You may have mastered layering skin care, but what about hair care products? Sure, we all know that after shampoo comes conditioner. But when exactly should you apply heat protectants, smoothing creams, and hair oils? Which comes first and what is the correct way to layer hair care products? There are obviously a lot of questions about layering hair care.
To find out more, we spoke to hairstylists Michelle O’Connor, Justin Torves-Vincillon, and Tippi Shorter. Not only did this trio teach us the correct order to apply hair care products, but they also shared with us which products will give you the best results for your specific hair type and texture. Intrigued? Then keep scrolling for our expert-approved guide to layering hair products.
Step 1: Gather your hair care products
There are countless hair care products on the market, but you don’t need an overly complicated routine to have healthy hair. O’Connor says all you really need is shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner.
“Leave-in ingredients have the effect of closing the hair cuticle, making the hair more shiny, and also provide vitamins and minerals,” says the expert. “Additionally, most leave-ins have a variety of benefits, including making brushing easier, reducing frizz, combating dryness, preventing split ends, and protecting against outside aggressors.”
However, if you want to take care of your hair as well as your skin, it never hurts to take more thorough care of it.
Step 2: Shampoo, conditioner, and mask
Your hair care routine starts with a shower. First, use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. For example, if you have curly hair, use a formula that increases curl definition. We love Rizos Curl Hydrating Shampoo and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair. Super moisture shampoo.
In addition to your hair type, you should also consider your hair condition and goals. People with color-treated hair should use shampoos and conditioners that keep their coloring fresh, such as purple or blue sets. For bleached hair, we recommend Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple shampoo or Amika Bust Your Brass shampoo.
O’Connor says you should wash your hair two or three times every time you shampoo. This means shampooing and rinsing repeatedly as needed. You know your hair is clean when your shampoo lathers easily, she adds. Be aware that some sulfate-free shampoos don’t lather well or don’t lather well.
If you want to take your in-shower hair care routine a step further, give your hair a deep treatment with a hair mask after your conditioner. Hair masks, depending on which one you get, can help keep your hair healthy, moisturized, and shiny.
Step 3: Leave-in conditioner, detangling spray, and heat protectant.
All hair types, from thick and curly to fine and straight, should start their post-shower routine with a leave-in conditioner and detangling spray to prevent breakage and boost hair nourishment. . If you decide to blow dry your hair, be sure to apply a heat protectant before you begin.
“In terms of order, leave-in conditioner is always the first product you add because it acts as the foundation for your hair,” explains O’Connor, who recommends Matrix Miracle Creator. She added that many leave-ins also act as heat protectants, so if your formula includes heat and UV protection, you can skip that step.
All hair types can benefit from leave-in conditioners, but there are differences in how they should be applied to ensure maximum absorption. Toves Vancilone says people with straight hair should apply it to clean, towel-dried hair, while people with curly hair should apply it to clean, wet hair.
Step 4: Mousse, cream, and gel
For the right styling products, consider your hair type and how you want to wear it. If your hair is thick and smooth, Shorter advises using a blow-dry cream. Would you recommend Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream? Good for increasing shine and reducing frizz.
However, if you have curly or curly hair and would like to enhance the texture, please use a curl styler such as gel. “This will help keep your curls in place,” says O’Connor. Finally, if you have thin hair and need some volume, Shorter says using a styling mousse will add volume and hold for those with fine, straight hair.
Step 5: Oil and serum
Just like facial oils lock in moisture, hair oils do the same thing. O’Connor explains that adding this at the end of your routine will not only nourish your hair but also add shine. This is perfect for dry hair types.
People with straight, fine hair should use oil before shampooing to avoid stressing the hair.
When it comes to hair serums, you can benefit from using them on any hair type and type. These are great for protecting hair, defining curls, smoothing frizz, and keeping hair strong and healthy. One of our all-time favorites is the Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Frizz Control Hair Serum.
Step 6: Styling spray
Finish off your routine with your favorite dry texture spray, hair spray, or shine spray. However, make sure your hair is dry so the product will adhere. “Fine hair types will get more volume, texture, and hold, while curly hair types will get an extra boost of moisture,” Shorter explains.
conclusion
Remember, your hair care routine doesn’t have to consist of 15 different products. But if you want to take care of your hair the same way you take care of your skin, it doesn’t hurt to add a few extra steps after your shampoo and conditioner. Please follow the order above. Your hair (and scalp) will definitely thank you.
