Hair Oil, Serum, Shampoo, or Conditioner – What to Apply First?

Taking care of our needs is a must and we have a wide array of products available for the same. But this huge selection of hair care products also make it hard on us to work out a regimen that works for us.

It is important to know what these products are, what they do, and how to use them. Most importantly, it is absolutely a must to use them in the right order. So, don’t worry, we’re here to help out.

Let’s dive deep into the hair care world.

What to Apply First – Hair Oil, Serum, Shampoo, or Conditioner?

Here is your step-by-step guide on what products to apply to your hair and how to use them.

1. Shampoo

Always start your hair care with shampoo. Shampoos cleanse the dirt and sebum from your hair and scalp (1) and thus beautify your hair. They also moisturize your hair and soothe irritated scalp.

Choose a shampoo that goes best with your scalp and hair type. (1) Try to use shampoos that do not have aggressive or harsh ingredients that may not be good for your hair, (2) such as sulfates and parabens.

It is better to use shampoos that contain natural ingredients because they are not very harsh on your hair but provide the required cleansing. (3)

It is important to note that if you have dry hair, you should use a shampoo that offers good hydration and moisturization, but if you have an oily scalp, opt for a clarifying shampoo. (1)

2. Conditioner

Right after applying shampoo and rinsing it off thoroughly, the next step is using your conditioner.

Make sure you are buying the right conditioner for your hair. Gel-based conditioners are best for dry hair because they provide the right amount of moisturization without stripping any natural hydration of the hair.

Creamy conditioners are good for hair that is more prone to damage and frizz. It is also a good option to look for conditioners that provide volume and are lightweight.

Unlike shampoos, do not rinse off the conditioner right after application. A conditioner should be left in the hair for at least 2 minutes for proper moisturization. There are also conditioners available for curly and straight hair.

Curly hair needs a lot more product than straight hair, so the amount of product depends upon your hair type. (1) There is no hard and fast rule for it.

3. Hair serum

Serums help replenish nutrients in your hair and prevent the signs of aging such as weakening of hair. These products help your hair reach its full potential by making it strong, healthy, voluminous, and glossy. 

Serums are generally very lightweight and are easily absorbed into the scalp. (4) They are not very greasy, which is why you can leave them on during the day as well. They are safe to use for hair that has undergone treatments or coloring.

It is best to use serums that do not contain sulfates or parabens. Apply hair serums after you have rinsed off the conditioner and your hair is already dry.

With the betterment of research facilities, hair serums that aid in hair growth have been developed. Researchers have found such serums to be effective in promoting the healthy growth of hair. (4)

4. Hair oils

Hair oils are generally the last part of any hair care routine. After oiling your hair, you can continue the entire cycle of hair care again, that is from shampooing your hair to applying serums.

Oiling is a good way of finishing the look of your hair as it is good at managing hair dryness and frizz. Oils form a protective layer around the hair strands, and applying them as the last step in your hair care routine locks in all the products and their benefits to your hair.

Different types of oils are available nowadays, so you can choose the one that suits you best. (5)

Hair Oils

Hair oils have a long list of uses and benefits. They are more commonly used for hair care than tonics.

Hair oils hardly contain any chemicals, and they are excellent when it comes to deeply penetrating the cuticles and nourishing the hair. They do not simply coat your hair like tonics but provide deep hair care starting from the roots of the hair. (5)

Hair Serums

Hair serums are a famous hair product that is applied to your hair as a protective coat. They are available in different types depending on the benefits you need.

Hair serums can be used to smoothen out your hair if it is frizzy and dry. They also add shine and gloss to your strands, making them appear healthy.

Not only that, they are also available as protectants that protect your hair from being damaged by heat styling or other chemical usages. (4)

Hair Shampoos

The main function of shampoo is to remove dirt from the hair and scalp. (1) Shampoos are important for ensuring healthy and beautiful hair because of the active ingredients in them.

Shampoos contain surfactants, which are molecules of soap that interact with non-water-soluble compounds such as oil, fat, product residues, and pollutants that are bad for the hair. (7)

Shampoo is very easy to use. It cleans the hair while rinsing. They are generally very dense and creamy, which is why a little can go a long way. They clean the hair without damaging the scalp and, if used correctly, they do not cause irritation. (7)

A lot of different shampoos are available for different types of hair. (1) There are less aggressive shampoos that can be used daily, and there are those that are made specifically for oily hair. There are also shampoos for colored hair to preserve the hair color while cleansing the scalp.

Hair Conditioners

Conditioners are viscous mixtures with a much thicker consistency than tonics and are used after shampooing the hair. They are designed to restore hair to its healthy state.

Conditioners also aid in repairing the hair and making it look shiny. Conditioning your hair keeps it from looking rough or harsh. They are helpful in detangling the hair, making it easier to manage, comb through, and style.

They do not let the hair become dry too soon as they restore the moisture in it. They are very smooth on the hair follicles, making them great for regular use. Some conditioners also help in maintaining and balancing hair pH. (1)

Most-Asked Questions About Hair Oils, Hair Serums, Shampoos, and Conditioners

What are the best hair care routines that work?

Massaging your scalp with a mixture of almond oil, argon oil, and rosehip oil is a very good practice, followed by the application of organic shea butter on your hair strands. After which you can wash your hair, condition it, and then finally apply a good hair serum.

How often should I shampoo?

Shampooing your hair 2–3 times a week is good enough. Washing your hair more often than this has not been proven to be very beneficial for the scalp, although there is not much research supporting the negative effects of increased washing frequency as well. (8)

Should I massage while shampooing?

Massaging your hair or scalp while putting on any kind of hair care product is beneficial because it ensures that the product is well absorbed by the scalp. So, whether you’re applying shampoo, conditioner, or serum, try to gently massage your scalp with it for better results.

How should I use oil products?

Oil should be applied to the hair before washing it with shampoo. This is because when you apply oil to dry hair, it absorbs the oil very quickly, making it super shiny and smooth.

Shampooing your hair after oiling allows the excess oil to be washed away while leaving your hair soft and bouncy.

What oil can be used for styling?

Moroccan oil can be applied to wet hair before styling.

Final Word

Hope this was helpful in preparing a schedule for caring for your hair with the products that work the best for you. The next time you enter the market, you’d know exactly what to look for and to use it correctly without any outside help.