When it comes to skin products, you know that using them in the correct order will yield better results. The same can be said for hair products. While starting with shampoo and conditioner is obvious, what happens when you add other products? What is the routine for getting your hair looking great?
Does It Matter How You Apply Hair Products?

The truth is yes, it does matter how you apply hair products. Think of it this way. You used a leave-in conditioner on your dry hair and wonder why the mids and ends are so greasy. Or you can apply shine spray on damp hair to find it does not make a difference when dry.
You applied the product at the wrong time in both cases, forgoing its intended results. Still, think again if you feel there is only one haircare routine. Our stylists say not everyone has the same hair texture and needs different routines.
Yet, you can follow a few tailored steps in your haircare routine to suit your texture.
1. How to Apply In-Shower Hair Products
The norm is to start with shampoo, which cleanses the hair of built-up dirt, oil, and sweat. While you may think your shampoo has a stripping formula, many modern shampoos do not contain common stripping ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate or parabens.
Still, if these ingredients are present, it is best to apply them first to help the conditioner replenish the moisture lost. The conditioner helps to add the lost moisture and detangle the hair. We do not recommend washing your hair daily, as it can strip precious oils from the hair and scalp.
2. How to Apply Hair Products For Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, it lacks volume and needs a fine haircare routine to give it a lift. Still, applying only volumizing products will not do the trick.
Start With Your Volumizing Shampoo And Conditioner
When shopping for a hair-cleansing product, look for the magic word volumizing. This product will not weigh your hair down but will help thicken the hair fiber.
While many stylists recommend using a volumizing conditioner, we recommend skipping it as some products can weigh down your fine strands if over-applied. If you have color-treated hair, apply a good hydrating conditioner from the mid-shafts to the ends.
Towel-Dry Your Hair And Apply Leave-in Conditioner
Then, reach for a microfiber towel to dry your hair. It is gentler on the strands and causes less breakage if you have fine hair. If you have tangle-prone hair and want to avoid conditioning it in the shower, you can spritz your strands with a weightless leave-in conditioner.
Follow Up With a Thickening Treatment and Hair Serum
Your hair can benefit from thickening agents, and when looking for one, we suggest choosing something that leaves your hair conditioned, weightless, and soft.
If your hair frizzes after styling, apply a small drop of hair serum to smooth it out. This can boost the overall health of your hair and your scalp.
Still, be light-handed with the application.
Apply Some Mousse
To boost the roots, massage some mousse into the roots and mids, which helps prevent your hair from falling flat. Then, use a round brush to blow dry the hair as it adds body to your locks.
Still, when it comes to fine hair, using less is more. Too many products can drag hair down and make it feel greasy.
3. How to Apply Hair Products on Coarse Hair
As usual, start with your shampoo and conditioner, using hydrating products. Then, to prevent aggravation, dry the hair with a microfiber towel.
Follow it up with a leave-in conditioner before continuing with your hair care. Then, use a no-rinse hair cram to hydrate your hair further and protect it from heat damage.
It will leave your hair silky and soft and end with lightweight hair oil for added nutrition and shine. In addition to these steps, you can add a scalp mask or scrub once a week, as it cleanses your scalp to remove any product buildup and helps promote hair growth.
4. How to Apply Hair Products to Curly Hair
As curly hair gets dry, we recommend refraining from shampooing and doing a co-wash, known as conditioner washing only. If you have a mixed texture, coily, extremely dry, or curly hair, you can benefit from it. Still, a note is that fine hair does not benefit from a co-wash.
Follow up your co-wash with a leave-in and curl-specific conditioner to hydrate the curls. Alternatively, apply a classic conditioner for dry curls outside your in-shower hair routine.
You can apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends to tone and hydrate your curls. When blowdrying the hair, use a diffuser as it will not damage it.
Wrap-Up: The Correct Way to Apply Hair Products
Applying hair products in a specific order boosts their effectiveness. Your hair wash routine should start with a shampoo and end with a conditioner.
Still, adding extra steps to products depends on your hair goals and type and texture to ensure your hair looks great.
If you want an individual routine, consult with one of your hairstylists, who can give you a tailored haircare routine today.
FAQ
In what order must I use hair products?
You can start with a shampoo, then apply conditioner, followed by a hair mask. If you use heat styling, you can apply a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant product, followed by mousse and styling creams.
How do you apply hair products evenly?
You can use a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb to help distribute the product throughout your hair. Apply the product from your ends up to prevent super-defined hair at your roots and frizz at the ends. Apply the product in sections to evenly distribute it throughout your hair.
Can I use a serum and hair oil together?
After towel-drying the hair, you can use a serum and hair oil together. Apply the serum to nourish and protect the strands, and then add a small amount of hair oil to finish the look.
Which one do you put on first, mousse or gel?
First, apply mousse followed by gel to add volume to your waves. The gel keeps your hair in place, while the mousse adds volume and bounce.