If you have ever dyed your hair before, you know that the typical dye job is done on dry hair rather than wet. However, can you color wet hair? Many might have asked the question before, but not as many have gotten a clear answer. Today, I am going to accompany you down the rabbit hole to see if dying wet hair is an option after all.
There are many questions that come to mind when you have wet hair. Does it work well? Does it work at all? Are all hair dyes the same? How do you dye your hair when it is wet? However, the biggest of them to answer is that yes. Dying your hair while wet is possible. However, knowing that you can dye wet hair is only one part of the puzzle. There are a lot of factors that weigh on the ways you can use this method and whether it is an effective option.
Perks of Wet Hair
To keep it simple, here are the biggest perks of dying your hair while wet:
1. Even Dispersion
If you have ever tried dyeing your own hair, then you know the struggle of getting each piece covered in hair dye evenly. It is time consuming, and even with meticulous care, it may not turn out perfectly. With wet hair, there is a much smoother application. Clumps of dye do not get caught as easily and can spread across the head evenly to ensure your entire dye job comes out as one even color. Nothing is worse than light and dark patches on a potentially beautifully new color.
2. Less product
Another large benefit is using less product. Dying your entire head dry takes quite a bit of hair dye, especially if you have longer hair. However, wet hair lets the product last for longer. This leaves room for two jobs for the price of one. Less money on hair dye? Yes please.
3. Semi Permanent
Semi permanent dye doesn’t use the same ingredients that a permanent dye would. It is completely fair game to have lasting results when applied on wet hair. This means that you receive all the benefits of wet hair dyeing without the downsides I’m going to highlight next.
Perks of Dry Hair
Now why is it not a good idea? Here are the biggest downsides of dyeing your hair while wet:
1. Protection from Damage
Dyeing your hair can take a major toll on the state of your hair. It is vulnerable for more damage and drying it out after a major dye job. Applying to wet hair heightens the possibility of this happening. When you open your hair cuticles by wetting it, it is more susceptible to the damage that is bound to come. Sticking to dry hair dye ensures that your hair can still look fresh and lively after you finish with your new look.
2. Brighter Results
Let’s state the reality of it. Wet hair dims the results of hair dying. While it can be a bit more of a challenge to master applying hair dye onto dry hair, there is a reason most professionals opt for dry hair application. Permanent hair dye thrives on dry hair to get the best results.
3. Bleach
If you are going to be bleaching your hair, anyone that has ever watched the king of hair dye jobs, Brad Mondo, will tell you. Never put bleach on freshly washed hair. The natural oils on your head help reduce the burning sensation of bleaching. Without it, you are in for a painful few minutes that can easily be avoided by sticking to dry hair application. It also may develop quicker on washed hair which can result in lighter roots and darker ends. Brad Mondo taught us better.
Tips and Tricks
Now that we know the major pros and cons of each, we can end on a few helpful tips and tricks that will save you and your hair from some major mistakes. No matter which option you decide, you should wash your hair after you finish your dye job for at least a dye. Washing your hair immediately after can remove a good chunk of the dye you just added in. The last thing you want is for all your work to go to waste.
If you are dying your hair at home, most advice against dying on wet hair, but they also will tell you whether you should shampoo your hair before or not. Rule of thumb is a no, just like with the bleaching scenario. Be careful! Now take your new knowledge and make an educated decision on which option you want to try!
