Heat protectant before or after styling products? Do I need to use the heat protectant after blow drying? Should I use the heat protectant or mousse first? What’s the right order? Don’t worry – We will break down the exact sequence here.
The Correct Order To Apply Hair Products
- Step 1: Hair washing products – hair/scalp cleanser & shampoo
- Step 2: Conditioner & hair masks
- Step 3: Heat protectant
- Step 4: Styling products – hair volumizing spray, mousse, styling cream/gel
- Step 5: Nourishing products – serum, hair cream, hair oil (You can also use them before the heat protectant to make your hair easier to style, but it will not be extremely nourishing after the styling process)
- Step 6: Hair finish spray
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat protectant or mousse first?
Heat protectants act as a foundation and create a barrier between the heat and your tresses. On the other hand, mousse or other styling products are used in the styling process to shape your hairstyle, so you should apply a heat protectant before mousse to make sure your hair won’t get burnt during the styling process.
Heat protectant before or after blow drying/ironing?
First off, using a heat protectant before blow drying/styling is a must, which protects your hair from heat damage, frizz, and dryness. Always use a heat protectant before you use a hot tool. And it’s great to apply a heat protectant after styling if the heat protectant can work as a leave-in conditioner or has a nourishing formula. However, if your heat protectant is only designed for blocking heat, there’s no need to use it after styling, you can opt for a post-styling hair product.
Do you need to let the heat protectant dry before styling?
It depends on what styler you’re using. If you are going to straighten or curl your hair with a round brush and a blow dryer, you don’t need to wait until the heat protectant is fully dry as moist hair is more manageable for your brush.
However, if you’re styling your hair with a hot flat iron or curling wand, wetness is not acceptable. The high temperature from these hot tools can heat and boil the heat protectant on your hair, causing burnt damage to the hair shaft and cuticles.