Do you put leave-in conditioner before or after oil?

Author: Edyth Reichert  |  Last update: Friday, October 24, 2025

Try applying leave-in conditioner every day before styling your hair. If you use other moisturizing products (such as hair oil, serum or cream), make sure to apply these products after your leave-in conditioner for best results.

Do I use hair oil or leave-in conditioner first?

Oils can be penetrating, but most are occlusive. I'd recommend for the majority of people to add oil after their leave-in, but you can play around with what works best for you. I'd also generally recommend oil on dry hair.

What order do you use leave-in conditioner?

Leave-in conditioner is usually used after shampooing and conditioning hair. Unlike the traditional conditioners that wash off after keeping on for 3 to 5 minutes, leave-in conditioners are applied on washed and slightly damp hair and left on without washing.

How to layer leave-in conditioner and hair oil?

Layering Process
  1. Start with a Leave-in Conditioner. After you get out of the shower, the first product you're going to want to pick up is a leave-in-conditioner. ...
  2. Use a Heat Protectant. ...
  3. Curl Cream. ...
  4. Styling Gel. ...
  5. Last But Not Least, Hair Oil.

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).

Professional Guide to Leave In Conditioner

Do you put leaves in conditioner or serum first?

The Art of Layering: How to Layer Your Hair Products
  1. Leave in conditioner. Once you get out of the shower, wrap your hair up in an old cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water. ...
  2. Serum or mousse. ...
  3. Heat protectant. ...
  4. Hydrating hair oil. ...
  5. Hairspray or finishing pomade. ...
  6. 5 Holiday Hairstyles.

Do I put hair oil on wet or dry hair?

For day-to-day use, simply apply your oil to damp hair and let it air dry. If you're using a hair dryer or other heat-styling tool to achieve an effortless blow-out look, apply a few drops of hair oil through damp hair before applying heat. This will help lock in moisture and result in a smooth, polished finish.

Can I put leave-in conditioner after oil?

Try applying leave-in conditioner every day before styling your hair. If you use other moisturizing products (such as hair oil, serum or cream), make sure to apply these products after your leave-in conditioner for best results.

When should I apply leave-in conditioner?

When to use leave-in conditioner. Unlike rinse-out conditioner, leave-in conditioner is a post-shower product, typically used on damp hair. This means after you shampoo and condition, gently dry your hair, ideally with a microfiber towel, until it's damp and then reach for your leave-in conditioner.

What to put in hair after leave-in conditioner?

A leave-in conditioner is made to prep and prime the hair therefore you will start your styling regime with your leave-in and then apply a hair oil or hair serum afterwards. You may rest well knowing you are providing even more protection and hair strength by using both products.

What step is leave in conditioner?

After shampoo and rinse-off conditioner, leave-in conditioner is the third step in every complete hair routine. It's best to choose a three-step system formulated to work together, like Sleek and Shine Leave In Cream or the Curl Nourish Air Dry Cream trio.

Does hair oil go before or after heat protectant?

If your chosen hair oil doesn't have true thermal protection qualities, then apply it after a heat protector like Kérastase Thermique but before heat styling. As a post-styling finisher, hair oils can tame unwanted frizz caused by heat styling, define hair shape, and leave hair with more shine and subtle fragrance.

Is leave-in conditioner better than hair oil?

Hair oils are made up primarily of natural ingredients, making their nutrient content higher than leave-in conditioners. Leave-in conditioners contain fewer nutrients as they are generally mixed with more ingredients than natural hair oils. Hair oil offers a nourishing treatment for your scalp.

Do I need conditioner after oiling?

It's best to use a hair oil from roots to tips, massaging it before shampooing, then washing your hair with shampoo, and finally finishing with a leave-in conditioner before you show off your hair. Thus, both products are recommended, as they can be used at different times.

Why is my hair still frizzy after using leave-in conditioner?

If your hair is still frizzy after using a leave-in conditioner, you might be using too much or too little product or not distributing it evenly. Factors like humidity, damage from heat styling, and not using a deep conditioner regularly can also contribute to ongoing frizz.

What goes first leave in conditioner or styling gel?

The key is to know which products to use and in what order to apply them. First, start with a clean, damp head of hair. Next, apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by a curl cream or gel. Be sure to distribute the products from root to tip evenly.

Is it okay to use leave-in conditioner every day?

Tailoring Application to Hair Type: Different hair types require varying moisture levels and care. Fine, straight hair may become weighed down by daily leave-in conditioner application, while thick, curly hair may benefit from more frequent use to combat dryness and frizz.

How often should I oil my hair?

Over-oiling can lead to an excessively greasy scalp, which can attract dirt and exacerbate hair fall. Normal hair: If your hair is neither too dry nor too oily, oiling 1-2 times a week is a good balance. This frequency will help maintain healthy moisture levels without making your scalp greasy.

What should I put on my 4c hair every day?

Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to your hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas. Style your hair as desired, using a lightweight oil or butter to seal it in moisture and prevent breakage.

Should I put oil or leave in conditioner first?

add to your styling routine: applying oil to wet hair after your leave in conditioner helps to seal moisture into strands. 3. the ultimate finishing product: apply a light coating of oil to hands and act scrunch through hair to loosen gel cast, smooth flyaway, and add shine ✨

What is the proper order of applying hair products?

Mastering The Art Of Layering Hair Products: Your Ultimate Guide To Nailing Your Routine
  1. Shampoo. First things first – shampoo. ...
  2. Conditioner. Next up, conditioner. ...
  3. Leave-In Conditioner Or Hair Mask. For an extra boost, consider adding a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to your routine. ...
  4. Heat Protectant (Hair Serum)

What is the best routine for hair oiling?

Routine: Start your hair oiling routine by warming the oil and massaging it into your scalp and along the lengths of your hair. Let it sit for a few hours, or keep it on overnight for deep conditioning. Repeat this routine twice a week to fortify your hair and protect it from damage.

Why is my hair frizzy even after oiling?

This is because as time passes the hair cuticle opens up. Hair at this stage is porous and susceptible to frizz. Running your hands through hair with hair oil will rough up the cuticle further and even with oil you risk making things worse.

What are the disadvantages of applying oil to your hair?

While leaving oil on your hair may seem beneficial, prolonged exposure can have adverse effects. If hair growth oil is left on for extended periods, it can attract dirt, clog pores, and lead to dandruff and itching. Over-saturation may also weaken hair strands, making them prone to breakage.

Previous article
What causes your face to slim?
Next article
Should I cut my long hair if it's thinning?