Basic hair routine: the right order for each step

Unlike a skincare routine (where order gets debated a lot), the most common mistake in hair care is simpler: using everything together, every day, without understanding what each step actually does. This guide separates the functions and tells you when to use each product.

Step 1: Cleansing (every wash)

If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, don't use a generic shampoo — you need a real active ingredient. The CeraVe 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner in this ranking has 1% pyrithione zinc, and already comes with conditioner included.

If your scalp is fine and you want a complete routine from one brand, the shampoo from the Bare Anatomy kit is the "all in one" option.

Step 2: Conditioning (every wash, if you didn't use a 2-in-1)

If you washed with a shampoo that doesn't include conditioner, add one for general hydration — the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Conditioner in this ranking works for any hair type, it's not specific to one problem.

Step 3: Weekly treatment (1-2 times a week, not daily)

This is where accumulated damage gets repaired, not where day-to-day maintenance happens. The mask from the Bare Anatomy kit serves this function — it's left on for a few minutes before rinsing, unlike a conditioner that rinses out quickly.

Step 4: Heat protection (every time you use a flat iron or blow dryer)

This step is applied to wet hair, before any heat tool — using it afterward protects nothing. The Olaplex N°.7 Bonding Hair Oil in this ranking protects up to 450°F and adds shine too.

Step 5: Frizz and shine (on wet or dry hair, as a finishing touch)

The Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum in this ranking seals the cuticle to control frizz in humid climates — used in minimal drops, too much weighs hair down.

Step 6: Between washes (a quick fix, not a substitute for an actual wash)

When there's no time to wash but hair looks oily, the Batiste Dry Shampoo in this ranking absorbs scalp oil without water — sprayed away from the roots, not directly onto them.

The most common mistake: using everything, every day

None of these steps replaces another, but you also don't need to use all of them at every wash. A realistic routine looks like this:

• Every day: cleansing + conditioning (steps 1-2)
• Before heat: heat protection (step 4)
• 1-2 times a week: deep treatment (step 3)
• When needed: frizz control (step 5) or dry shampoo between washes (step 6)

Our pick this month

Check out the full Hair Care ranking to compare all the options, or the facial mask guide if you're also looking to update your skincare routine.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the anti-dandruff shampoo and the hydrating conditioner together? Yes — the 2-in-1 shampoo already includes conditioner, but if your scalp ends up dry you can add the moisturizing conditioner as an extra step without issue.

Does the heat-protecting oil replace the anti-frizz serum? Not entirely — the oil prioritizes heat protection and shine, the serum prioritizes frizz control in humid climates. You can use both: the oil before heat, the serum as a finishing touch.