The truth is that our post-shower hair care products usually end up looking more like a random experiment than a routine, but being a mixologist with your styling arsenal isn’t doing your hair any favors. Just like you shouldn’t apply face oils before serums, the wrong order can make your products not as effective, or worse, damage your strands. “Knowing the correct order of application for your hair is just as important as your skincare routine,” agrees Michelle Lee, professional hairstylist, co-owner of Salon Eva Michelle in Boston, Mass., and Sebastian Professional Top Artist. “Products penetrate differently in your hair, and the right order ensures proper use and benefits.” While every hair type is unique, there are some general rules that will allow you to get the best results. You may have heard the golden rule of layering your skincare: lightest to heaviest. When it comes to hair care, Lee says the guideline is FSF: foundation (shampoo, conditioner, masks), structure (nourishing leave-ins and protectants), and finish (styling products and texture sprays). With that in mind, we asked Lee to share the best order for layering hair care products. Whether you use one, three, or all of these products at a time, the order of application will remain the same. (Note: This order starts with shampooing; if you want to pre-poo, feel free to apply those treatments first.) Opt for something made for color-treated hair (read: no parabens and less surfactants) if you have dyed hair, hydrating if you have damaged hair, and volumizing if you have limp hair. And whatever you use, Lee recommends rotating in a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to break up the styling residue lingering on your scalp. Hair oils are a bit more complicated since they can be used on wet or dry hair. If you don’t plan on heat styling, this is the time to apply them since your hair will soak in the ingredients best. However, if you plan on heat-styling, hold off. Applying it now will essentially fry your strands, leaving it more susceptible to damage. Lee also notes that not all oils are the same: “Certain oils are for blow-drying and others are for after. When you’re not sure, make sure to look at the directions.”
