Beauty Dilemma: Should You Prioritize Hair or Makeup First?

AvatarByJeff Duncan Makeup

When it comes to getting ready for a special event, there can be a lot of confusion and debate over the best order to do your hair and makeup. Some argue that makeup should always come first, while others swear by doing their hair before tackling their face. With so many conflicting opinions, it can be overwhelming to decide which path to take. So, should you do hair or makeup first? In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each approach, as well as some tips to help you achieve the perfect look for any occasion. Whether you’re a beauty novice or an experienced pro, read on to discover which order will work best for you.

Hair and makeup are two of the most important components of any beauty routine. The order in which you do them can have a significant impact on the final result. Many people wonder whether they should do their hair or makeup first. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of doing hair or makeup first and help you determine which approach is best for you.

Why It Matters

The order in which you do your hair and makeup can affect not only the end result but also the process itself. If you do your hair before your makeup, any fallout from styling products can ruin your carefully applied makeup. On the other hand, if you do your makeup before your hair, heat from styling tools can melt or smudge your makeup. Additionally, some hairstyles require certain products or techniques that may interfere with your makeup application. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each approach to determine which one works best for you.

Doing Hair First

For many people, doing their hair before their makeup is the preferred option. Here’s why:

– Product Compatibility: Many hairstyling products – such as hairspray, texturizing sprays, and mousse – can be harsh on the skin and cause breakouts or irritation if they come into contact with freshly applied makeup. Doing your hair first ensures that these products have time to dry before applying any cosmetics.
– Less Touch-Ups: Styling tools such as straighteners and curling irons generate heat that can melt or smudge your makeup if applied afterward.
– Time-saving: For those with thick or long hair, blow-drying and styling can take a considerable amount of time. By doing it first, you won’t risk running late trying to fix any mishaps in between.
– Better View of Face Shape: Some hairstyles require you to see how the frames of your face fit into them, particularly if you’re using styling tools. Doing your hair first allows you to do this without the constraints of makeup, which may limit your view or even get in the way.

Doing Makeup First

While many people prefer doing their hair first, there are still plenty of reasons why some prefer to do their makeup first. Here are a few:

– Product Build-Up: While some people prefer doing hair first to avoid any fallout from hairstyling products, others argue that having already put on makeup can prevent products from building up and weighing down on the face.
– Time for Makeup to Set: If you use setting spray or powder to set your makeup, doing it before your hair ensures that it has enough time to dry and lock everything in place.
– Hairstyle Interference: Certain hairstyles require specific techniques or products that may cause issues with makeup application. For instance, backcombing can rub off foundation or concealer around the root area. In such cases, it’s best to do your makeup first.
– Less Damage: If you use hot styling tools like curling irons or straighteners regularly, doing your makeup first can ensure that you don’t end up applying heat on heat. This can not only cause damage but also irritate the skin.

Combination Approach

If you’re still struggling with whether you should do hair or makeup first, why not try a combination approach? This approach allows you to get the best of both worlds by starting with doing a bit of both and then finishing them off one after the other. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of this approach:

– Start with hair: Begin by rough-drying your hair until it’s about 80% dry and follow by doing your base makeup (primer/foundation/concealer).
– Take Breaks: If you have long and thick hair, consider taking breaks in between doing your hair and makeup. This will not only give you some time to relax but also ensure that you’ve let certain products settle on your skin before applying others.
– Style Hair, Set Makeup: Once you’re happy with your base makeup and your hair is dry, start styling it. Once done, finish off with the remaining steps in your makeup routine (blush/highlight/setting spray).
– Use Larger Tools for Hair first: If you intend to use larger tools like hot rollers, start by preparing them before applying any makeup. This allows them to heat up while you do your base makeup and saves time.
– Have a Game Plan: Planning is essential when it comes to this approach. Be sure to know what kind of hairstyle and makeup look you want beforehand, so that the process goes smoothly.

In conclusion, whether you should do hair or makeup first depends on factors such as product compatibility, time-saving, and specific hairstyle techniques. If you can’t seem to decide between the two, don’t be afraid to try a combination approach. Ultimately, both methods have their pros and cons, so it’s vital to consider which one works best for you based on factors such as hair type and personal preference.

The Importance of Proper Makeup and Hair Preparation for Your Look

For many people, getting dolled up for an event or special occasion is a fun and exciting experience. However, in order to achieve a flawless and long-lasting look, proper preparation is key. One of the biggest debates when it comes to getting ready is whether to do your hair or makeup first. While some may argue that it doesn’t matter, the truth is that the order in which you do these two important elements can greatly affect the outcome of your look.

One of the main reasons why proper makeup and hair preparation is so important is because it sets the foundation for your overall appearance. Just like building a house, having a strong and solid base ensures that everything else will fall into place smoothly. This means starting with a clean and well-moisturized face and hair that has been washed and conditioned properly.

When it comes to choosing between doing your hair or makeup first, there are several factors to consider such as the time required for each task, the type of products being used, and personal preference. However, regardless of which option you choose, there are certain steps that should always be taken in order to achieve the best results.

Advantages of Doing Your Hair First

If you’re someone who loves having perfectly styled hair but struggles with time management, then doing your hair first may be the best option for you. This allows you to spend more time on achieving your desired hairstyle without worrying about rushing through your makeup afterwards.

Another advantage of doing your hair first is that it can help prevent any product from getting on your face or ruining your freshly applied makeup. For example, using heat styling tools can sometimes cause oil or products from your hair to transfer onto your face. By doing your hair first, you can easily wipe away any excess product without having to worry about messing up your makeup.

Additionally, starting with your hair can also help to create a more cohesive look. By working on your hair first, you can establish the style you want and then use that as inspiration for your makeup. This can result in a harmonious and put-together look.

Benefits of Doing Your Makeup First

On the other hand, there are also many advantages to doing your makeup first. One major benefit is that it allows you to have a clear and fresh canvas for applying products. Starting with a freshly washed face means that your skin is clean and prepped, allowing for makeup to adhere better and appear more flawless.

Another advantage of doing your makeup first is that it gives you the opportunity to hide any imperfections before styling your hair. For example, if you have blemishes or redness on your face, starting with makeup can allow you to cover them up before they potentially get in the way of styling your hair.

Furthermore, doing your makeup first also allows for more time efficiency. By having a well-planned routine for applying makeup, you can finish that step while giving time for certain products to set or dry before moving onto styling your hair.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Which Order

Ultimately, the decision of whether to do your hair or makeup first comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. However, there are certain factors that can help guide you towards making the best decision:

– Time: As mentioned earlier, considering how much time you have available is an important factor in determining which order will work better for you.
– Hair type: If you have thick or long hair that requires a lot of styling time, doing it first may be the best option to achieve the desired look.
– Product types: Certain hairstyles may require certain products that could potentially affect the outcome of your makeup if applied afterwards. In this case, starting with hair may be a better choice.
– Personal preference: At the end of the day, it’s important to do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. If you have a routine that works for you and produces the best results, then stick with it.

General Tips for Doing Hair and Makeup

No matter which order you choose, there are some general tips that can help ensure your hair and makeup turn out looking their best:

– Use products designed for your specific hair and skin type to achieve the best results.
– Always start with a clean canvas by washing your hair and face before beginning either task.
– Use a primer before applying makeup to help it stay in place throughout the day.
– Protect your skin by using sunscreen or products with SPF before applying makeup.
– Don’t forget to take breaks in between styling to give your arms and hands a rest.
– Use high-quality tools and products for both hair and makeup to achieve professional-looking results.

In conclusion, whether you do your hair or makeup first ultimately depends on personal preference, time management, and individual circumstances. Both options have their own set of advantages and ultimately, it’s important to choose the order that works best for you. However, no matter which order you choose,

1. Should I do my hair or makeup first?
Hair and makeup are both important parts of a complete look, but the order in which you should do them can vary depending on your personal preferences and the type of products you use. However, it is generally recommended to do your hair first, as it is easier to wipe away any makeup that may get on your hair than it is to fix a hairdo that gets messed up by applying makeup.

2. What are the benefits of doing hair before makeup?
Doing your hair before applying makeup allows you to have a clean canvas for your face without worrying about any fallen hairs or flyaways. It also gives your skincare products time to sink into your skin while you style your hair, ensuring a smoother and longer lasting finish for your makeup.

3. Can I still touch up my makeup after doing my hair?
Yes, you can touch up your makeup after styling your hair. Just be careful not to disturb the structure of your hairstyle or smear any product onto it. Use a tissue or powder to gently blot any excess oil from the skin before touching up with facial makeup.

4. Is there ever a situation where it is better to do makeup before hair?
If you are using heat tools on your hair, it may be better to do your styling first before applying makeup. This will prevent any heat damage on freshly applied face products. Additionally, if you plan on using colored hairspray or glitter on your hair, it may be easier to clean up any fallout before having a fully finished face of makeup.

5. How long should I wait between doing my hair and applying makeup?
Generally speaking, you should allow at least 15 minutes between finishing styling your hair and beginning with makeup application. This will give enough time for skincare products to properly absorb into the skin and for any hairspray or styling products to dry completely.

6. Do I have to choose between doing my hair or makeup first?
No, you do not have to choose one over the other. If you prefer to do your makeup first, you can always protect your hair by putting it up in a towel or shower cap while you apply your products. Alternatively, if you prefer to do your hair first but are worried about any makeup fallout, you can also try using a headband or wrapping your hair in a scarf. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference and what works best for your individual routine.

In conclusion, the question of whether you should do hair or makeup first is a common dilemma for many people, especially in the realm of beauty and fashion. After thoroughly examining the factors that should be considered, it is evident that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and schedules.

Some may argue that doing makeup first allows for a smoother application as hair products can ruin a freshly applied face. On the other hand, others may prefer to do their hair first to avoid any potential damage from heat styling tools. At the end of the day, what matters most is finding a routine that works best for you and one that you are comfortable with.

It is essential to plan ahead and consider the amount of time needed for each task. If you are short on time, focusing on one aspect first may be more efficient. However, if time permits, alternating between hair and makeup can provide a more balanced approach. Additionally, understanding your hair and skin type can help determine which tasks should be prioritized in order to achieve your desired look.

Regardless of which comes first, it is crucial to take care of your hair and skin by using quality products and techniques. This not only enhances your appearance but also promotes healthy hair and skin in

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.