The Correct Order to Apply Your Haircare Products
You have the right products, you know the technique, but you have no clue how and when to apply each step? If this is you, this blog is going to clear it all up! Just like skincare, the order in which we apply our haircare products matters arguably just as much as the products we use. I should preface that you will obviously have to tailor these suggestions based on your haircare arsenal. With that, you can keep reading for a breaking of exactly how I layer my hair care products for the best results.
STEP 1: PRE SHAMPOO OIL
Before I get into my wash routine, I apply an oil to the ends of my hair for about 15 minutes before hopping in the shower. Why? That oil is going to act as a protective shield against moisture loss and over-stripping during the shampoo/cleansing step. Shampoo, particularly clarifying or detox shampoos, can be harsh. I absolutely love them for removing build up, but they are bound to remove natural oils in the process. By coating the mid-lengths and ends of your hair with an oil, you create a barrier that helps maintain hydration (while still allowing your scalp to be thoroughly cleansed). While I love this step for everyone, I would say it's a borderline must for anyone with dry or damaged hair, as it prevents excessive dryness.
Here are some of my favorite hair oils:
Pro Tip: I also love applying this oil on my non wash days to the ends of my hair and then applying a little dry shampoo to the root!
STEP 2: SCALP SCRUB
I don’t do this every wash—just when I notice itchiness, flaking, or excessive oiliness. With that, when I do use it, it’s my first “shower” step. This is the step that’s going to remove buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles. Plus, it basically creates a clean slate for other products to work more effectively, ensuring I get the most from the rest of my routine. If you are in need of a recommendation, I am pretty sure I am on my 15th container of the Briogeo charcoal scrub and there is no stopping in sight!
STEP 3: DOUBLE SHAMPOO (aka the new double cleanse):
Alright, you’ve exfoliated your scalp, now what? This is when I like to go in with what I call my “double cleanse (for the hair) method.” Just as you double cleanse your face (I hope), your hair is going to receive the same benefits. The first shampoo is primarily for removing product buildup, oil, etc. while the second shampoo actually cleanses the hair. You can absolutely just use a gentle shampoo twice! Personally, I like to start with a detox shampoo K18 Detox Shampoo to really cleanse and follow up with a gentler, more hydrating shampoo to cleanse without stripping moisture. Pending on the detox shampoo you use, you might not want to use it every wash day (I will put some of my favorites below). With that, the K18 one is a pretty gentle formula so I am pretty consistent about always using it as my first step.
Alright, you have exfoliated the scalp, you’ve double cleansed, what do we layer next?
STEP 4: CONDITIONER, HAIR MASK, OR PEPTIDE TREATMENT
Alright, this is the point where you are in a fork in the road, it’s either the route of treatment, mask, or traditional conditioner. I try to map out my wash days so I know when to apply what. With that, some of it is intuitive. Based on the feel of my hair or time of year, I generally know if it’s time for a full-on conditioning mask, or just a simple conditioner. With that, I try to be a little more strategic when I am using the K18 Peptide Mask (if you haven’t already, you can watch my video on this). So I will briefly touch on each!
Once my hair is freshly cleansed, it’s essentially been primed to absorb deep hydration or treatment. When hair is damp, the cuticle is open, making it the perfect time for ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and plant oils to penetrate the hair shaft. Roughly once a week I will go in with a hair mask (potentially twice if it’s winter and my hair is extra dry). There are so many good ones, but I am most obsessed with the ones from Briogeo or Gisou. This is a step that actively repairs damaged hair from within.
On those days where my hair is feeling pretty good, but just needs a good classic wash, I will go in with whatever gentle conditioner I am using at the time. I tend to cycle through different gentle shampoo and conditioners, but
here are a few of my favorites:
Pro Tip: Considering this is a layering how-to blog, I do think it’s worth mentioning that after I have applied my conditioner or conditioning mask, I go in with a wide tooth comb! Using a wide-tooth comb at this stage not only helps distribute the conditioner evenly but also minimizes tangles and reduces breakage, especially when hair is most fragile while wet.
The alternative is me going in with my K18 Peptide Mask. The cadence for when you use it is going to be completely individual to you and I won’t go into too much detail here (you can watch my step by step process with this treatment here), but what I will say, is I apply this after my hair is thoroughly cleansed, and no conditioner has been applied (that part is important). It’s also worth mentioning, that while I stay in the shower for a conditioning mask and conditioner, since I will wash those out, I apply the K18 mask after my shower. Spoiler alert: I don’t wash it out! It’s a stay in treatment. Also, before I go to what haircare products we layer next, it’s very important to say that If I use K18, I make sure to let it sit for four minutes before applying anything else, as it needs time to work undisturbed.
Ok if you used a conditioner or conditioning mask, you washed it out! If you used a K18 peptide mask, you have waited 4 minutes! So what’s next?
STEP 5: HEAT PROTECTANT
Your “wash,” is done and you know if you read my blog on air drying, that I dropped air dropping a few years back. But before applying any heat to my hair, I always use a heat protectant. A good heat protectant, like Color Wow Dream Coat, coats the hair shaft and forms a protective barrier that helps to prevent heat-induced damage. Even with high quality hair tools, like the Dyson, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. Since heat protectants work best when evenly distributed, I spray it onto damp hair and comb through to ensure full coverage.
STEP 6: DYSON
I know this doesn’t necessarily count as a layered haircare item, but I do think it’s worth mentioning! I have given a step-by-step Dyson tutorial, so I won’t go into too much detail here, but just know that I am obsessed with my Dyson. I honestly cannot fathom skipping this step!
Once your hair has been styled to your liking, I don’t like to be too complicated with my post-shower routine, so I simply suggest going in with a finishing spray of your liking (this one from Amika is unreal) and calling it a day!
The final thing I want to say is that this is simply an example of how I sequence my haircare products! This is not to say that you need to apply every step to achieve “healthy hair.” It’s important that you do your own research on what will support your hair (and budget best). Maybe you do a classic shampoo and conditioner in the shower, but start incorporating a heat protectant post shower! Or occasionally add a conditioning mask in replacement of your conditioner. Take baby steps and as always, let me know if you have questions!
Also, if you are wanting to level up your routine, but don’t know how, I have a full haircare guide that contains a hair type quiz, product suggestions, and sample routines!
**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use!
