it’s best to colour your hair before you dread for a few reasons. 1) It’s almost impossible to fully penetrate the lock with colour, and you’ll never get as even a result as you did before. 2) most people start their new locks with wax, and you’ll never get through it all with colour. 3) lightening colours tend to dry out your hair a touch, giving you an easier time of backcombing. Remember not to use conditioner if you’re putting your locks in right away.