Should You Apply Makeup Before or After Styling Your Hair?

Makeup and hair styling are essential parts of many people’s daily routines. Both come together to create a polished appearance that enhances our natural beauty. However, there’s often confusion about the right order to apply makeup and style hair. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of applying makeup before or after styling hair, offering insights to help you determine the best routine for you.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of a Well-Thought-Out Routine
• Pros of Applying Makeup First
• Cons of Applying Makeup First
• Pros of Styling Hair Before Applying Makeup
• Cons of Styling Hair First
• Finding a Balance
• The Role of Time
• Adjustments for Different Occasions
• Conclusion
• FAQs
• Can I do my hair and makeup at the same time?
• What types of makeup might be affected by hair styling?
• Are there specific hair types that might benefit from one method over another?
• How can I ensure that my makeup lasts throughout the day?
• Is there a recommended order for specific hairstyles?

The Importance of a Well-Thought-Out Routine

Many individuals spend considerable time perfecting their hairstyles and makeup. Developing a consistent order to these tasks not only saves time but can also result in a more pleasing overall aesthetic. The order in which you do your makeup and hair can affect your final look, so understanding each step’s implications can guide your routine.

Pros of Applying Makeup First

Applying makeup before styling hair can have its advantages. One significant benefit is that it allows for a clean and precise application. When you style your hair, especially if using heat tools, there’s a chance of stray hair sticking to your newly applied makeup, which can mess up your look. By starting with makeup, you can ensure that your base is set, your eyes pop, and your cheeks glow before worrying about your hair.

Another advantage of this approach is that it gives you the chance to see how your makeup interacts with your overall look after styling your hair. Sometimes, the way your hair frames your face can influence how much of certain makeup products you need. After styling your hair, you can make any necessary adjustments. This flexibility allows you to achieve a final look that feels harmonious and complete.

Cons of Applying Makeup First

On the downside, applying makeup first can lead to a time-consuming process if you’re someone who likes to change hairstyles. For instance, if you accidentally mess up your hair and need to restyle it, you might smudge your makeup, which could require you to start the process over again or risk looking less polished than you intended.

Another consideration is that certain hairstyles, especially those requiring a lot of volume or hairspray, can lead to product fallout. This can dull your makeup or introduce unwanted shine, forcing you to constantly adjust your makeup throughout your styling session. If you’re someone who often messes with your hair while styling or uses a lot of products, it might be better to style first.

Pros of Styling Hair Before Applying Makeup

Styling your hair before applying makeup also has its share of benefits. One of the key advantages is that you can see how your hairstyle affects your overall look. This consideration can significantly influence your makeup choice, be it the color intensity or the types of products used. For example, if you go for a bold hairstyle, you might prefer a subtler makeup palette to maintain a balanced look.

Moreover, styling your hair first allows you to avoid any makeup mishaps caused by hair products. If you use sprays, mousses, or gels, they may interact adversely with your makeup. Hair products can cause makeup to slide off or become greasy. By styling your hair first, you ensure that your makeup stays fresh and lasts longer throughout the day.

Cons of Styling Hair First

While there are benefits, styling your hair first can also present challenges. One significant issue is that during styling, it’s easy to accidentally ruin your makeup, especially if you’re not careful with your hair tools. Imagine curling your hair and miscalculating the distance, resulting in a stray curl hitting your cheek or forehead. This slip-up may require touch-ups on your makeup, costing time and sparking frustration.

Another consideration is that if you have long, luscious hair, styling it can produce debris such as hair falling onto your face or getting caught in your makeup. The fallout could lead to smudges and imperfections, necessitating subsequent makeup adjustments that can distract from your earlier efforts. This situation is particularly common for those with air-dried or naturally textured hairstyles where frizz can be a common occurrence.

Finding a Balance

Ultimately, the decision of whether to apply makeup before or after styling hair should cater to your preferences and daily routine. Many people find success in a hybrid approach, combining elements of both methods. For example, you could consider doing a light touch of makeup, like foundation and concealer, before styling, and then resume with eye makeup and lips after your hair is styled.

Balancing both techniques provides the opportunity to assess your look after each step, allowing you to adjust according to how your hairstyle interacts with your makeup. By remaining flexible, you create a personalized routine which suits your needs while allowing for creativity.

The Role of Time

Another crucial factor that plays into your makeup and hair styling routine is time. If you’re often short on time in the mornings or preparing for an event, it might be worth experimenting with the order to find what works best for you. Some individuals may find that styling their hair first allows them to break out into their day quicker because they don’t have to worry about touching up their makeup while styling.

Conversely, if your routine allows for a bit more leisure, applying makeup first gives you the peace of mind that your look is intact before you start working on your hair. Consider creating a checklist or routine planner that will assist you in establishing a predictable routine which cuts back on stress.

Adjustments for Different Occasions

Your routine may also shift based on specific occasions, such as a formal event or casual outing. For significant events where photos will be taken, it might be wise to apply makeup first to achieve perfection in your makeup finish. Ensuring that your makeup can withstand movement or humidity will be essential in these scenarios.

On an everyday basis, you might prefer a more flexible routine that allows for quick adjustments as per your hairstyling tendencies. Understanding this dynamic can enhance your beauty experience, helping you feel confident and fabulous no matter the situation.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to apply makeup before or after styling hair ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Both approaches have benefits and drawbacks, and finding a balance is key. By experimenting with different orders and acknowledging your routine and time constraints, you’ll soon discover what works best for you. Whether you like to see how your hairstyle frames your makeup or prefer to start with a clear base, what matters is that you feel comfortable and confident with your look.

FAQs

Can I do my hair and makeup at the same time?

Yes, many people multitask by doing simple steps of hair and makeup simultaneously. However, careful planning is essential to avoid smudges or mix-ups.  

What types of makeup might be affected by hair styling?

Products like foundation and mascara can smudge easily during hair styling, especially with products such as hairspray that can create fallout or become sticky.  

Are there specific hair types that might benefit from one method over another?

Yes, people with curly or voluminous hair may find it more convenient to style their hair first so they can see how it affects their facial features before applying makeup.  

How can I ensure that my makeup lasts throughout the day?

Setting sprays and powders, as well as using long-wear formulas, can help your makeup withstand both hair styling and daily wear.  

Is there a recommended order for specific hairstyles?

It can depend on the hairstyle. For complex styles, consider styling first; for simpler looks, you may prefer doing makeup first to establish your base.