Do you use leave in conditioner before or after product?

Author: Maureen Satterfield  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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.

Do you put leave in conditioner or product first?

Leave-in conditioner first, then mousse. As a general rule, leave-in conditioner goes before styling products.

When should you put leave-in conditioner in?

Here are a few moments when adding it to your routine can really pay off:
  1. After Shampooing. Right after washing your hair is one of the best times to apply leave-in conditioner. ...
  2. Before Heat Styling. ...
  3. To Refresh Second-Day Hair. ...
  4. After a Swim. ...
  5. Before Bedtime. ...
  6. In Harsh Climates. ...
  7. Dry Hair. ...
  8. Frizzy Hair.

Can you use hair products after leave in conditioner?

You can use leave in conditioner and other styling products. The leave in first, then layer whatever else you may use.

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).

GET RID OF DRY & FRIZZY HAIR

Can I use leave-in conditioner and heat protectant together?

Using a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant together can help you achieve healthy, moisturized, and protected hair. Remember that the two products serve different purposes and work together for the best results, especially if you use heat-styling tools.

What goes first hair treatment or conditioner?

Applying a hair mask before conditioner can provide your hair with an extra boost of nourishment and repair. So go ahead, indulge in some self-care, and pamper your tresses with a delightful hair mask treatment followed by a nourishing conditioner. Your hair will thank you with its newfound radiance and vitality!

What comes after leave-in conditioner?

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

"For example, if you're going for a soft style with a light hold, you may opt for only a leave-in conditioner and a mousse," she shares, noting that the general order of application would still apply. "The leave-in conditioner would be first and the mousse last," she says.

Should I use leave-in conditioner before or after 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.

Can I use both conditioner and leave-in conditioner?

You can incorporate a regular and a leave-in conditioner into your hair care routine to provide comprehensive care to your hair.

What to do after applying leave-in conditioner?

After applying your leave-in conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush that works well on wet hair to gently comb the product through and detangle your strands. That ease will also help reduce friction that can lead to breakage and thus keep your strands intact.

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.

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 order should I do my curly hair routine?

What are the steps for a curly hair routine? The steps for a curly hair routine typically include cleansing with shampoo and conditioning, applying a leave-in conditioner, and styling with a curl-enhancing product. Lastly, finish with optional oils or serums to lock in moisture and define curls.

What are the steps of hair care?

There are six basic steps for a haircare routine - Hair oil, exfoliation, cleanse, conditioning, treatment, and style.

Do you use leave-in conditioner before or after deep conditioner?

A leave-in conditioner is a light-weight water based cream that is meant to be used after both shampoo and (rinse out or deep) conditioner. Just like its name, you leave it in and don't rinse it out, It works best when hair is damp to help retain moisture.

In what order do I apply 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 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.

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.

What is the 1 2 3 gel method?

It works by layering 3 different gels, a light, medium and strong hold. I prepped my hair for styling with the weightless air dry cream then applied three gels from lightest to strongest hold. After diffusing I used the shine oil to break up the gel cast to reveal soft and defined curls that'll last days!

Can you use leave-in conditioner and heat protectant at the same time?

Using both a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant in your haircare routine can have numerous benefits for every hair type. By using a leave-in conditioner first, you can moisturize and hydrate your hair, making it more resilient to breakage and helping to repair existing damage.

Should I apply serum after leave-in conditioner?

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.

What comes first, leave-in conditioner or hair serum?

Step four: Leave-in treatments

“Leave-in is a key step before styling your hair,” says Tsapatori. “Opt for a leave-in conditioner depending on your hair type. Use an oil followed by a serum if your hair is dry or damaged. If you have oily hair, avoid using too much product.

What should I use before and after hair conditioner?

The decision to use conditioner before or after shampoo depends on personal preference and hair type. For optimal results, apply conditioner immediately after shampooing, focusing on mid-length to ends. Use a moderate amount, avoiding the scalp. Allow the conditioner to sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

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