How to Prepare Your Hair for Color (and How to Care for It After)

At Bloom, we believe great hair color doesn’t start — or end — in the salon chair.

Whether you’re booking your first color appointment or maintaining a look you love, proper preparation and thoughtful aftercare make all the difference in how your color looks, feels, and lasts.

If you’re looking for hair color in Green Bay or De Pere, Wisconsin, this guide will walk you through exactly how to get the most out of your appointment — before, during, and long after you leave the salon.

Why Hair Color Prep & Aftercare Matter

Hair color is an investment in yourself. When your hair is healthy, hydrated, and properly cared for, color appears:

More vibrant
More dimensional
Longer-lasting
Healthier overall

Our Top 5 Tips for the Best Hair Color Results

Great color starts with a plan. If you want your hair color to look intentional, healthy, and long-lasting, these simple steps make a big difference.

1. Start with a Color Consultation

A consultation is the best way to set your color appointment up for success. Bring photos of what you’re drawn to — tones, depth, brightness, or overall vibe. Your stylist will walk you through what’s achievable, which techniques we’ll use, and what to expect in terms of timing and investment.

✨ Bonus: Color consultations at Bloom Collaborative are complimentary, so there’s no pressure — just clarity.

2. Be Realistic (and Trust the Process)

Hair color is permanent, and some transformations take time. If your natural hair is dark and you’re hoping to go lighter or brighter, multiple sessions may be needed to protect the integrity of your hair.

Gray hair can also be more resistant to color and may require additional time or product. A consultation helps align expectations and create a plan that prioritizes both your goals and your hair’s health.

3. Prep with a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Healthy hair takes color better — period. If your hair is dry, heat-styled often, or previously colored, a deep conditioning or protein-based treatment about 1–2 weeks before your appointment can make a noticeable difference.

Even if your hair feels healthy, a conditioning treatment the week before your color helps ensure more even, vibrant results.

4. Clarify Before Your Appointment

About a week before your color service, wash your hair with a good clarifying shampoo. This removes buildup from products, minerals, and residue that can interfere with color absorption — giving your stylist a clean canvas to work with.

5. Skip Washing 24 Hours Before Color

On the day of your appointment, avoid washing your hair, applying styling products, and using heat tools. Your scalp’s natural oils help protect the skin and allow for more even color results.

Thoughtful prep = better color, healthier hair, and results you’ll love longer. If you ever have questions about what to book or how to prepare, our team is always happy to help guide you.

What Happens During Your Color Appointment at Bloom

Every color service at Bloom is customized — no one-size-fits-all formulas here. We focus on:

Hair integrity and longevity
Dimensional, wearable color
Thoughtful placement and blending

Treatments, glosses, and bond builders may be recommended to support your hair’s health and enhance your final result.

The First 48 Hours After Color: What to Know

The first couple of days after your appointment matter more than you think.

Avoid washing unless your stylist says otherwise
Use heat gently and always with protection
Let your color settle naturally

This helps lock in tone and shine.

How to Maintain Your Hair Color at Home

1. Use Salon-Quality Products

Professional color deserves professional care. We recommend Davines and R+Co BLEU products for clean, high-performance results that protect color and improve hair health.

Using the right shampoo and conditioner can dramatically extend the life of your color.