Should you cut or color your hair first?

Ever found yourself staring at the mirror, torn between the desire for a fresh cut and a vibrant new hair color? This classic beauty dilemma is a bit overwhelming especially with the mixed recommendation by experts. What’s the solution? Don’t worry girls, beautycaters.com bring for you the comprehensive guide that tells what should you do- should you cut or color your hair first.

Should I cut or dye my hair first?

When you’ve decided to get out of a color rut and dye your hair, there’s always the question of whether you should I cut or color first. In most cases, you should get a haircut before you color. There are, however, some situations when it makes sense to color first. Take a look at our essential guide:

Cutting first:

• Clean Canvas: A fresh cut can provide a clean slate for your new color, ensuring the dye is applied evenly and the results are more vibrant.
• Shape and Texture: Cutting your hair first allows you to achieve your desired shape and texture before coloring, ensuring the color complements your overall style.
• Damage Removal: If your hair is damaged, a trim can help remove the unhealthy ends, promoting healthier growth and better color retention.

Coloring first:

• Inspiration: Seeing the color on your hair can help you visualize the overall look and make any necessary adjustments to your cut.
• Temporary change: If you’re unsure about a drastic cut, coloring your hair first can be a less permanent way to experiment with a new look.
• Color-based styles: Certain hairstyles may benefit from specific hair colors. Coloring your hair first can help you achieve a more cohesive and stylish look.

Also Read: Can you bleach semi-permanent hair color?

Factors to consider: Do you cut or dye hair first?

• Hair type and condition: If your hair is particularly damaged or fragile, cutting it first can help remove unhealthy ends and improve color retention.
• Desired look: Consider the overall look you want to achieve. If you’re aiming for a dramatic transformation, cutting your hair first might be a good option. However, if you’re unsure about a drastic cut, coloring first can be a less permanent way to experiment.
• Professional advice: Consulting with a hairstylist can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific hair type, condition, and desired outcome.

When should you cut hair first?

Want a different haircut

If you’re planning a significant haircut, it’s often advisable to go for the hairstyle before coloring. Here’s why it’s beneficial to decide on your hairstyle first:

• Knowledge of your desired hairstyle help your colorist select the perfect shade and placement to achieve the desired overall new look.
• Removing length can create a smoother canvas for applying color, as healthy ends absorb color more easily than damaged or untrimmed hair.
• Layered haircuts can showcase your highlights or hair dye in a more dynamic way. The different angles of the layers, especially the hidden sections, will reveal the color as your hair moves.

Hair is a bit damaged

If your hair feels a bit stressed, damaged, or in need of a refresh, it’s a good idea to get a trim before coloring. Why? Because a pre-color trim:

• Can eliminate split ends and damaged hair, preventing the color from fading unevenly or looking dull.
• Help remove the damaged, faded or oxidized ends and prevent further oxidation caused by sun exposure.
• Revitalize your hair and ensure it’s in healthy condition for coloring, so that the result is more vibrant and long-lasting.

To add dramatic layers

If you’re planning a drastic change from a sleek, blunt hairstyle to a layered look, cutting your hair first is highly recommended. This allows your colorist to strategically place highlights or hair color to maximize the impact of your new style. Here’s how cutting before coloring is beneficial in this case:

• Layered haircuts offer a dynamic canvas for showcasing color. The varying angles of your layers, especially the hidden sections, will reveal the color beautifully as your hair moves.
• Your colorist can more accurately determine the ideal placement for highlights or hair dye based on the shape and structure of your layered cut.
• Layered haircuts can enhance the dimensionality of your hair color, creating a more visually interesting and captivating look.

For those considering balayage, cutting your hair first can provide more dramatic results. Your colorist will have a better understanding of your hair’s shape and can precisely place highlights to complement your layered style.

You’re ready for subtle highlights

Consider getting a trim before highlighting your hair, especially if you’re planning balayage. This will provide you and your colorist with a clearer understanding of your hair’s shape and texture, allowing for more precise placement of highlights. Here’s why a pre-highlight trim is beneficial:

• A fresh cut helps you and your colorist determine the ideal locations for highlights, ensuring they complement your overall hairstyle.
• By trimming your hair beforehand, you can avoid the unnecessary step of cutting off highlights that were applied too low.
• Reducing the processing time can help maintain the health of your hair and prevent unnecessary damage.

When should you color hair first?

Transition to a short hairstyle

If you are considering a shorter hairstyle, such as a pixie cut or a lob, it’s often beneficial to color your hair before cutting. This approach offers several advantages:

• Color application is easier on longer hair, as it allows for better sectioning and prevents color overlap between different areas. Shorter hair can be more challenging to section and color evenly.
• Coloring your hair before cutting gives you more control over the placement of color and ensures a more precise and balanced result.
• By coloring your hair first, you can create a stunning base color that will complement your shorter hairstyle and enhance its overall appeal.

To brighten your shade

Frequent lightening can be harsh on your hair, potentially causing damage and breakage. To minimize the risk of damage, we recommend lightening your hair first and then trimming away any unhealthy ends, because:

• Your stylist can assess the condition of your hair after the lightening process and determine the appropriate amount of trimming needed.
• Our hair color is designed to lighten or darken your hair by up to two shades, preventing over-processing and ensuring a healthy result.
• Lightening first help achieve your desired result dramatic color change, such as from brunette to blonde without compromising the health of your hair.

How long should I wait after cutting my hair to dye it?

Generally, it’s recommended to wait at least two weeks before applying hair dye after a haircut. However, the specific waiting time can vary depending on the length of your haircut. If your stylist only took off a small amount of hair, you may be able to color your hair sooner.

Remember, it’s always best to consult with your stylist for personalized advice. They can assess your hair’s condition and recommend the optimal timing for your next color treatment.

What if you want to get a cut and color on the same day?

While it’s generally possible to get a cut and color on the same day, it’s advisable to consider the extent of each service. If you’re only planning a minor trim, combining the two treatments is usually fine. However, for more significant haircuts, it’s recommended to schedule them on separate days. This allows for better focus and ensures that both services are performed to the highest standard.

Final Word: Should you cut or color your hair first

So, should you cut or color your hair first? It’s like choosing between a movie and a pizza – both are awesome, but you gotta pick one! If you’re looking for a dramatic transformation, go for the chop first. But if you want a more subtle makeover, color it up. Either way, have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your hair is your canvas, so let your creativity shine!