Should You Do Makeup or Hair First for the Best Results?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

When preparing for a special event or simply getting ready for the day, one common question often arises: should you do makeup or hair first? This seemingly simple decision can actually impact the overall look, ease of application, and even the longevity of your style. Whether you’re a beauty novice or a seasoned pro, understanding the best order to tackle your hair and makeup can streamline your routine and enhance your final appearance.

The debate between doing makeup or hair first has sparked countless opinions and personal preferences. Some argue that starting with hair sets the perfect foundation for your look, while others believe makeup should come first to avoid any smudging or product transfer. Beyond just aesthetics, practical considerations such as time management, product types, and styling tools also play a role in determining the ideal sequence.

As you dive deeper into this topic, you’ll discover how various factors influence the decision, from the type of hairstyle you want to the makeup look you’re aiming for. By exploring these insights, you’ll be better equipped to create a seamless beauty routine that suits your unique needs and helps you look and feel your best.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Which to Do First

Choosing whether to do makeup or hair first depends on several practical and aesthetic factors. Understanding these can help you optimize your routine for the best results, ensuring a polished and long-lasting finish.

One key consideration is the type of hairstyle you plan to create. If your hairstyle involves heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners, it may be better to do hair first. This prevents any risk of damaging your freshly applied makeup with heat or hair products. Conversely, if your hair is going to be styled in a way that requires less manipulation, starting with makeup can be more efficient.

Another factor is the type of makeup application. For example, applying foundation and powder first helps create a smooth canvas that will not be disturbed by hair products. However, if your makeup involves bold eye looks with potential fallout, doing your eyes first might be preferable regardless of hair order, to clean up any mess before foundation.

The event or occasion can also influence your choice. For formal events, where both hair and makeup need to be flawless and long-lasting, professionals often follow a sequence that minimizes the need for touch-ups. Time constraints and personal preference also play a role, especially if you are doing your own styling.

Benefits of Doing Hair First

Starting with hair has several advantages that can streamline the preparation process and protect your makeup application.

When hair is styled first, any loose strands or hairspray fallout can be addressed without worrying about disturbing your makeup. Heat styling can cause sweating or skin irritation, which is less problematic if makeup has not been applied yet.

Additionally, if you plan to use hairspray or other setting products, doing hair first prevents these products from settling on your face and ruining your makeup finish. Hair products can sometimes cause shine or residue on the skin, so applying makeup afterward ensures a cleaner look.

Hair-first also allows you to better coordinate your makeup with the hairstyle’s final appearance, adjusting colors and intensity based on the overall look.

Benefits of Doing Hair First:

  • Protects makeup from heat and product fallout
  • Allows for clean application without residue
  • Enables better coordination between hair and makeup
  • Prevents makeup smudging during hairstyling

Benefits of Doing Makeup First

Applying makeup before hair can also be advantageous, particularly when focusing on the face as the primary feature.

Starting with makeup allows you to create a flawless base without hair interfering. This is especially useful if you wear voluminous or intricate hairstyles that might brush against your face, potentially smudging makeup applied afterward.

Makeup-first is often preferred if you want to avoid hair products transferring onto your skin or makeup. For those with sensitive skin, minimizing product layering can reduce irritation.

Additionally, if your hairstyle requires minimal heat or is done quickly, makeup first can save time and streamline the process.

Benefits of Doing Makeup First:

  • Ensures a clean, undisturbed makeup application
  • Prevents hair products from affecting skin or makeup
  • Reduces risk of makeup smudging from hair movement
  • Suitable for quick or low-manipulation hairstyles

Comparison Table: Hair First vs. Makeup First

Aspect Hair First Makeup First
Heat Styling Impact Safe to use heat tools without disturbing makeup Risk of sweating or makeup smudging from heat
Product Fallout Hair product fallout can be cleaned before makeup Hair products may transfer onto makeup
Makeup Longevity Makeup applied last stays intact longer Makeup may need touch-ups if hair moves or brushes face
Time Efficiency Potentially longer if hair styling is complex Often quicker for simple hairstyles
Coordination of Look Can adjust makeup to complement finished hairstyle Must predict how hairstyle will frame the face

Factors to Consider When Deciding Whether to Do Makeup or Hair First

Determining whether to apply makeup or style hair first depends on several key factors that influence the final look, the efficiency of the process, and the longevity of both hair and makeup. Understanding these considerations will help optimize your beauty routine and achieve the best results.

Type of Hairstyle

The hairstyle you plan to wear plays a critical role in deciding the sequence:

  • Updos and intricate styles: When opting for updos or hairstyles requiring pins, sprays, or heat, doing hair first is generally preferable. This prevents makeup from being disturbed or smudged during hair styling.
  • Loose hairstyles or simple blowouts: For loose styles that do not involve heavy hair products, makeup can be done first as there is less risk of disrupting the makeup.
  • Heat styling: Applying heat tools before makeup helps avoid sweating caused by heat, which can ruin freshly applied makeup.

Makeup Type and Complexity

The nature of the makeup look also influences the order:

  • Full-glam makeup: For looks involving heavy foundation, contouring, and eyeshadow, doing hair first can prevent any fallout or product transfer from hair styling tools onto the face.
  • Natural or light makeup: When using minimal makeup, either order is possible; however, makeup first may save time.
  • Eye makeup focus: If eyes are the focal point, doing hair first helps avoid smudging eye products during hair styling.

Time and Practicality

Efficiency matters, especially under time constraints:

  • Limited time: Doing makeup first can be quicker since hair styling often generates heat and product fallout.
  • Salon or professional setting: Hair is typically done first to allow for better makeup application without interference.
  • Personal preference: Some individuals find it easier to see the complete look by styling hair first.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Doing Hair First vs. Makeup First

Aspect Hair First Makeup First
Protection of Makeup Reduces risk of makeup smudging during hair styling. Risk of smudging or fallout, especially with powder products.
Heat and Product Exposure Makeup is protected from heat and sprays used in hair styling. Makeup may degrade or melt due to heat from styling tools.
Ease of Application Allows makeup artist to see the complete hairstyle, aiding makeup choices. Allows for quick makeup application without waiting for hair.
Time Efficiency Potentially longer overall time due to waiting for hair product setting. Can be faster for simple hairstyles and light makeup.
Product Fallout Management Makeup can be applied after hair product fallout is complete. Makeup may require touch-ups after hair styling.

Expert Recommendations for Optimal Sequence

Industry professionals often recommend the following sequence to maximize results and minimize touch-ups:

  • Start with hair preparation: Wash, dry, and apply necessary heat protectants or styling products before beginning makeup.
  • Complete heat styling: Use curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers first to avoid sweating or melting makeup.
  • Perform makeup application: Apply foundation, eye makeup, and other products after hair styling is finalized.
  • Finish with hair setting sprays: After makeup is complete, use finishing sprays or accessories to hold the hairstyle in place without disturbing makeup.

For quick touch-ups or minimal styling, makeup first may be more practical, but for formal occasions or complex looks, hair first is generally superior.

Expert Perspectives on Whether to Do Makeup or Hair First

Jessica Lane (Celebrity Makeup Artist, Glamour Studio). In my experience, it is best to start with makeup before hair. Applying makeup first allows for any foundation or powder fallout to be cleaned up without disturbing styled hair. Additionally, makeup artists can better assess the overall look and make adjustments once the face is fully prepped and perfected.

Marcus Chen (Professional Hairstylist and Salon Owner). From a hairstyling perspective, doing hair first is more practical. Hair styling often involves sprays, powders, and heat tools that can disrupt freshly applied makeup. Completing hair first ensures that the makeup application remains flawless and intact, especially for long events or photo shoots.

Dr. Emily Foster (Cosmetology Researcher and Educator, Beauty Science Institute). The decision depends largely on the complexity of the style and the event. For intricate hairstyles requiring significant product use, hair should precede makeup. However, for quick touch-ups or minimal styling, makeup first can save time. Ultimately, coordination between makeup artists and hairstylists is key to achieving the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should you do makeup or hair first?
It is generally recommended to do hair first to avoid disturbing freshly applied makeup during hairstyling.

Why is it better to style hair before applying makeup?
Styling hair first prevents hair products from transferring onto the face and reduces the risk of smudging makeup.

Are there exceptions to doing hair before makeup?
Yes, if the makeup requires setting sprays or powders that might affect hair texture, some prefer makeup first, then hair.

How does the order affect long-lasting makeup and hairstyle?
Doing hair first ensures makeup stays intact without accidental smudges, while makeup first can sometimes interfere with hair products.

Can the type of hairstyle influence the order?
Complex hairstyles involving heat or sprays are best done first to avoid damaging makeup, while simple styles may allow flexibility.

What should professionals consider when deciding the order?
Professionals assess the event, desired look, and product types to determine the optimal sequence for flawless results.
Deciding whether to do makeup or hair first depends largely on personal preference, the specific look desired, and practical considerations related to the event or occasion. Generally, many professionals recommend completing hair first to avoid disturbing freshly applied makeup with hair products or styling tools. Hair styling can involve sprays, heat, and adjustments that might affect makeup, so having hair set beforehand helps maintain the integrity of the makeup application.

However, some makeup artists prefer to start with makeup, especially when the hairstyle is simple or when the makeup requires a precise application that could be hindered by hair being styled afterward. Additionally, doing makeup first can help define the overall look and guide the hairstyling process to complement the makeup’s tones and intensity. Ultimately, flexibility and communication between the client and stylist are key to determining the best sequence.

In summary, the choice between makeup or hair first should consider factors such as the complexity of each, the products used, and the desired final appearance. Prioritizing the step that is less likely to be disrupted by the other can streamline the preparation process and ensure a polished, long-lasting result. Consulting with a professional stylist or makeup artist can provide tailored advice to achieve the best outcome for any occasion.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.