Hair care – the constant juggling act of so many different products and techniques. One question that crops up all the time is, What comes first, shampoo or conditioner? This is a pretty straightforward question, but getting the order right can make a real difference to how your hair looks and feels.
In this guide, we’ll get to the bottom of this question, share some helpful tips and get the expert lowdown on how to sort out your hair care routine once and for all.
We’re going to take a closer look at the importance of getting the shampoo and conditioner in the right order, what these products are actually supposed to do, and how to tailor your routine to get the best out of your hair, whatever its type. Let’s take a look at some of the techniques you can use to make your hair look healthier, feel smoother & shine like you want it to.
What is this Shampoo Business?
Shampoo is the first port of call for most hair care routines – and its main job is to get your hair clean. Essentially, it’s a dirt-removal operation: shampoo takes away dirt, oil, sweat, product residue and other grime from your hair and scalp. The bits it contains, called surfactants or detergents, do the hard work of breaking down grease and mess so it can all be washed away.
Shampoo Types – What’s The Difference?
Now there are a lot of different shampoo types out there, each one suited to a specific hair type. The right choice can make a big difference to how your hair behaves – so it’s worth getting it right. Here are some common types of shampoos:
- Moisturising Shampoo: This one is great for dry or curly hair – it adds some much-needed hydrating goodness and a bit of shine.
- Clarifying Shampoo: This is a bit of an occasional use product – it comes in handy when your hair’s got a build-up from styling products, pollution or hard water.
- Volumising Shampoo: If you’ve got thin or fine hair, then this is the one to go for – it gives you a bit of a lift and adds volume.
- Colour-Safe Shampoo: This one is designed to help keep the colour in your hair from fading.
- Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: This contains ingredients like zinc pyrithione to get to work on that dandruff and soothe the scalp.
What Is Conditioner?
Conditioner is used after shampooing to moisturize, smooth and protect the hair. It has ingredients that close the hair cuticle, lock in moisture and add shine. Conditioner helps reduce frizz and static, making hair easier to manage.
Types of Conditioners
There are different kinds of conditioners for different hair types. Using the right one for your hair will give better results. Here are some common types of conditioners:
- Hydrating Conditioner: For dry, coarse or curly hair. Replenishes moisture lost during shampooing.
- Leave-In Conditioner: Applied after washing, it stays in the hair for extra moisture and protection.
- Deep Conditioner: Left on for 15-30 minutes, this treatment nourishes and strengthens damaged hair.
- Protein Conditioner: Helps repair and strengthen hair with proteins like keratin.
Why Does the Order of Shampoo and Conditioner Matter?
Now that we know what shampoo and conditioner do, let’s talk about why it matters in what order you apply them. The right order can affect how well each product works and how your hair looks and feels.
Shampoo First: The Traditional Way
Most people use shampoo first. Shampoo is made to clean your hair and scalp. When you use shampoo first, it removes oils, dirt and buildup, creating a clean base for the conditioner. Shampoo also opens the hair cuticle, so the conditioner can penetrate better and moisturize your hair.
Using shampoo first also makes sure the conditioner won’t be washed away before it can do its job. After your scalp is clean, conditioner can lock in moisture and protect your hair.
Conditioner First: The Reverse Way
Some people prefer to apply conditioner first in a method called pre-conditioning. This is good for those with dry, damaged or porous hair. The idea is to create a barrier that prevents the shampoo from stripping away too much moisture while cleansing.
When conditioner is applied first, it helps protect your hair’s natural oils, especially if you have dry, curly or delicate hair. This is good for those who find shampoo alone too drying.
How to Use Shampoo and Conditioner Like a Pro
To get the best results out of your hair care routine, it’s essential to use shampoo and conditioner just right. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your hair care routine:
Step 1: Give Your Hair a Good Soak
Before you even think about putting any product in your hair, make sure you’ve got a good soaking going. This will help the shampoo and conditioner spread evenly and really take effect.
Step 2: Get the Shampoo On There
Start with a small amount of shampoo and slather it on your scalp. Gently rub it in with your fingertips – none of that nail business, we don’t want to irritate the scalp. Focus on the grimey parts of your scalp where all the oil and buildup like to collect. Rinse it out thoroughly, and if you use a lot of styling products or have oily locks, you may need to give it a second go.
Step 3: Now It’s Conditioner Time
After you’ve rinsed the shampoo out of your hair, it’s time to slather on some conditioner. Just remember to target the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and avoid putting it right on your scalp – that can leave you with greasy hair. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to get all the good stuff in there, then give it a good rinse.
Step 4: Style Your Hair as Usual
Once the conditioner is all rinsed out, you can start getting your hair looking fabulous again. Whether you air-dry it, blow-dry it or whack on the straighteners, your locks should be feeling silky smooth and looking great.
Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy
Its not just about using the right shampoo and conditioner, there are a few other things you can do to keep your hair in top nick. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Pick the Right Products: Make sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that’s right for your hair type. If you’ve got dry locks, grab something that’ll give you some extra moisture, and if you’ve got oily hair, something light and non-greasy is where it’s at.
- Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often: Shampooing too much can strip your hair of its natural oil, leaving it feeling dry and brittle. Try to limit it to 2-3 times a week.
- Don’t Scald Your Hair: Hot water is a no-no when it comes to washing your hair – it can really dry out the scalp and leave your locks feeling limp. Go for lukewarm water to keep that moisture in place.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Get in the habit of doing a deep conditioning treatment once a week to really give your hair some TLC. If you’re a fan of using heat tools, this is especially important.
- A Wide-Tooth Comb is Your Friend: After you’ve applied conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb to gently tease out any tangles you may have, and avoid breaking your hair in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I just use conditioner?
You can use conditioner without shampoo, but it may not be for everyone. Shampoo cleans the scalp and removes buildup, which is necessary for healthy hair. However, co-washing (using only conditioner) can work well for very dry or curly hair as it moisturizes without stripping natural oils.
2. Do I apply conditioner to my scalp?
No, conditioner should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, not your scalp. Applying conditioner to your scalp can cause product buildup and make your hair greasy. Focus on the tips and lengths which need more moisture.
3. What if I use shampoo first, then conditioner?
Using shampoo first, then conditioner, is the most common and recommended method. Shampoo cleans the hair and opens up the hair cuticle, and conditioner locks in moisture and hydrates the hair. This sequence ensures your hair is clean and hydrated.
4. How often should I shampoo and condition my hair?
The frequency of washing your hair depends on your hair type. If you have oily hair, you may need to wash it more often. For dry or curly hair, 2-3 times a week is enough. Listen to your hair and adjust accordingly.
5. Can I use conditioner without shampoo?
Using only conditioner without shampoo is not recommended for most hair types, as it may not clean the scalp properly. However, co-washing (only using conditioner) can work well for dry, curly or damaged hair as it adds moisture without stripping oils.
Conclusion
So, what goes first shampoo or conditioner? For most people, shampoo comes first, then conditioner. Shampoo cleans the hair and opens the hair cuticle, and conditioner locks in moisture and nourishes the hair. Some may find applying conditioner first works better for dry or damaged hair, but the traditional method is the most effective for most hair types.
By understanding your hair’s needs and using the right products in the right order, you can have shiny, healthy and manageable hair. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works for you.
Hair care is personal, so find the routine that suits your hair and enjoy the benefits of healthy, beautiful hair!