Which Should You Do First: Hair or Makeup?

Section 1 of 4:

Is it better to do your hair or makeup first?

For example, if you’re doing a super elaborate hairstyle with a more natural makeup look, it’s best to start with hair. On the other hand, if you’re doing intense, glamorous makeup and a simple hairstyle, it’s better to start with makeup.^{[1] X Research source}

This way, if the more complex one takes longer than expected, you can focus on finishing the simpler one as quickly as possible afterwards.

There are exceptions to this rule depending on factors like the weather and your skin type. We’ll cover them below!

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Section 2 of 4:

When to Do Hair First

The warmer it is outside, the more likely you are to sweat. And, when your face sweats, your makeup can start to run or smudge, and it tends to not last as long. Because of this, it’s best to do your hair first in this situation, especially if you’ll be going to an outdoor event. This gives your makeup less time to sweat away in the heat!^{[2] X Research source}

If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, you might want to save your makeup for last. The natural oils on your skin can combine with your foundation, causing it to slip or melt off more quickly.^{[3] X Research source} Doing your makeup closer to the time of your event will help make sure it stays in place longer, so go ahead and start with your hair first.^{[4] X Research source}

The heat from straighteners and curling irons can cause your face to sweat, which can melt away your carefully-applied makeup. Because of this, it’s usually best to get your hair done first if you’ll be using these hot styling tools.^{[5] X Research source}

Hairstyling products like hairspray can also cause problems if you do your makeup first.

The hairspray can end up getting on your face and messing up your makeup look.^{[6] X Research source}

Some hairstyling processes, like curling your hair with hot rollers, require some time for your hair to set. If you’re doing one of these styles, it’s best to do your hair first to make sure you have enough time.^{[7] X Research source}

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Section 3 of 4:

When to Do Makeup First

If your hairstyle doesn’t require any hot styling tools, consider doing your makeup first.^{[8] X Research source} Since you won’t be using heat, you don’t have to worry about sweating your makeup off.
Plus, doing your makeup first allows you to blend your foundation all the way up into your hairline without worrying about messing up your hair-do, which can give you a more seamless look.^{[9] X Research source}

When you get your makeup done, you’ll likely have to put your hair up or pin it back to keep it out of your face. This can sometimes leave unwanted creases or indentations in your hair. If you know that your hair tends to crease easily, it’s likely best to do your makeup first. This way, you can fix any creases with a straightener, curling iron, or blow dryer afterwards.^{[10] X Research source}

If you’re running behind schedule, prioritize doing your makeup first. Then, when you’re finished with your makeup, you can adjust your hairstyle plans based on how much time you have left. Luckily there are many easy yet elegant hair-dos you can do super quickly—like a sleek ponytail or a slicked-back bun.

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Section 4 of 4:

How to Time Hair & Makeup for a Formal Event

A simpler makeup or hair look might take closer to 45 minutes, while more complex styles might take up to an hour and a half.^{[11] X Research source} To be safe, allocate at least 2-2.5 hours for your makeup and hair, and divide that time depending on how elaborate each look will be.
If you’re getting your makeup and hair done by professionals, feel free to ask them how long they anticipate each service taking. They’ll be happy to help you figure out a schedule!

If you’re getting your hair and makeup done by professionals, each will likely want their own chunk of time to work on you. It is possible, however, to get your hair and makeup done at the same time if you’re running behind schedule.^{[12] X Research source}

You might also consider doing part of your makeup, taking a break to get your hair done, and then finishing your makeup up.

For example, your makeup artist can do your base and foundation to make sure it gets blended all the way up into your hairline.

Then, your hairstylist can complete your hairdo, being careful to avoid getting any hairspray or other styling products on your face.

Finally, your makeup artist can finish up your eyes and lips.^{[13] X Research source}

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