You’ve Got the Right Products - Now Get the Right Results
You’ve invested in high-quality hair care like moisturizing conditioners, nourishing masks and shine-boosting treatments, but your hair still feels dry, dull or weighed down. Sound familiar?
The missing piece might not be the products themselves, but how you’re layering them. The order of hair products plays a crucial role in how well your hair absorbs nutrients, retains moisture, and ultimately looks and feels.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the right way to layer hair care products - from conditioner to masks to oils - so you can finally get the results you’ve been hoping for.
Why the Order You Apply Hair Products Matters
Think of your hair like a sponge. When it’s clean and damp, it’s ready to soak up all the good stuff. But if you apply heavy oils first, you’re essentially sealing the sponge before it can absorb anything.
Here’s why product order matters:
- Hair porosity determines how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
- Lighter, water-based products (like conditioners and masks) should go on first to hydrate and repair.
- Heavier products (like oils) should come last to lock in all that goodness.
- Layering correctly helps you target specific needs like moisture, repair, or styling without overloading your strands.
Example of what not to do: Applying oil before conditioner can block moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, leaving your hair dry and greasy at the same time.
What Happens When You Layer Hair Products Incorrectly
If your hair routine isn’t giving you your desired results, your hair product order or general layering technique might be to blame. Here are some common signs:
- Greasy roots, dry ends – often caused by sealing in dryness instead of moisture.
- Product buildup – from layering too many heavy products or applying them in the wrong order.
- Lack of volume or shine – when hair is weighed down or not properly nourished.
- Tangles and residue – a sign that products aren’t absorbing or rinsing out properly.
The good news? Fixing the order can lead to better results instantly, with no new products required!
The Correct Order to Apply Hair Treatments
Here’s your go-to guide for how to layer hair care products on wash day or treatment days:
-
Cleanse
Start with a gentle shampoo to remove buildup and prep your hair for treatment.
Try: Raw Sugar The Moisture Smoothie Shampoo to hydrate and revitalize dull strands
-
Condition
Apply conditioner to replenish moisture and detangle.
Try: Raw Sugar The Moisture Smoothie Conditioner to smooth and soften
-
Hair Mask (1–2x per week)
Use a deep treatment mask for repair and nourishment. Leave it in for 5–10 minutes.
Try: Raw Sugar Healing Power Hair Masque to revive and renew overworked hair in need of a little love
-
Seal with a Leave-In
Lock in hydration with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or cream.
Try: Raw Sugar Multi Miracle Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler
Pro Tip: Always apply from lightest to heaviest consistency. And don’t rush! Let each product sit for a few minutes to work its magic.
What Order to Apply Curly Hair Products
Curly hair thrives on moisture, but only when it’s layered right. The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) methods are popular for a reason.
Here’s how to layer for curls:
- L = Liquid or Leave-In Conditioner – hydrates and preps the hair.
- O = Oil – seals in moisture.
- C = Cream – defines curls and adds softness.
Which method is best?
- Use LCO if your hair is fine or easily weighed down.
- Use LOC if your curls are thick or very dry.
Pro Tip: Apply products section by section to ensure even coverage and definition.
Here’s a simple curly hair routine using Raw Sugar that follows the above method:
- Cleanse: The Truly Unruly Shampoo to gently cleanse and allow your curl pattern to shine through
- Condition: The Truly Unruly Conditioner to moisturize and tame frizz
- Mask: Mighty Curls Hair Masque to deeply nourish and enhance curls
- Seal: Endless Hair Glow Oil to lock in nutrients and smooth hair or The Mighty Cream to style and add definition
All Raw Sugar products are crafted with clean, nourishing ingredients and sustainable packaging, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your hair and into the world.
Layer Like a Pro for Visibly Healthier Hair
The secret to stronger, shinier hair isn’t just what you use, it’s how you use it. By following the right order of hair products, you’ll help your hair absorb nutrients, retain moisture, and look its absolute best.
Pay attention to how your hair responds, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With the right layering routine (and the right Raw Sugar products!) you’re just a few steps away from your best hair yet.
Ready to transform your routine?
Explore Raw Sugar's range of haircare and start layering with intention with the products that best suit your hair type and needs.
