Magic loop: start or finish with it?

I am trying to knit a hat using the magic loop method. However, I am confused, do I start the hat using the magic loop method (from start to end) or do I start the start with the regular circular method, and as my diameter gets smaller I switch over to the magic loop method? THanks!!

You can go either way: ML from start to finish, or switch to it when you have to.

I do the whole hat with this method. Same for socks.

You can do it either way, but it would be easier to do the whole thing with Magic Loop, that way you never have to switch needles.

I would second (or third) that. I go from start to finish ml.