Short answer: usually yes — but with some exceptions.

Why washing matters

• Clean hair gives your stylist a true sense of your hair’s natural texture, scalp condition, and how products will behave. It’s easier to cut, color, or style when there isn’t a buildup of oils, dirt, or heavy styling products.

• For color services, lightly washed hair helps color adhere evenly. Heavy product buildup (wax, oil, silicones) can block color penetration and produce uneven results.

• For precision cuts and chemical services (relaxers, perms, keratin), freshly washed hair is typically preferred to ensure predictable processing.

• For styling-only appointments (blowouts, updos), most stylists prefer clean hair so the style sets properly and lasts longer.

When you should wash before your appointment

• Color, highlights, balayage, glossing, lightening, or corrective color: wash 24–48 hours before if possible. Slightly unwashed hair (washed the day before) can actually help some colors sit more evenly because natural oils protect the scalp from irritation.

• Cuts and precision shaping: wash the morning of the appointment or the day before, depending on your scalp oiliness. Clean hair helps the stylist see true movement and weight.

• Blowouts, bridal/event styling, and formal updos: wash the day of for the freshest, longest-lasting look (unless your hair is very fine and needs a little texture—then washing the night before can help).

• Chemical treatments (relaxers, perms, keratin): follow your stylist’s recommendation; many ask for clean, product-free hair at the appointment.

When not to wash

• If you’ve applied heavy oils, waxes, or a leave-in treatment that won’t rinse out with a quick shower, it’s better to come in with that product removed. These can block color and interfere with styling tools.

• If your hair is very fine and limp the day after washing, you may get better volume if you wash the night before instead of the morning of your styling appointment.

• For some color correction or lived-in balayage services, stylists may prefer hair with natural oils that show how the color will sit over time — but they’ll tell you in advance.

Tips for best results

• Use a clarifying shampoo only if you have heavy buildup; otherwise use your regular shampoo.

• Avoid heavy conditioners or masks right before a color service. Light conditioning is fine for cuts and styles.

• Don’t apply styling products (mousse, heavy oil, hairspray) before a color or chemical service.

• If in doubt, call the salon — we’re happy to tell you what’s best for your specific service and hair type.

At Purely Sonoma, our stylists prioritize both healthy hair and beautiful results. If you’re unsure whether to wash before your appointment, give us a quick call or text with your service and hair type and we’ll advise you.

How much to tip

• Standard range: 15–25% of the service price.

  • 15% = acceptable for adequate service.

  • 20% = common for good service.

  • 25%+ = for exceptional results, extra time, or a special occasion (bridal, event styling).

• For small services (brow waxing, short trims): $5–$15 depending on cost and time.

• For longer or higher-skilled services (color, smoothing treatments, bridal styling): 20% or a flat amount that reflects the time, skill, and product cost.

Special situations

• Products: tipping on product purchases is optional—some clients tip a small percentage if the stylist spent considerable time consulting or applying products.

• Cash vs. card: cash tips go directly to the contractor. Card tips may be subject to processing or salon distribution policies; ask if it matters to the stylist.

If you want guidance specific to your service at Purely Sonoma

• For a typical cut or blowout: 18–22% or $10–$25.

• For full color or balayage: 18–25% or $25–$75 depending on time and complexity.

• For facials or waxing: 15–20% or $5–$20.

• For event/bridal styling: 20–25% per stylist or $25–$100+ depending on time and responsibility.

When in doubt, ask your stylist or the front desk how they prefer tips to be handled. Tipping supports the individual stylist’s livelihood and acknowledges their skill and care.