I collect hair products the way some people collect handbags. I like to see them lined up in my closet like trophies–volumizers, serums, leave-in conditioners, frizz-defying creams–the more, the merrier!
The problem with my massive product collection? I was actually kinda clueless when it came to the order in which I should be applying my magic hair potions. Since
product order in cosmetics means the difference between walking out the door with flawless skin or showing up at work with foundation dripping down your neck, it stands to reason that the same important rule applies when it comes to hair. That’s why we caught up with Dante Pronio, senior stylist at
Mizu New York Salon, who set us straight on the order of operations for our favorite hair products.
1. Shampoo. “A quality shampoo is the start to good hair because applying products to a clean scalp and hair will ensure that you get maximum volume and you keep buildup from weighing your hair down,” Pronio says. “Focus the shampoo from the scalp to ends getting the roots and scalp free of grease and buildup.”
2. Conditioner. After you’ve shampooed, it’s time to condition and de-tangle. “Apply conditioner from ends to roots if your hair is thick. If your hair is fine or you have trouble getting volume, skip the roots,” Pronio suggests. “Either way, make sure to thoroughly rinse the conditioner with warm water.”
3. Volumizer. “After the hair is clean, detangled, and towel dried, apply your volumizer, focusing on application at the roots and mid shaft,” Pronio says. “I suggest volumizer first because many of them ‘grab on’ to the hair shaft and plump up the hair. If there are other products in the way they won’t work as well.” Volumizers come in different forms, but you’ll mainly find sprays or foams. Generally, the foams are lighter and don’t weigh down your hair as much. Pronio’s expert picks?
Dallas Thickening Spray and Nourishing Oil by Oribe or the 5 worst things for blonde hair and
8 hair and makeup tips for when it’s really hot.
Tags:
beauty,
hair,
hair products,
hair tips