess dye, prevent transfer to skin and clothing, and allows permanent color to oxidize properly. Use a color-safe, hydrating formula. Limit early washes to retain vibrancy. Always follow your dye’s instructions for ideal results!