Do you put hair gel or hair cream first?

Author: Lauretta Murazik  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

Always apply cream stylers before gels to help lock in moisture. Scrunch to encourage definition and remove excess water—listen for the squishing sound! After applying stylers, use the DevaTowel to help dry curls and reduce frizz.

Which comes first, gel or cream?

Cream first, then gel. If you find your gel isn't forming a good cast, watch how much cream you're putting under it. Too much can interfere with the hold of a gel.

What is the correct order of hair products?

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).

Does gel come before cream?

Always apply cream BEFORE gel! Start with moisture products like leave-in conditioner and curl cream, then move on to hold products like gel and hairspray.

How do you use gel and hair cream?

Apply a small amount of hair cream to your hands and work it through your damp hair from root to tip. Comb your hair to distribute the products evenly. Wrap your head in a towel and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo again if necessary.

8 Mistakes that Cause Stringy Curls + How to Get Clumps

Do you put hair gel before or after cream?

TIPS. Always apply cream stylers before gels to help lock in moisture. Scrunch to encourage definition and remove excess water—listen for the squishing sound! After applying stylers, use the DevaTowel to help dry curls and reduce frizz.

Should I use hair gel or hair cream?

The Styling Hair Cream is perfect for achieving a matte, casual style, while the Styling Hair Gel is ideal for a sleek, glossy finish. Depending on the look you're going for or the occasion you're styling for, choose either the cream or the gel to create the perfect hairstyle.

What order do you apply gel?

  1. Step 1: Prep. Preparing your nails before gel application is super important. ...
  2. Step 2: Prime. Use a light coat of ORLY Gel FX Nail Tip Primer on the tips of the nails and let dry. ...
  3. Step 3: Basecoat. ...
  4. Step 4: Colour. ...
  5. Step 5: Topcoat. ...
  6. Step 6: Cleanse. ...
  7. Step 7: Moisturise.

What is the correct way to use hair gel?

You'll get the best results when you apply gel to damp or wet hair—that way, the product can glide through your strands easily and lock in moisture for better frizz control. Avoid using gel on dirty or oily hair to prevent flaking.

What order do you put creams on?

  1. Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  2. Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  3. Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  4. Step 4: Toner. ...
  5. Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  6. Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  7. Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  8. Step 8: Sun protection!

Do you put mousse or gel first?

THE PERFECT COMBINATION. Using mousse and gel in combination when styling your wavy hair is sure to be the perfect dream-team double act! Apply your mousse first, then apply your gel for voluminous waves that will stay alive all day long.

What order should I moisturize my hair?

How to Moisturize Natural Hair Daily
  1. Step One: Cleanse your hair the right way. ...
  2. Step Two: Replenish lost moisture. ...
  3. Step Three: Layer on the moisture with a leave-in conditioner. ...
  4. Step Four: Amp up the moisture and seal it all in. ...
  5. Use a Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. ...
  6. Protect Your Hair from the Sun and Heat.

Can you use multiple hair products at once?

The answer to this question is simply YES. You can apply two or more hair care products while styling hair.

Which is better, gel or cream?

The main difference lies in how each formulation interacts with the skin. Gels tend to absorb more quickly and give a light feeling without leaving any residue. Cream, however, provides deep moisturisation, is richer and might leave a slight residue on the skin.

Does hair gel moisturize hair?

Gels have come a long way since the crunchy-curl days of the '90s and 2000s and have moved from merely providing hold to also providing moisture. Gels are generally used to hold and set the hair.

What comes before oil or cream?

Oil should always be applied after your cream or moisturiser. This is because oils are able to penetrate moisturisers, but not the other way around. So even if you apply a cream first, the actives and nutrients in your facial oil will still be able to get to work on your skin.

When should I apply hair gel?

Hair gel is basically used to set your hair in a specific style, typically while your hair damp or wet. It works almost like a not-too-sticky glue to hold your hair in the style that you want while you dry it. You can either let your hair air-dry with the gel or dry your hair under a hood so you don't disturb the gel.

What to use after hair gel?

There's a right way to layer your hair care.

Here's a foolproof routine to stick to, courtesy of Henson: Apply leave-in conditioner, mousse or foam, styling cream, gel, and oil—in that exact order.

Does gel or cream go first?

Gels are best for definition and hold. Want the benefits of both? Apply a cream formula first as a primer, then layer on gel to lock in moisture and define your curls. If volume is your #1 goal, try a foam or mousse to boost your curls' body.

Does gel go on before cream?

Facial oils and heavier creams create a layer on the skin and sit there longer. So they should go before water-based products like a vitamin C serum or a hyaluronic acid gel.

Should you apply gel to wet or dry hair?

Do You Put Styling Gel in Wet or Dry Hair? Hair gel works best on wet or damp hair. Starting with wet hair allows the gel to coat your hair, creating more definition as you achieve your desired hairstyle. The amount of gel you use depends on the length of your hair.

Can you use hair cream and gel together?

If you have thick or coarse hair, start with a rich moisturizer to help hydrate your strands. Follow with a cream styler to help tame frizz and add shine. Finish with a gel for extra hold and definition.

Is it OK to use hair gel everyday?

There's no harm in using hair gel each morning to style your hair. However, if you choose to use hair gel this often, it's important to wash your hair everyday to keep hair healthy. (Don't worry — washing your hair everyday won't cause it to fall out).

What is the curly girl method?

Here's how to do the Curly Girl Method step-by-step.
  • Step 0: Reset Wash. First up, do a reset cleanse to remove product build-up from your strands. ...
  • Step 1: Cleanse. Wash your hair with a co-wash conditioner or a sulfate-free, low-poo shampoo. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & Detangle. ...
  • Step 3: Style. ...
  • Step 4: Plop. ...
  • Step 5: Repeat.

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