How soon before a festival should I refresh my hair color?

Festive season = non-stop celebrations, family photos, endless selfies, and reels under fairy lights. With so much spotlight on you, the last thing you want is dull, patchy, or faded hair color stealing the show. Timing your color refresh just right makes all the difference between “oh no” and “oh wow.” So let’s break it down.

Global, Permanent & Semi-Permanent Colors

If you’re rocking global color or even a semi-permanent refresh, the sweet spot is about a week before the festival. Why? Because freshly colored hair often has extra pigment that needs a couple of washes to settle in. Waiting a week lets your shade soften into its most natural, vibrant self while still being fresh enough to shine on the big day. It also gives you time to experiment with styling — curls, waves, or sleek blowouts — without stressing about the color looking too “new.”

Covering Greys

If grey coverage is your main goal, cut it closer. Coloring just a day or two before the function ensures maximum coverage and zero last-minute regrowth peeking through. No surprises when the flash hits during those group selfies.

Pastel Shades

Now, if you’re a pastel girlie, timing is extra important. These shades usually require more bleaching, which means starting at least 2 weeks in advance. For softer shades, up to 2 bleaching sessions may be enough. But if your hair needs 3–4 bleaching sessions, space them a week apart so your hair has time to recover in between. Rushing pastel prep never works out — giving yourself that buffer ensures your color looks dreamy, even under harsh lighting.

Refreshing Semi-Permanent Shades

The beauty of semi-permanent colors? They fade beautifully. If you’re simply refreshing your usual shade, 2–3 days before the festival is ideal. This keeps your color vibrant and fresh for the main event, while still allowing it to soften just enough for that effortless, “lived-in” look.

Going Bold with a New Shade

Thinking of trying something dramatic and new or experimenting with jewel tones? Plan your appointment a week before the festival. That gives you enough time to settle into the look, get used to your reflection (yes, it takes a minute), and even tweak your wardrobe or accessories to complement your new vibe. Bold shades deserve bold styling, and planning ahead makes sure you’re not scrambling last-minute.

💡 Pro tip: Festivals already come with enough to-dos — outfits, makeup, gifting, travel, family time. Don’t add “my hair color looks weird” to the list. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your festive look feels polished and stress-free.

So, treat your hair color like part of your festive prep checklist — right up there with outfits and accessories. With the right timing, your hair won’t just look fresh, it’ll feel like the perfect finishing touch to your celebration glow.