You may have mastered the art of layering skincare, but what about haircare products? Sure, we all know that conditioner comes after shampoo. But when, exactly, should you be applying heat protectants, smoothing creams, and hair oils? Which one comes first and what's the right way to layer hair products? The questions about layering haircare obviously abound.
To find out more, we tapped hairstylists Michelle O'Connor, Justin Toves-Vincillone, and Tippi Shorter. Not only did the trio let us in on the correct order to apply your haircare products but they also shared which products wield the best results for your specific hair type and texture. Intrigued? Then keep scrolling for our expert-approved guide to layering hair products.
Meet the expert
- Michelle O'Connor is a celebrity hairstylist and global artistic director for Matrix.
- Justin Toves-Vincillone is a professional hairstylist and Authentic Beauty Concept Advocate.
- Tippi Shorter is a L'Oréal Professionnel colorist and Mizani global director.
Step One: Gather Hair Care Products
Despite the countless hair care products available on the market, you don't need an overly complicated routine to land healthy tresses. According to O'Connor, all you really need are a shampoo, a conditioner, and a leave-in conditioner.
"Leave-ins will close your hair cuticle, help hair look shiner, and also impart vitamins and minerals," says the expert. "Plus, most leave-ins do myriad things—like make brushing easier, reduce frizz, address dryness, prevent split ends, and shield against external aggressors."
That said, if you want to take as good care of your hair as you do your skin, having a more thorough regimen certainly isn't a bad idea.
Step Two: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Mask
Your haircare routine begins in the shower. Start by using a shampoo and conditioner that cater to your hair type. For example, if you have curly hair, use a formula that will boost curl definition. We love the Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo as well as the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo.
In addition to your hair type, you'll also need to consider your hair conditions and goals. Those with color-treated hair should use a shampoo and conditioner that keeps their dye looking fresh, like a purple or blue set. We recommend the Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo or the Amika Bust Your Brass Shampoo for bleached hair.
According to O'Connor, you should double or triple cleanse your hair each time you're shampooing. In other words, shampoo, rinse, and repeat as needed. You can tell hair is clean when shampoo easily lathers, she adds. Just keep in mind that some sulfate-free shampoos do not lather as much or as easily.
If you want to take your in-shower haircare routine a step further, use a hair mask after your conditioner to give your strands a deep treatment. Hair masks help keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and glossy—depending on which one you get.
Step Three: Leave-In Conditioner, Detangling Spray, and Heat Protectant
All hair types, from thick and curly to fine and straight, should begin their post-shower routine with a leave-in conditioner and detangling spray to prevent breakage and boost hair nourishment. If you blow dry your hair, always apply a heat protectant before you get started.
"In terms of order, leave-in conditioner is always the first product to add as it acts as the foundation for your hair," explains O'Connor, recommending the Matrix Miracle Creator. She adds that many leave-ins double as a heat protectant, so you can skip that step if your formula has heat and UV protection in it.
While all hair types can benefit from a leave-in conditioner, there is a difference in how they should be applied to ensure maximum absorption. Toves-Vincillone says folks with straight hair should apply it on clean, towel-dried hair and those with curlier hair should put it on clean, wet hair.
Step Four: Mousse, Cream, and Gel
For the right styling product, consider your hair type and how you plan on wearing it. If your hair is thick and you wear it smooth, Shorter advises using a blow dry cream. Might we suggest the Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream? It increases shine and is good for reducing frizz.
However, those with curly or kinky hair who want to enhance their texture should use a curl styler such as a gel. "This will provide the right hold for your curls," says O'Connor. Lastly, if your hair is fine and needs a boost of volume, Shorter says to use a styling mousse as it'll add volume and hold for those with fine and straight hair.
Step Five: Oils and Serums
In the same way that facial oil works to seal in moisture, hair oil does the same. O'Connor explains that adding one in at the end of your routine will not only nourish the hair but will add shine too. This is ideal for drier hair types.
Those with straight, fine hair should use oils before shampooing so as not to weigh hair down.
As for hair serums, any hair type and texture can benefit from using them. They're ace at protecting hair, defining curls, smoothing frizz, and generally keeping hair strong and healthy. One of our all-time favorites is the Moroccanoil Intense Smoothing Frizz Control Hair Serum.
Step Six: Styling Sprays
Wrap up your routine by using your favorite dry texture spray, hair sprays, and shine sprays—just make sure your hair is dry so the product can stick. "It'll add volume, texture, and hold for finer hair types, and it'll add another reinforcement of moisture to curly hair types," explains Shorter.
The Bottom Line
Remember, by no stretch does your haircare routine have to consist of fifteen products. But if you want to treat your hair as well as you do your skin, adding a few steps after shampooing and conditioning isn't a bad idea. Just make sure you follow the order we delineated above. Your strands (and scalp) will thank you.
