color oops prep question

i've only used a color remover once before, and it was a year ago-- i usually just let color fade out gradually with hot water washing.  so i've been going through the forums looking for the best methods.  i remember the seemingly endless rinsing, and i think i'll try the advice i saw about letting it dry 90% then rinsing more.

one thing i haven't seen-- or that i've missed!-- is what state my hair should be in *before i apply the color oops*: should it be freshly washed, a few days dirty, what?  what works the best for you guys?  and, do i condition it straight after all the rinsing, or do i need to wait until my next wash?  and would i use protein or moisturizing conditioner (moisturizing, right?)