Can You Dye Wet Hair? 4 Things You Must Know About Hair Dye!
Ready for a new makeover that’s easy on the budget? Dyeing your own hair is one pocket-friendly way to achieve a dramatic transformation.
The only problem is, how do you begin? Dyeing your own hair for the first time can raise so many questions. Perhaps one of the most controversial questions of all is, “Can you dye wet hair?”
If you’ve been researching on the internet for hair dyeing tips, you’d have noticed the varying advice beauty gurus tell you.
Some beauty tutorials claim that dyeing your hair when damp can help absorb hair color more effectively. But wait a minute, didn’t the instructions say to blow dry your hair first?
When dealing with something as sensitive as your hair and scalp, it’s best to ask professionals for beauty advice instead. Surprisingly, you’ll also find that there is no true answer to “can you dye wet hair?” – even if you ask the pros. It really depends on the situation, here’s why:
1. The Brand Of Hair Dye

Different name brands have individual rules when using their dye.
Companies like Manic Panic, Special Effects and Directions actually recommend that you dye your hair when wet; while other brands clearly state that you should not wash your hair before dyeing.
There is no finite universal rule regarding dyeing your hair wet or dry.
Why is that? Take a look at the type of hair dye you have. If it is the permanent type, instructions will most likely say that you should not wash your hair before dyeing.
On the other hand, semi-permanent dyes are tolerant to wet hair. Our best advice is to follow instructions to the T.
2. How Different Types Of Dye Work
Most permanent hair dyes contain peroxide, a stronger form of chemical which helps the color last longer.
Companies offering these types of hair dye strongly recommend that you do not wash your hair.
This is because you’d need the natural oil of your hair to protect your scalp from such chemicals.

Semi-permanent dyes do not contain peroxide. They also have larger pigment molecules. In order to absorb more color, you may want to open up the cuticles of your hair. This can be done by shampooing your hair, as well as applying heat.
Next time you’re out shopping for hair dye products, consider the components of each product. If you are not comfortable with such chemicals, there are plenty of other products to choose from such as natural hair dyes and henna.
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3. Your Hair’s Natural Oil
Your hair’s natural oil protects your scalp from chemicals, but it is also important to note that a lot of oil inhibits hair color uptake.
The same rule applies for all other types of hair products such as mousse or gel. If you feel that your hair is too oily or dirty, give it a wash before dyeing.
If your chosen brand of hair dye prefers that you dye your hair without washing, leave your hair for at least 24 hours after washing. Although the rules say not to wash your hair, having too oily or dirty hair can also lead to unsatisfactory results.
4. You Hair Type
Can you dye wet hair? We found out that yes, there are some circumstances wherein you can. But another factor that comes into play is your hair type. If you have relatively healthy and smooth hair, application is no longer a problem for you. But what happens if you have thick and coarse hair?
Some hair color companies even say that if you have long, thick hair you might need 2 boxes of hair dye. The key is to study your hair type and to find a method that works for you.
Some professionals recommend dyeing hair that is a bit damp (not dripping wet) especially for people with coarse hair.
This allows the hair dye solution to saturate evenly on your hair without having to use too much product. Applying to hair that’s a bit damp also smoothens out the application process. Check out this video for more information.
Which Advice Should You Follow?
There are a lot of hair dyeing advice out there that may have varying opinions. The best advice is to simply know your own hair, and to follow official instructions from your chosen product. After all, it is our own responsibility to look after our own hair.
Not only is it important to pay attention to hair dye product companies, results always vary depending on the person’s hair type.
What may work for others will not work for you. It’s easier to play safe and follow the rules than to mess up just because of some beauty myth.
Share Your Story With Us
Have you ever had a hair dye mishap? Or a tip you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you. Also, share this article with family or friends who are thinking of dyeing their own hair.
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