Hairstylists' Advice: Shampoo or Conditioner Goes First?
We’ve all been taught that when we wash our hair, it’s important to put on a conditioner after applying a shampoo. But is this the best approach?
As a hairstylist, I can tell you that people ask me this question all the time! The dilemma is whether to wash hair with shampoo or conditioner first. It doesn't matter which one you choose because they both serve different purposes. Haircare professionals admit this is one of the most popular topics among salon-goers today. So how do we decide how to properly apply shampoo and conditioner?
Read on to find out why the order in which you apply shampoo and conditioner is important when washing your hair.
Shampoo First, Condition Second
While it may sound like a no-brainer, the number one rule of using a shampoo in your regimen is to make sure you’re using a shampoo first and not conditioner. The reason why lies in the fact that people usually don’t realize that most shampoos cleanse better than they moisturize or add shine. Conditioners, on the other hand, are designed to moisturize your hair much more than they can help you get rid of any buildup. So if you think about it, you’re actually adding additional treatment to your hair just by following this incorrect routine that goes for conditioning products first.
Using a shampoo routine, which includes cleansing and moisturizing, is the best option to keep your hair healthy and strong. After washing with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build up, you should follow with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish your hair. Jay Jackson, East Coast-based celebrity hairstylist of Stacey Smoker Hair & Co. said that in most cases when it comes to clearing out your hair, you should use a shampoo as the first step before applying a conditioner after."
When to Reverse Your Wash Day Routine
So is there ever a time to use conditioner before shampoo? An occasional reverse hair washing might be helpful for thick hair or to accommodate specific hair needs. Curious about what a reverse hair washing method entails?
Sometimes it’s best to use a conditioner before shampoo. Even if it seems weird to do so it might actually help improve your experience by adding softness and moisture to avoid getting burnt out which can be beneficial for people who color their hair or those with extremely dry ends. That being said, there is one important thing you should do after using the conditioner as your hair may feel oily due to added moisture: use another conditioner or a hydrating mask since your hair will still tend to feel dry and brittle.
Hair Wash Habits Do's & Don'ts
*Dos
#1. Be Mindful with the Amount
"Be mindful of the amount of shampoo and conditioner you’re using. Based on your hair type, density, texture and porosity, the amount may need to be adjusted," said Toves-Vincilione. "Focus shampoo on your root area, often where hair is most oily, and apply shampoo lightly on ends. Remember, the scalp produces natural oils on its own, so you don’t want to add to that by applying too much conditioner, especially if you’re naturally on the oily side."
"When you wash your hair, it’s good to remember that not only is shampoo used to cleanse your hair, but also to moisturize it. Too much shampoo can strip the moisture out of your hair, so make sure to be careful when using conditioner as well!"
#2. Get An Occasional Double Cleanse
You experience your hair feeling oily on day two or simply never feeling clean (even after a wash) even though you may have used daily or every other day products? Entrepreneur says to try double-cleansing as a remedy because it provides a deep, full lather and washes all of the oil out - a must if you are trying to achieve healthier looking hair.
“Begin by shampooing your hair, then massage conditioner onto the scalp. Wait two minutes and then rinse with warm water. Shampoo again (twice) and use a wide tooth comb to brush through the length of wet hair, rinsing before running under the drier or towel drying upright.”
#3. Protect Your Hair Before Applying Heat
According to Jackson Smith, especially if one is worried about escaping frizz or melting away their freshly applied spray, they should curl their hair using a wand or flat iron on very low heat setting along with their product of choice: "That could be a heat protectant or flexible hairspray so that you're not putting too much heat directly on clean, conditioned hair," he said. "Rather, the product is acting as a barrier between your clean, conditioned hair and the high amounts of heat being put onto it."
#4. Start With Very Wet Hair
"Make sure the hair is thoroughly wet before using the shampoo and conditioner," said Jackson. "If your hair is too dry, it may result in using more shampoo than needed to get a good clean. To prevent wasting money on buying extra shampoo, we suggest you rinse all of the product out and then use your conditioner afterwards.
#5. Pay Attention to the Water Temperature
There is a right and wrong way to clean your hair. Hot water is going to close the cuticle, a dead layer of cells that covers each strand of your hair protecting it from damage and acting as a natural shield. Cold water can open up the cuticles making it easier for products to work their magic by reaching the cortex which contains proteins which are responsible for giving strands shine and luster. Each strand is able to absorb more moisture when the cuticle is open so cold water will make sure to give hair maximal hydration!
What feels good on your body may not be the right temperature on your hair. Use lukewarm water as opposed to a steaming hot shower when it's a hair wash day.
#6. Create Regular Schedules with Your Stylist
"Ideally, see your stylist four to six times a year, or at least once a season," said Jackson. "It’s important to to have a stylist that understands and works with your lifestyle and budget. You need her to keep an eye on changes as well as care for hair and prevent more serious damage that may occur."
*Don'ts
#1 Forget to Treat Ends With Conditioner
"The ends of our hair need the most love! said Toves-Vincilione. "Apply conditioner here first, as ends tend to be on the dry side."
#2. Wash Hair Daily
While it is important to shampoo regularly, that doesn't mean you should do it each day.
As washing your hair too often can irritate your scalp, leading to more problem! If that isn't enough reason to hold off on the daily wash, consider it this way: Shampooing your locks shouldn't be a part of the daily routine.
"For those that do intense athletic activities or exercise each and every day, we recommend simply doing a quick hair rinse. Washing your hair every day is unnecessary and does more harm than good." says Jackson.
#3. Go Overboard With Conditioner
“Conditioning should be applied based on your hair length. Typically from mid-shaft to ends, you need less conditioner and especially with shorter or finer hair. You can always go back and add more conditioner if needed rather than having to rewash your hair completely.” said Jackson.
#4. Be Overly Aggressive When Washing or Conditioning
According to Jackson, the very first step to a good cleanse is getting your hair nice and wet. “Start from the front of the head and work your way back.” He also recommends massaging the fingers from the scalp down to the ends of the hair. Applying too much product can cause clogging and lead to more serious problems in about a month or two.
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