Why Using Just Shampoo and Conditioner Isn't Enough

If you want soft, healthy, and truly manageable hair, you need a third step: a finisher product. Here's why—and why it shouldn't be oil.

Step 1: Shampoo – The Reset Button

It resets your hair by stripping away what’s accumulated, but that can also mean stripping away some natural moisture, especially if you’re using a clarifying or sulfate-based formula.

Step 2: Conditioner – The Quick Fix

Conditioner adds softness and some hydration back into your strands. It helps detangle, smooth, and protect your hair temporarily. But traditional rinse-out conditioners are only meant to sit on your hair for a few minutes, and once rinsed out, their benefits don’t last long throughout the day.

Why You Need a Third Step: The Finisher

This is where most people stop—and why most people struggle with dryness, frizz, or lack of definition. To truly lock in moisture and style, your hair needs a leave-in product that stays on your strands to continue protecting and hydrating them.

Some of the best finisher products include:

• Leave-in conditioners – These are designed to hydrate and detangle your hair after washing, providing lasting moisture and protection.
• Styling creams or lotions – These help define curls, smooth frizz, and give your hair a polished, finished look.
• Heat protectants – If you use heat tools, this is non-negotiable. A good protectant shields your hair from damage while sealing in hydration.

Think of the finisher as your hair’s “jacket” or “seal”—it keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff (like humidity or dryness) out.

Why Oil Shouldn’t Be Your Third Step

Oils are often marketed as miracle products, but using oil as your main finisher step can backfire. Here’s why:

• Most oils sit on top of your hair strand, rather than penetrating deeply into it.
• If applied too early (especially when hair is dry or not moisturized enough), oils can lock in dryness instead of sealing in hydration.
• Oils can block moisture from entering the hair shaft, leading to brittle or dull-looking strands over time.
  

Oils should be used sparingly and strategically, usually after you’ve applied a proper leave-in or styling cream—and only if your hair truly needs that extra barrier or shine boost.

Sister Sky's has two finishers that will be your hero products: our Nourishing Mist, and Sleek+Shine. 

Available here: https://sistersky.com/collections/hair