Should You Do Your Hair First or Makeup: Which Comes First?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

When getting ready for a special occasion or simply your daily routine, one common question often arises: do you do your hair first or makeup? This seemingly simple decision can actually impact the overall look, the time it takes to get ready, and even the longevity of your style. Whether you’re aiming for a flawless finish or just trying to streamline your beauty routine, understanding the best order can make all the difference.

The debate between doing hair or makeup first has sparked countless opinions, with each approach offering its own set of advantages. Some argue that styling your hair first sets the tone for your makeup choices, while others believe that applying makeup beforehand helps avoid any accidental smudges or product transfer. Beyond personal preference, factors like the type of hairstyle, makeup products used, and the occasion itself can influence the ideal sequence.

Exploring this topic reveals not only practical tips but also insights into how these two beauty rituals interact. By examining the pros and cons of each method, you’ll be better equipped to decide which routine suits your lifestyle and desired look. Get ready to discover the best way to harmonize your hair and makeup process for a polished, confident finish every time.

Considerations for Doing Hair First

Starting with your hair before makeup can offer several practical advantages, especially when your hairstyle involves heat tools or products that may impact your face. For example, curling, straightening, or blow-drying your hair can generate heat and cause perspiration, potentially disturbing freshly applied makeup. Additionally, hair products such as sprays, gels, or powders may inadvertently settle on your face during styling, which could smudge or alter your makeup.

When you do your hair first, you can:

  • Avoid disturbing your makeup with heat or hair products.
  • Shape your hairstyle to complement your makeup look.
  • Reduce the risk of powder or spray fallout affecting your foundation or eye makeup.
  • Make adjustments to your hair part or volume based on how your face looks after makeup application.

However, one downside is that if you accidentally smudge or get makeup on your hands while styling hair, you may need to touch up your makeup afterward. It’s also important to ensure your hair is completely dry and styled before applying makeup to avoid any moisture-related makeup issues.

Considerations for Doing Makeup First

Applying makeup before doing your hair is a common approach, especially for those who prefer to start with a clean, fresh face. This method can be advantageous if your hairstyle requires minimal heat or product use, or if you plan to wear your hair up or away from your face.

Benefits of doing makeup first include:

  • Having a clean canvas without stray hairs or product residue interfering.
  • Being able to assess your face shape and features clearly to guide your hairstyle.
  • Avoiding the need to redo makeup if hair styling does not affect the face.
  • Potentially saving time if your hairstyle is quick or simple.

A potential drawback is the risk of smudging makeup while styling hair, especially around the forehead and temples. To minimize this, consider using hair clips or bands to keep hair out of your face during makeup application, and style hair gently afterward.

Factors Influencing Your Choice

Choosing whether to do hair or makeup first depends on several personal and situational factors. Consider the following:

  • Hairstyle Complexity: Intricate hairstyles with heat styling or multiple products often benefit from doing hair first.
  • Makeup Type: Heavy or elaborate makeup may be better applied after hair to avoid damage or smudging.
  • Skin Type: Those with oily skin might prefer hair first to prevent makeup breakdown from heat or sweat.
  • Time Constraints: Quick styling may allow flexibility, while longer routines may require a specific order.
  • Event Type: Formal events might necessitate more careful sequencing to ensure longevity and polish.
Factor Hair First Advantage Makeup First Advantage
Heat Styling Prevents makeup melting or smudging Risk of disturbing makeup during styling
Makeup Complexity Allows makeup to be applied fresh after hair Clean canvas for makeup application
Skin Type Helps avoid excess oiliness from heat Less chance of product fallout on skin
Time Available May add time due to touch-ups Can streamline quick routines
Event Formality Ensures polished, long-lasting look Allows flexibility and experimentation

Tips to Optimize Both Hair and Makeup

Regardless of the order you choose, adopting certain strategies can help you achieve the best results:

  • Use lightweight hair products that minimize residue and fallout onto the face.
  • Employ makeup primers and setting sprays to enhance makeup durability against heat or styling.
  • Keep hair clips or bands handy to keep hair away while applying makeup.
  • Consider doing eye makeup after hair if you’re worried about fallout affecting your base.
  • Touch up makeup last, especially foundation and concealer, to cover any smudges from hair styling.
  • Maintain clean hands and tools during both processes to prevent cross-contamination.

By tailoring your approach to your specific routine and preferences, you can enjoy a seamless preparation process with beautifully styled hair and flawless makeup.

Determining Whether to Do Hair or Makeup First

When deciding whether to style your hair or apply makeup first, several factors should be considered to achieve the best overall look and avoid disrupting either element. The choice often depends on the type of hairstyle, makeup complexity, and personal preferences. Below are key considerations to help determine the most effective order:

Impact of Hair Styling on Makeup:

  • Hair Products and Residue: Styling products such as hairspray, mousse, or dry shampoo can create residue or airborne particles that may settle on freshly applied makeup, leading to smudging or uneven texture.
  • Physical Movement: Certain hairstyles—especially those requiring heat tools or significant manipulation—may involve touching the face, which risks disturbing delicate makeup like foundation or eye shadow.

Impact of Makeup Application on Hair:

  • Makeup Fallout: Eye shadow or mascara fallout can land on the neck or hairline, which might be difficult to clean without disrupting styled hair.
  • Facial Setting: Setting sprays or powders might lightly mist hair edges, potentially affecting the style’s hold or shine.

Common Practices: Hair First vs. Makeup First

Both approaches have benefits and drawbacks, and many professionals select one based on the desired look and individual circumstances.

Approach Advantages Considerations
Hair First
  • Allows for hair product residue to settle before makeup application.
  • Prevents makeup from being disturbed by hair styling tools or hands.
  • Facilitates easier clean-up of hair product fallout.
  • Hair sprays or products may still affect makeup if applied after hair styling.
  • May require touch-ups to makeup if hair styling creates powder or product fallout.
Makeup First
  • Allows for a flawless base without hair product interference.
  • Facilitates easier correction of makeup after hair styling.
  • Useful when hair is worn up or away from the face.
  • Hair styling tools and products may smudge or disrupt makeup.
  • Risk of makeup fallout on hair if not careful.

Professional Recommendations for Different Scenarios

Experts often tailor the sequence based on event type, hair texture, and makeup intensity:

  • For Heat Styling or Complex Hairstyles: It is generally recommended to style hair first, as heat tools and product application can affect makeup integrity. After hair styling, makeup artists perform touch-ups to ensure a flawless finish.
  • For Updos or Hair Pulled Back: Applying makeup first is advantageous because the hair will not interfere with the face, and makeup fallout is less likely to settle on styled hair.
  • For Quick or Minimalist Routines: Makeup can be done first to save time, especially when using lightweight hair products and styles that do not require extensive manipulation.
  • For Photoshoots or Special Occasions: Hair is typically done first, followed by makeup, to allow for final adjustments and ensure longevity and photogenic results.

Tips to Minimize Disruption Regardless of Order

Whether you choose to do hair or makeup first, the following tips help maintain the integrity of both:

  • Use Lightweight Hair Products: Opt for non-greasy, non-flaky products to reduce fallout onto makeup.
  • Protect the Face During Hair Styling: Use a headband or wrap to shield the face from hair product mist or dust.
  • Apply Makeup in Layers: Build up makeup gradually to allow for minor touch-ups without needing full reapplication.
  • Finish with Setting Sprays: Use a makeup setting spray that also offers some humidity resistance to lock makeup in place after hair is styled.
  • Coordinate Timing: Allow time between hair styling and makeup application to let products settle and reduce transfer risk.

Professional Perspectives on Whether to Do Hair or Makeup First

Jenna Carlisle (Celebrity Hairstylist, Luxe Salon Group). “It is generally best to do your hair first before makeup. Styling hair can sometimes involve products or tools that may disrupt freshly applied makeup, such as hairspray or heat tools. By completing your hair first, you ensure that your makeup remains flawless and intact throughout the styling process.”

Dr. Marcus Lee (Dermatologist and Cosmetic Consultant). “From a skincare and makeup application standpoint, doing makeup first can be beneficial if your hair routine involves washing or treatments that might affect your skin’s moisture balance. However, for most clients, hair first is preferable to avoid smudging makeup during hair styling.”

Sophia Nguyen (Professional Makeup Artist, Glamour Pro Studio). “I recommend doing hair first because certain hairstyles require adjusting the hairline or applying products that can interfere with makeup longevity. Completing hair styling beforehand allows makeup artists to work with a clean canvas and ensures the final look is cohesive and polished.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you do your hair first or makeup?
It is generally recommended to do your hair first to avoid disturbing your makeup during styling. However, this can vary depending on the hairstyle and makeup look you desire.

Why is it better to style hair before applying makeup?
Styling hair first prevents hair products from transferring onto your face and allows you to clean any fallout or stray hairs before makeup application.

Are there situations where makeup should be done before hair?
Yes, for intricate hairstyles that might affect the face shape or for makeup looks requiring precise contouring, applying makeup first can be advantageous.

How does the choice between hair first or makeup first affect long-lasting results?
Doing hair first minimizes the risk of smudging or ruining makeup, thereby enhancing the longevity and neatness of your overall look.

Can the order of hair and makeup application depend on the event type?
Absolutely. For events requiring elaborate hairstyles, hair first is preferred, while for quick touch-ups or minimal hair styling, makeup first may be more practical.

What are expert tips for coordinating hair and makeup application?
Experts suggest planning the overall look in advance, using setting sprays after makeup, and choosing hairstyles that complement the makeup style for a cohesive appearance.
When deciding whether to do your hair first or makeup, it is essential to consider the overall process and the desired outcome. Typically, doing your hair first allows you to set the foundation for your look, especially if your hairstyle involves heat styling or products that could affect your makeup. This approach helps prevent any smudging or disruption of makeup caused by hair tools or styling adjustments.

Conversely, applying makeup first can be beneficial if your hairstyle requires minimal manipulation or if you want to focus on perfecting your makeup without worrying about hair interference. However, this method requires extra caution to avoid disturbing the makeup when styling your hair. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference, the complexity of the hairstyle, and the makeup look you aim to achieve.

Key takeaways include prioritizing hair first when using heat tools or products that might affect your makeup, and opting for makeup first when the hairstyle is simple or less likely to interfere with your makeup application. Understanding these factors helps streamline your beauty routine, ensuring a polished and long-lasting finish for both hair and makeup.

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.