Hair First, Then Makeup; Why Hair First?
Hair Styling Can Be Hot: When hairstylists are working on your hair, they often use hair sprays, gels, and styling tools that can cause you to get hot. We use a lot of products which means products can go onto the face from the sprays and we want to make sure we have a clean face when we start the makeup rather than having layers of hair spray sat on your face as well as setting spray, especially in a already hot country and you don’t want to sweat off the makeup. If you do your makeup first, you risk smudging your makeup or messing up your base with hair products, especially if you’re using hairspray or hair mousse.
Protects Your Makeup: When you get your makeup done, you might not want to risk your freshly done makeup smudging if your hair is being styled right after. Having your hair styled first ensures that your face is protected, and you won’t need to worry about stray hairs or product getting on your skin.
Less Touching of the Face: During a hair styling session, you may find yourself moving your head or adjusting your hair frequently. This can disrupt your makeup or leave smudges if it’s done after your makeup. By styling your hair first, you avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
Long-lasting Styles: Once your hair is styled and set, your hairstylist can leave your hair to cool or set in place, meaning it’s ready for the makeup artist to do their work without worrying about it being disturbed.
Avoid Overdoing the Makeup: Sometimes, when you have your hair done first, it’s easier to see the overall look and then make adjustments to your makeup. You can decide whether you need to make your makeup more dramatic (if you’re going for a glam look) or softer (if you’re going for something natural).
Although most people prefer hair first, there are some occasions when getting your makeup done first might work better. However, these are rarer situations:
Minimal Hair Work (e.g., Simple Blowout): If you’re planning on a very simple hairstyle that doesn’t require too much time or any product (like a basic blowout or soft waves), you might choose to get your makeup done first. In these cases, makeup might not be affected by the process, especially if your stylist is careful around your face.
Personal Preference: Some people feel that getting makeup done first makes them feel “finished” more quickly, and the hair styling process helps them complete the look. If this is you, it’s entirely up to personal preference, although the risk of messing up makeup is still present.
Additional Tip for a Smooth Process:
Discuss Timing with Your Stylists: If you’re having both your hair and makeup done at a salon or as part of a service package, make sure you’ve planned everything in advance. If both services are done by different artists, they may have their preferences on which comes first, so communicate your needs to ensure a smooth schedule.
Conclusion: Hair First, Then Makeup
While the decision to get your hair or makeup done first ultimately depends on your preferences, the general rule is to get your hair styled first. This way, you avoid the risk of ruining your makeup with hair products, and you ensure that your makeup stays intact while your stylist works. Once your hair is done, your makeup artist can focus on completing your look without worry. Enjoy your day, and remember that the key is to feel confident and beautiful!
Additional Tips
Arrive with a Clean, Bare Face
While it’s tempting to apply makeup before heading to your appointment, it’s best to arrive with a clean, bare face. Any leftover makeup or residue can interfere with the application of your new look. Removing your makeup beforehand ensures that the artist has a clean canvas to work with and saves time during the session.
If you’re coming from work or an event, it’s also a good idea to bring makeup wipes with you just in case, so the artist can quickly remove any leftover makeup without much fuss.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Preferences
A good MUA will ask you questions about your preferences, so be ready to discuss things like:
The level of coverage you want (light, medium, or full).
Whether you prefer a matte or dewy finish.
The tone and shade of foundation that matches your skin.
The colour palette you’d like for your eyes, lips, and cheeks.
Whether you want false lashes or a more natural look.
Avoid Heavy Products Right Before Your Appointment
On the day of your makeup session, try to avoid applying heavy creams, oils, or moisturisers that may interfere with your makeup’s longevity. Your makeup artist will likely be using their own skincare and priming products to prep your face. If you’ve over-applied moisturiser or oils, it can create a greasy base that may affect the way your makeup adheres and lasts.
Additionally, avoid applying any makeup of your own before your appointment. Arriving with a clean face will help the artist work on a smooth, even canvas. If you need to remove any makeup beforehand, bring makeup wipes or a cleanser with you.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Finally, remember that the makeup application process is meant to be enjoyable! Trust in your MUA’s expertise and enjoy the pampering experience. Whether it’s a subtle daytime look or a dramatic glam makeover, the time spent with a professional MUA is all about making you feel confident and beautiful.
If you’re booking for a big day—like your wedding or a special event—take the time to sit back and enjoy the moment. This is your time to unwind, let the expert handle everything, and leave feeling your absolute best.
