How to Hair Prep Before Colouring

Fresh colour doesn’t just happen in the chair; it starts with how you care for your hair in the days and weeks before your appointment. At QUE Colour, we think of hair prep before colouring as setting the canvas before painting the masterpiece. The better the canvas, the more vibrant, even, and long-lasting the result.

In this guide, we’ll share exactly why preparation matters, the steps our stylists recommend, what to avoid, and how QUE supports you every step of the way.

Why Hair Preparation Matters for Colour Results

The condition of your hair makes all the difference in how colour develops and lasts. Strong, balanced strands will:

• Lock in colour for longer - hydrated, smooth hair fibres hold onto pigment far more effectively.
  
  
• Prevent uneven absorption – avoiding patchiness or unwanted tones.
  
  
• Reduce breakage – healthy hair withstands the chemical process without snapping or fraying.
  
  
• Deliver high-shine results – the smoother the cuticle, the more your colour reflects light.
  
  

If your hair is dry, porous, or overloaded with product build-up, the colour molecules can’t settle properly. The result? Dull tones that fade faster. Prepping ensures you’re giving your stylist the best possible starting point.

Key Steps to Prepare Hair Before Colouring

Our QUE Colour stylists swear by a few essential prep rituals. Follow these in the week leading up to your appointment for maximum impact.

1. Deep Condition and Hydrate

Moisture is everything when it comes to colour. Dry strands act like a sponge, they soak up pigment unevenly and release it just as quickly. In the week before your appointment:

• Use a deep conditioning mask 1–2 times. We love Christophe Robin’s Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil for intense nourishment without heaviness.
  
  
• Focus on mid-lengths to ends, where hair is most fragile.
  
  
• Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle.
  
  

2. Strengthen with Bond Builders

Colouring involves altering the internal structure of the hair. Bond builders, like WellaPlex No. 3 Hair Stabiliser, work to reinforce and protect those bonds before and during the process. Think of it as scaffolding for your strands, keeping everything strong and supported so your colour lasts longer and looks healthier.

3. Protect From Heat

Your straightener may be your best friend, but in the days leading up to colour, it’s best to give hot tools a break. Excessive heat weakens keratin proteins, leaving hair more vulnerable during colouring.

If you do style, always use a heat protectant. At QUE, we’re obsessed with:

• Christophe Robin Aloe Vera Leave-In Cream provides lightweight hydration and protection.
  
  
• Christophe Robin Regenerating Serum doubles as a heat shield and shine enhancer.
  
  

4. Balance the Scalp

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. A balanced, buildup-free scalp ensures colour applies evenly from root to tip. We recommend:

• Switching to a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo in the week prior.
  
  
• Avoiding heavy oils or thick masks right at the root.
  
  
• Exfoliating gently with a scalp scrub (like Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt) if you’re prone to product build-up.
  
  

What to Avoid Before a Colour Appointment

Prepping doesn’t just mean adding treatments, it’s also about knowing what not to do.

• Skip heavy styling products. Dry shampoo, silicone-heavy serums, and hairspray can coat the hair and block colour absorption.
  
  
• Don’t layer chemical treatments. If you’ve just had a keratin or relaxer, give your hair breathing room before colour. Overlapping services can stress strands and lead to unpredictable results.
  
  
• Hold off on DIY masks and oils right before your appointment. While treatments are great in the lead-up, applying thick oils or homemade masks right before can interfere with professional colour formulas.
  
  
• Don’t arrive with freshly washed hair. Natural oils help protect the scalp during colouring - so wash the day before, not the morning of.
  
  

In-Salon Prep & Consultation Support at QUE Colour

Every client journey at QUE starts with a tailored consultation. This isn’t just about choosing the perfect blonde, brunette, or copper shade, it’s about ensuring your hair is in the right condition for the colour to last.

Our stylists will:

• Assess your hair’s condition, porosity, and history.
  
  
• Recommend a personalised pre-colour treatment plan, whether that’s a moisture mask, a bond-builder, or an in-salon strengthening service.
  
  
• Guide you on which products to use at home to maintain your results long after you leave the salon.
  
  

It’s a holistic approach: the artistry of colour, backed by the science of hair care.

Pro Tips from the QUE Team

We asked our stylists for their go-to prep advice:

• Jess, blonde specialist: “If you want icy, luminous blondes, bond-building is non-negotiable. Start strengthening before your appointment for the best lift.”
  
  
• Catherine, long-layer queen: “Healthy ends mean healthy colour. If your lengths are thirsty, hydrate them with masks before coming in  it makes a world of difference.”
  
  
• Mollie, cutting and foiling expert: “Don’t skip scalp prep. A balanced scalp ensures colour sits beautifully at the roots and grows out more seamlessly.”
  
  

FAQs: Hair Prep Before Colour

What should I do to my hair before colouring?

Focus on hydration and strength. Use masks, bond builders, and gentle shampoos in the week prior.

Should I wash my hair before colouring?

Wash the day before, not the day of. Natural oils help protect your scalp.

Can I use oil before colouring?

Avoid heavy oils right before they can create a barrier. Use lightweight leave-ins or masks in the days leading up.

How do I strengthen my hair before dyeing?

Use professional bond builders (like WellaPlex) and hydrating masks. Avoid heat styling as much as possible.

How do I get the best results from my colour appointment?

Prep your hair properly, trust your stylist’s advice, and maintain your results with professional products at home.

Ready for Your Best-Ever Colour?

Healthy, radiant colour starts with smart prep. Whether you’re booking a luminous blonde refresh, rich brunette, or high-gloss copper, taking care of your hair beforehand makes all the difference.

✨ Book your Pre-Colour Consultation with our expert stylists today.

✨ Shop QUE-approved Pre-Colour Treatments and give your hair the love it deserves.