When should I put product in my hair?

Author: Prof. Leonora Moore DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, September 11, 2025

After making sure your strands are tangle-free, it's best to kick off with a hydrating leave-in conditioner. You'll want to apply this while the hair is still wet—not only is your hair more receptive when damp (your cuticles are open), it will also protect your strands from frizzing out as it dries.

What order should I put in my hair products?

How to Properly Layer Hair Products
  1. Pre-shampoo. Pre-shampoos are optional but can help set your haircare routine up for success. ...
  2. Shampoo. ...
  3. Rinse-out treatments. ...
  4. Conditioner. ...
  5. Leave-in treatments. ...
  6. Hair mousse, gel, or cream. ...
  7. Hair serum or oil. ...
  8. Finishing sprays.

Do you put product before or after drying hair?

Drying Product: If you apply gel or wax to damp hair, it can weigh your hair down and make it feel sticky or heavy. Drying your hair first allows the product to adhere better and provide a more polished finish. Control: When your hair is dry, you have more control over the style.

Should I put product in my hair before dying it?

No, not effectively. Dye needs to be applied to dry hair with no product. The pigment needs to be deposited in the hair shaft, and the hair product interferes with that process. The dye will deposit unevenly, leaving some sections more saturated than others.

Should I put products in my hair every day?

When you use styling products every day, they start to build up – and washing your hair doesn't always get rid of it. In some cases, this build-up can be visible on the scalp and hair and is often confused with dandruff. It can also damage your hair and scalp in more extreme cases.

8 Mistakes that Cause Stringy Curls + How to Get Clumps

Is it okay to wet hair every day?

Wetting your hair everyday causes your strands to weaken over time. Avoid this by setting the hair with a foam, gel or curl cream and sit under a dryer to set the style. This will help your style last 5-7 days. To repair this I suggest using less heat and don't constantly wet the hair and slick it back.

What should be a hair care routine?

Hair care routine steps for healthy hair
  • Step 1: Cleanse. The first step in any haircare routine is to cleanse. ...
  • Step 2: Condition & nourish. The next essential step in your washing routine is to condition. ...
  • Step 3: Detangle. ...
  • Step 4: Protect, prime & style. ...
  • Step 5: Moisturize. ...
  • Step 6: Treatment.

Is it better to color dirty or clean hair?

Along with washing your hair right before dyeing it, avoid applying any styling products, like dry shampoo or leave-in conditioners. While you can color dirty hair, styling products can contribute to buildup and may affect the way the hair dye absorbs.

Do I have to wash my hair after putting product in it?

The products you use to style your hair, along with dirt, oil and sweat, can build up on your scalp and in your hair and cause problems such as acne and itchiness. Proper washing can help prevent product buildup and also keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.

Can hair be too greasy to bleach?

Stylists advise that bleach does not need to go on clean hair, and that it's actually healthier for your hair to be a little oily when you bleach.

How do you properly use hair products?

Spray the product all over your hair, then brush through with a fine-toothed comb to ensure the product is evenly distributed from root to tip. After that, you can proceed with heat-styling your hair as desired.

How should I leave my hair to dry?

Allowing your hair to air dry as much as possible is the gentlest way to go. Air drying minimizes heat exposure and, subsequently, the risk of heat-induced damage. However, if you're in a rush or prefer a blow dryer for styling, wait until your hair is mostly dry naturally.

Should I put product in my hair before drying?

Don't skimp on products. Always prep your hair with a heat protectant before blow drying! This minimizes heat damage from your blow dryer, which prevents future frizz and can give your blow dry a boost of softness, shine and volume.

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.

Can you use too much conditioner?

Too much conditioner will eventually coat your hair in heavy build-up, leaving you with a lifeless, unmanageable mane. If you don't use enough conditioner, your hair will be hard to comb out and look dry. Be sure to match your application of conditioner to your hair length and type.

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's the healthiest thing to wash your hair with?

If you have dry or damaged hair, look for hydrating formulas with ingredients like argan oil or shea butter to restore moisture and strengthen strands. For oily hair, a lightweight, clarifying shampoo with tea tree oil or charcoal can help balance excess oil without stripping your scalp.

How to fix really oily hair?

This is where the below tips come into play.
  1. Apply Conditioner the Right Way. ...
  2. Wash Less Often. ...
  3. Switch Up Your Brush. ...
  4. Choose Your Products Wisely. ...
  5. Don't Touch Your Hair. ...
  6. Avoid Straightening Your Mane. ...
  7. Go Easy on the Dry Shampoo. ...
  8. Use a Scalp Scrub.

Do hairdressers like clean or dirty hair?

Your hair stylist will appreciate it if you come in with clean hair, and it's not fair to make them work with dirty hair. Secondly, wash your hair before going to the salon so that your hair color will look its best.

What not to do before hair color?

06 Skip shampooing before coloring.

Since shampooing can send some of these healthy oils down the drain, avoid cleansing for 24-48 hours before home hair coloring. The oils that you allow to build up on your hair during this time will protect your strands and keep them healthier post-color.

What should I do everyday to my hair?

Daily Hair Care Routine
  1. Step 1: Shampoo or Dry Shampoo. It's not healthy to wash your hair every day, especially if you have thick or curly hair. ...
  2. Step 2: Conditioner. Conditioner is a must-have, regardless of your hair type. ...
  3. Step 3: Leave-in Conditioner. ...
  4. Step 4: Styling. ...
  5. Step 5: Drying.

What causes hair thinning?

Overview. Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.

What to eat to grow hair faster?

  • Eggs. Eggs contain various proteins that boost collagen production. ...
  • Green Leafy Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, carotene, folate, and potassium. ...
  • Vitamin C-Rich Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Seeds and Nuts. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Whole Grain. ...
  • Soybeans. ...
  • Avocado.

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