Should I wash my face before or after doing my hair?

Author: Dr. Malika Grimes Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

What's the first thing you should do in the shower? "It's important that you don't wash your face or the skin on your body before completing your hair-wash routine," says Dr. Zubritsky. Runoff from shampoo and conditioner might end up on your face and body and that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, she says.

Should you wash your hair or your face first?

Hair first. You don't want to clean your body then wash all of the dirt and grease out of your hair to run down the body you just cleaned.

Should I wash my hair before or after a facial?

It's generally okay to wash your hair after a facial, but you should take a few precautions to protect your freshly treated skin. Ensure that the water temperature is lukewarm, as hot water can irritate your sensitive facial skin.

Should you wash your face before or after a haircut?

So, if you're asking yourself, “Should I wash my hair before getting a haircut?” Here's the answer: Wash your hair the night before. Wash and exfoliate your face the morning of. You do that, and you're going to get a clean cut, edge-up, and shave.

Should you do your hair or face routine first?

Do your hair first…if you have oily skin. Those that are prone to having a bit of shine sneak up and ruin their makeup look should opt to style their strands first. This way, you can cleanse your face right before applying your makeup and have a freshly-applied face closer to the start of whatever is on your agenda.

How to wash your face properly to avoid acne- by Dr. Liv

What is the correct order of hair care?

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)

Should I wash my face first or last?

Scrubbing first loosens dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Following with a cleanser then washes away these loosened particles, providing a thorough cleanse and leaving a smooth, receptive surface for moisturizer. This method can be particularly effective for those with oily or congested skin.

Should I wash my face before or after hair removal?

Reduces the Risk of Ingrown Hairs

Washing your face before shaving helps exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells that can trap hair and encourage ingrown hairs. A clean, exfoliated surface ensures the razor cuts hair cleanly and evenly, minimizing the chances of this annoying condition.

Is it better to shower before or after cutting hair?

Clean Canvas: Starting with a fresh and clean head can provide your barber with an optimal canvas to work with. Washing your hair beforehand removes excess oils, product buildup, and any environmental impurities, allowing for a smoother and more precise haircut.

What not to do before a facial?

Avoid harsh scrubs, Cosmetic-Grade Peels, or exfoliating treatments in the days leading up to your session. Your skin needs a break to avoid irritation during the facial. Wax, thread, or undergo hair removal treatments right before your facial to avoid making your skin hypersensitive and irritation-prone.

What are the 5 steps of facial?

At Home Facial Treatment in 5 Steps
  1. STEP 1: CLEANSE. Whether you have makeup on your face or not, you want to start your facial with a clean palette. ...
  2. STEP 2: STEAM YOUR FACE. To steam your face at home there is no need to rush out and buy any fancy equipment. ...
  3. STEP 3: EXFOLIATE. ...
  4. STEP 4: MASK. ...
  5. STEP 5: MOISTURISE AND MASSAGE.

Does washing face help facial hair?

Don't Mistake Face Washing for Beard Washing

Your skin needs plenty of attention to stay healthy and strong, but facial cleansing alone isn't enough to grow a long beard. You need to also wash the beard itself to keep the strands clean, fresh, and hydrated. Never use your facewash to clean your beard.

What is the correct order to shower?

  1. The Everyday Shower Routine. Everyone knows that the best showers start out even before you get in the shower. ...
  2. Step 1: Shampoo. Obviously not every day is a hair wash day, but on the days that are you want to be sure to start your shower off with shampoo. ...
  3. Step 2: Conditioner. ...
  4. Step 3: Body Wash. ...
  5. Step 4: Face Wash.

Is it better to wash your face in the morning or at night or both?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face in the morning, before bed, and after sweating—regardless of your skin type. According to the AAD, cleansing your face in the morning serves an important purpose: It washes away bacteria, sweat, and dirt that can settle on your face overnight.

Is it smarter to do hair or makeup first?

The natural oils on your skin can combine with your foundation, causing it to slip or melt off more quickly. Doing your makeup closer to the time of your event will help make sure it stays in place longer, so go ahead and start with your hair first.

What not to do before a haircut?

Minimize Hair Products

It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

When should first haircut be?

It depends on how quickly their hair grows and of course, your personal preference. Babies born with a lot of hair that grows quickly and starts getting in their eyes may need their first cut in their first year. Others who don't have hair so quickly may not need their first cut until the age of about 2 years.

Should I wash my face or hair first?

What's the first thing you should do in the shower? "It's important that you don't wash your face or the skin on your body before completing your hair-wash routine," says Dr. Zubritsky. Runoff from shampoo and conditioner might end up on your face and body and that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, she says.

Should I not wash my face after shaving?

2. Cleanse Your Face. You should wash your face both before and after shaving. Washing before shaving helps to soften wiry hairs, making them easier to shave, while washing your face with warm water after shaving cleans the skin of excess hair and product.

Should you shower before or after hair removal?

If you plan to arrive at your appointment in squeaky clean condition, we recommend taking a bath before wax at least two hours prior. This will give your skin enough time to dry and return to its usual body temperature. Always opt for lukewarm water. Too hot water can compromise your skin during the wax.

What is the correct order to clean your face?

The Right Order to Wash Your Face
  1. Step 1: Cleanse the skin. ...
  2. Step 2: Use a toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Don't forget your eyes. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply a serum or treatment. ...
  5. Step 5: Moisturize! ...
  6. Step 6: Prime your skin for makeup. ...
  7. 8 Benefits of Daily Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Your Face. ...
  8. 7 Skincare Rules You Should Never Break.

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

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