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Should I dye hair wet or dry? Find the answer to this common hair dyeing question and make an informed decision for your next coloring session. Get expert tips and insights on the pros and cons of dyeing wet or dry hair to achieve the best results. Explore our comprehensive guide now.
Have you ever wondered why hair stylists always dye hair that is completely dry and not damp or wet?
But, why do they do this? Is it because you get better results or does it make the application process easier?
Well, I’m sure that if you’ve clicked on this article, then you’re either one who is planning to dye your hair at home or someone who has dyed wet hair and didn’t get the best results.
Nevertheless, we have all the answers for you from whether dyeing dry hair is better than while it’s wet, to how long should you leave dye on your hair to tips for dyeing wet hair and much more. So, check it out.
Should I Dye Hair Wet or Dry
Well, here’s your most awaited answer – hair should always be dyed when dry (unless a brand specifically mentions otherwise). This is because hair dyes are formulated in such a way wherein it penetrates deep into the hair cuticle and gets absorbed into the hair strand, thus giving the hair the dyed color.
When the hair is dry the absorbency power is more than when it’s wet and this is because when its wet, the cuticles absorb in the water first and then when the dye is applied, there is no more space in the hair strand to absorb the dye and thus the hair will not get dyed properly.
But there are people who wish to have their hair color subtle and not vibrant and therefore decide to dye their hair while wet.
Reasons why you should not dye wet hair:
1. The color will only appear subtly
When the hair is wet, the hair strand already contains water and therefore, when the dye is applied, it doesn’t get fully absorbed into the hair strand, instead it only sits on the top.
Thus, the color doesn’t get applied properly, but just subtly. Also, the color will rinse out to a great extent once washed, thus making the color look just like highlights.
2. You will require more dye
Wet hair will require more quantity of dye because the water in the wet hair will tend to dilute the applied dye.
Sometimes, even using excess dye on wet hair will not work well enough to dye the hair as the water completely saturates the hair and dissolves the potency of the hair dye.
3. Your hair color will get unevenly distributed
When the hair is wet, the dye applied will tend to get unevenly distributed in the hair, even though working with wet hair is easier and a less messy process. This uneven distribution of hair dye will result in patchy results.
4. Can cause hair damage
Dyes contain harsh chemicals in order to be able to color the hair a certain color. When the hair is wet (even in normal circumstances), it is very fragile and more prone to damage.
Thus, when the hair is wet and you’re applying the dye, the hair can tend to get damaged and can break. Also, the hair after its washed, loses its natural oils, wherein otherwise it would coat the hair strand and would act as a natural protective layer for the hair.
Reasons how dyeing wet hair could benefit you:
1. It can give you slight dimension
If you are someone looking for hair color that is just plainly highlighted or slightly tinted, then using hair dye on wet hair can help you achieve that look.
This is because the hair dye will not get fully absorbed into wet hair (as it is already saturated with water) and thus the final color of the hair will be less vibrant and subtle.
2. Can be beneficial for those with thick or coarse hair
If you are someone who has thick hair or even coarse hair, then dyeing your hair while damp (not wet) can help distribute the dye more easily all over your hair.
But this also depends on the thickness or coarseness of the hair, its length and texture as well. So simply dyeing dry hair would always be a safer option.
3. Increases non-permanent dye vibrancy
If you are choosing to use a hair dye that is not permanent, which can be semi-permanent, demi-permanent or temporary hair dyes, then applying it on wet hair could be a good option because non-permanent hair dyes aren’t formulated with peroxide (which otherwise opens up the cuticles on the hair shaft).
Thus, using non-permanent dyes on wet hair could actually be beneficial to the user for better absorbency and color vibrancy.
Can You Dye Damp Bleached Hair
No, hair that is damp after bleaching strictly cannot be dyed. This is because bleach uses a lot of chemicals to be able to strip the hair of all its color (natural or even previously dyed). Thus, bleaching can make the hair extremely weak, dry and also brittle. It can also make it extensively prone to damage of all sorts.
If you dye your damp hair that has just been bleached, it could cause severe hair damage.
Thus, after you’ve bleached your hair, it is advisable that you wait for at least 12 to 15 days before you decide to dye your hair.
Can You Use Box Dye on Hair Damp Hair
Box dyes come in many types – permanent, semi-permanent, demi-permanent and temporary hair dyes.
So, if you’re choosing to use any box dye that is not permanent, then you could use it on damp hair. This is because it will make the application process much easier. But comparatively, if you are using a permanent hair dye, then dyeing your hair while it’s fully dry is always advisable.
But this being said, the fact that the color may not be as vibrant and the dye maybe unevenly applied still remains.
Does Towel Drying Hair Before Applying Dye Lead to Better Color
So just to be clear here – you need to dry your hair while it is dry, for the best results. But the method you use to get your hair dried doesn’t really have any effect on the outcome or the vibrancy of the color got.
But on an overall note, your hair dye will be exposing your hair to damage because of the chemicals used in the dye and bleach (if you are using bleach before you dye your hair).
Therefore, if you dry your hair using a towel or even air dry your hair, it will be healthier for your hair that’s going to be towel or air dried, rather than blow drying it.
Should I Apply Manic Panic Hair Dye to Dry or Wet Hair
Manic Panic hair dyes are very commonly used dyes to color hair. But just like most other hair dyes, Manic Panic hair dye too has to be used on hair that is dry. Nevertheless, read the instructions on the product before using the dye.
Using Manic Panic hair dye on damp or wet hair can result in the color of the dye getting diluted and may not be vibrant. Also, the dye may get unevenly applied because the color deposited will be weak.
Here’s a tip – applying Manic Panic hair dye to shampoo washed dry hair (without conditioning) could give you good results. You can shampoo wash your hair two to three days before dyeing it.
How Long to Leave Dye on Wet Hair
Most hair dyes come with a specific set of instructions as to how long you should leave the dye on the hair before you rinse it out. Most regular dyes or box dyes are usually left on the hair for around 30 to 45 minutes before washing it off, for the best results.
But when it comes to dyeing hair that is wet, it is essential to remember that the cuticles on the hair shaft are already open due to the absorbency of water and thus, once the dye is applied, it gets absorbed into the hair strand easily, as compared to hair that is dyed while dry.
Therefore, you will need to leave the dye on your wet hair for only around 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips For Dyeing Wet Hair
If you choose to dye your hair at home and you are applying hair dye to your wet hair, there are a few tips you could use to get the best results. Here are some of the best tips to use while dyeing wet hair:
· Shampoo wash your hair before dyeing it (and of course dry it completely), but do not condition thereafter, so as to get the best results.
· Avoid dyeing hair that is soaking wet, instead towel dry it to wring out the water and dye your hair that is just damp.
· Use your hands (after wearing gloves) to apply the dye on your wet hair. This will give you better grip for application.
· If you do not wish to use your gloved hands, then you can use a wet brush or even a wide toothed comb for better application.
The Final Takeaway
In conclusion, we can confirm that hair dye of any type works best and most effectively when applied to hair that is dry. While applying dye to wet hair is doable, it will not give you the most accurately vibrant results.
But, for those who want a subtle tinge of color or for those who have thick or coarse hair, applying dye to wet hair may actually be beneficial.
Applying dye to dry hair has many benefits and is always recommended, but if you do wish to dye your wet hair, then make sure to use the above-mentioned tips for the best outcome.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
Which Hair Dye Is Halal In The USA
Why Hair Dye Won’t Take On Grey Hair
Will Hair Dye Work Without Developer
Can I Mix Hair Dye With Conditioner
To Summarize
