Here's the Right Order for Your Hair Products

You already know how to layer your skin care products in the correct order, but have you ever stopped to think that maybe there’s a right and a wrong order for hair products, too? As it turns out, there is a proper way to layer on your hair care products—and it’s not as time-consuming or difficult as it sounds. Here, we’re walking you through the right order of hair products, from serum and hair cream to mousse and hair spray, so you can apply each one correctly. Of course, you don’t have to follow every single step—you may decide to use just some of the products, but whatever products you do choose, the important part is to apply them in the correct sequence. Here are the general guidelines for the order of your hair care products:

1. SHAMPOO

We know that this step goes without saying, because you don’t want to start layering products onto hair that’s dirty. The key thing here is that you use the right shampoo for your hair type. Here are some of your options:

If you have thin hair...try the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo.

If you have color-treated hair...use a moisturizing, anti-fade system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo.

If you have frizzy hair...reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo.

If you have curly hair...give your coils extra nourishment with the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo.

2. RINSE-OUT TREATMENTS

Using a hair mask or treatment that directs you to rinse it from your strands before stepping out of the shower? Now would be the time to apply it! In some cases, you may use your treatment in place of your regular conditioner, but others will simply come before conditioning. In the case of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment, which works to give you silkier, shinier, healthier-looking hair in just eight seconds, you can go ahead and follow up with your normal conditioning routine. Speaking of…

3. CONDITIONER

As with shampoo, using a conditioner for your hair type is a must. If you plan to use one in addition to a rinse-out treatment, it should be third on your list. If it isn't a treatment day, go right from shampoo to conditioner. For the best results, always use the corresponding conditioner to your shampoo. 

If you have thin hair...pick up the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner.

If you have color-treated hair...try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

If you have frizzy hair...use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner.

If you have curly hair...apply the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner.

4. LEAVE-IN TREATMENTS

Once you’ve washed your hair and let it dry off a bit, the first product you will actually layer onto your locks is a leave-in treatment, such as a leave-in conditioner or a repairing treatment, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Treatment. It’s an especially good idea to use a leave-in treatment if your strands are damaged, overly-dry, or color-treated, as they can help rehydrate and repair your hair with continued use over time.

Keep in mind, leave-in products aren’t typically necessary for daily use, so you can save this step for once or twice a week!

5. HEAT PROTECTANT

If you plan to use any hot tools, i.e., your blow-dryer, curling iron, or flat iron, your next step should be applying a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray. This step is crucial for any type of heat styling because the high heat you’ll be applying to your hair can cause damage. Spray the heat protectant onto damp hair all over your head, from root to tip, then brush through to make sure the product is evenly distributed.

6. HAIR MOUSSE

Next up in the correct order of hair products: hair mousse! If your hair lacks volume and you want to pump it up a bit, use a hair mousse that’s formulated to give your locks added height, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse. Put an egg-sized amount of product in the palm of your hand, then apply it to your hair, scrunching as you go to help build body.

7. HAIR SERUM OR OIL

What’s left? Oh right, a hair serum or oil! Both of these products should only be applied to the lengths and ends of your hair, and just a small amount should do the trick. If frizz is what you’re worried about most, try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum, which will help polish the surface of your strands and block out any frizz. If dry, lifeless hair is your biggest concern, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment.

These products can also be applied to hair that’s damp or completely dry—so it’s up to you if you want to wait until your hair is totally dry or go straight from applying mousse to smoothing on your serum or oil. 

8. HAIR SPRAY

Your final step should be a few spritzes of hairspray, which should always, always be applied to dry hair. Using hair spray on wet or damp hair is a recipe for stickiness, clumps, and an overall hairstyle disaster. Stick with using a lightweight hairspray, like the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, as the final step in your hair care and styling routine to tame down any lingering frizz and lock in your look for the day (or night).

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