Hair or Makeup First? An Expert Answers Your Questions

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The correct order to get ready for an event

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Frankie Sanderson

Last Updated: September 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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Should you do your hair or makeup first?

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When to Do Hair First

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When to Do Makeup First

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Hair & Makeup Timing

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Choosing Hair & Makeup Looks

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Should You Do Your Hair Or Makeup First When You're Getting Ready?

If you have a formal event like a wedding or prom coming up, you might be wondering if it’s best to do your hair or makeup first. Look no further! We’ve compiled a complete guide on whether you should do your hair or makeup first, and why, with expert advice from Frankie Sanderson, Makeup Artist, Stylist, and Founder of TheStudeo. We also consulted Makeup Artist Stephanie Navarro for expert insights about the best makeup and hairstyles for formal events. Keep reading to find out more!

Is it better to do your hair or makeup first?

According to makeup artist and hair stylist Frankie Sanderson, it’s usually best to do your hair first. Your hair may need time to set in a wrap or clips, and doing your makeup last will give you a fresh look for your event.

Section 1 of 5:

Should you do your hair or makeup first?

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It depends on your preference, but our expert recommends doing hair first. Sanderson explains that you may need more time for your hair, especially if it needs to set, so it's better to do that first. He also notes that you can get your hair and makeup done at the same time by professional stylists.
- If you have a strong preference to doing your makeup first, that's fine, too! There are exceptions to the rule depending on factors like the weather and your skin type, so we'll cover all the reasons to do each first, below.

Section 2 of 5:

When to Do Hair First

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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.
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If you’ll be using hot styling tools for your hairstyle 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.
- 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.
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!
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.^{[1]
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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.^{[2]
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Section 3 of 5:

When to Do Makeup First

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To blend your foundation up into your hairline The main reason to start with makeup is that it allows your makeup artist to blend foundation seamlessly into your hairline without disrupting your hairdo.^{[3]
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Research source} Once your makeup is done, your hairstylist can brush out any foundation that may have gotten into your hair and continue on with their work.
- On the other hand, if you do your hair before doing your makeup, your makeup artist may need to steer clear of your hairline in order to protect your hairstyle. This could leave you with a poorly blended look.
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. Because of this, it’s usually best to do your makeup before doing your hair, so you can fix any creases with a straightener, curling iron, or blow dryer afterward.^{[4]
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If your hairstyle doesn’t require any hot styling tools, consider doing your makeup first. Since you won’t be using heat, you don’t have to worry about sweating your makeup off.
If you’re running behind schedule while getting ready for your event, it’s best to prioritize getting your makeup done first. You can then adjust your hairstyle plans and opt for a simpler look. Since there are so many quick yet elegant hairdos you can do—such as a sleek ponytail, a slicked-back bun, or a simple half-up half-down look— it’s usually easier to change your hair plans at the last minute.

Section 4 of 5:

How to Time Hair & Makeup for a Formal Event

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Allot 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for each. 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.^{[5]
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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!
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Get your hair and makeup done at the same time if you're running late. 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.^{[6]
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- 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.

Section 5 of 5:

How to Pick Makeup and Hair Looks for a Formal Event

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Navarro recommends opting for styles you’ll feel comfortable in, rather than trying something brand-new on your big day. For example, if you usually stick to natural hair and makeup looks, you might not want to try something super bold or glam, since this will feel very unfamiliar to you. “You don’t have to wear extra makeup for the camera—what matters most is that you feel good in your own skin,” she explains.

Selena Gomez, Founder, Rare Beauty

Learn to appreciate your natural beauty. "Makeup is something to have fun with, but not something you need. I used to think I needed to wear makeup to feel pretty, and I can definitely say that has changed as I've gotten older."
If you’re in the early planning stages, Navarro suggests searching for references on Pinterest, Google, or your hair and makeup artists’ social media profiles. The images can spark your imagination and help you come up with some ideas, and you can also show the photos to your beauty team to help them understand the vibe you’re going for.
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Ask your hair and makeup artists for their input. If you’re still having trouble deciding on hair and makeup looks for your event, Navarro recommends turning to the experts. “Ask your beauty team for their advice. They may have some ideas you didn't consider,” she says.
- Navarro explains that the professionals will take several factors into account, "such as your bone structure, your personality, the season of the event, and your style," to come up with their ultimate recommendation.