Every person’s hair-care routine differs, and varies depending on the needs, type of hair and texture. A common activity of routine hair care is washing. This includes shampooing the hair and scalp and followed by the conditioning for the shaft of hair.

Although this shampoo follow by conditioning ritual is an effective method to clean your hair and generally quite popular, it may make your hair lifeless after a couple of hours or a day in particular if you’ve got thin or oily hair.

Making a small change to the ritual of your shampooing will significantly improve your hair-care routine, allowing your hair to appear fresher and healthier for a longer time. To put it simple, this reverse shampooing method is about conditioning your hair first and follow by shampooing it.

Recently, this reverse hair washing is gaining recognition for its ability to improve and rejuvenate the appearance and condition of hair for those low volume. damaged, dry, or frizzy types of hair.

reverse washing of hair

What is Reverse Hair Washing and How it Works?

Conditioners are an essential part of any regimen for hair care routine because they hydrate and nourish hair while locking in the moisture. In addition, they coat the hair shaft, protecting it from harmful chemical and environmental pollutants.

If you condition your hair prior to shampooing your hair, it will be protected from harmful chemicals in shampoo. The shampoo is unable to penetrate hair that has been coated with conditioner, thereby helping to maintain all natural oils, as well as moisture that are in your hair.

Furthermore, by washing away the conditioner follow by the shampooing, your hair is less weighed down, since the residual conditioner can frequently make your hair heavier and cause an oily appearance.

If you perform reverse wash, your hair will offer a gentler and more nourishing cleaning to your hair which makes your hair more bouncier and smoother. It helps prevent the buildup of products within the hair. It is very helpful for hair types that are susceptible to pores becoming clogged. This also prevents split ends and hair damage.

It is also possible to use the technique of reverse washing along with hair masks to avoid over-nourishment of hair.

reverse hair washing

Benefits of Reverse Hair Washing

It is mainly utilized to improve the health and hydration levels of hair by encouraging the repair of hair follicles prior to scalp cleansing.

Reverse hair washing has many benefits, including:

  1. Enhances the texture and appearance of flat, dull hair.
  2. It improved the nourishment of hair without making the hair appear flat.
  3. Aids in treating hair fall issues
  4. It makes hair more lively, bouncy and shiny. It also makes the hair more voluminous.
  5. Reduces the quantity of shampoo needed
  6. Reduces frizz in hair
  7. It helps to prevent hair oiliness and greasiness.
  8. Helps prevent the clogging of pores and scalp buildup.

Cons of Reverse Hair Washing

In general there aren’t any negative side effects from reverse shampooing. It is only a matter of fact that this method might not be helpful particularly with coarse and thick hair. But, there’s no harm trying this technique.

How do You Do the Reverse of Hair Washing

Reverse hair washing is accomplished using these steps:

  1. Thoroughly wash your hair.
  2. Apply the conditioner thoroughly to the full strands of your hair, and let it sit for 3-5 mins. Be sure not to apply the hair mask or conditioner on the scalp and hair roots to avoid greasing of hair.
  3. Continue rinsing your hair with water. Be careful not to scrub your hair too agressively, since you would still like the conditioner to form a protective layer on your hair.
  4. If you’re suffering from rough, dry ends, you may just apply a decent amount of conditioner on the hair’s tips and sprinkle some water on top instead of completely rinsing it.
  5. Use a little amount of shampoo and then lather it into your hair.
  6. Rinse your hair and then repeat the shampoo if it is an integral part of your daily routine.
  7. Apply a conditioner prior to your final rinse or apply leave-in conditioner on the damp hair.
  8. Apply a moisturizing serum on hair towel-dried, and let it air-dry.

Reverse hair washing aids in more gently cleansing of hair and leaves it soft, however, do not change to this reverse hair washing completely because it won’t clean the hair so thoroughly as compared to regular shampooing.

It is suggested to perform reverse hair washing just once a week for around one month, in order to observe modifications in the hair.

reverse washing of hair

Who is the best person to do reverse hair washing?

When done correctly and with moderation is beneficial for all types of hair regardless of length or texture.

It is typically recommended for those with thin, limp or dull hair. It prevents the conditioner from having the effect of the hair getting weighed down.

Reverse hair washing can also be helpful for those who have oily hair and scalp, as conditioners are often the cause of the problem.

The people who attempt to avoid conditioners, but are still suffering from frizzy or dry ends are able to try reverse hair washing to ease their hair without causing much oiliness to their hair.

Those who have dry or thick hair may benefit from reverse hair washing to enhance their hair’s texture.

The reverse hair washing method is also suited for all hair types since it is based on the general traits of all hair, instead of focusing on a particular problem, which is a good thing for overall health of the hair.

Conditioners for Reverse Washing Hair

It is possible to use your regular conditioner for reverse hair washing and attain impressive finishing results. Every once in a while, you may try switching conditioners and choose products that are better suited to your hair’s current needs and issues.

Although store-bought conditioners are readily available, you can explore natural oils and you can try to DIY natural hair masks at home.

1. Store-bought conditioners

Store-bought conditioners that reverse hair washing

A variety of conditioners is available, with different compositions depending on the hair problem they tackle.

Store-bought conditioners are by far the most commonly used type of conditioner for reverse hair washing since many people already have them in their routine for washing their hair.

The convenience of a store-bought conditioner can be used to implement reverse hair washing, without the need to purchase new products or increase the cost of your hair care routine. This allows you to perform a trial on this technique without spending a lot of money.

However, these store-bought products are most suitable for those with healthy hair. For those who suffer from hair issues like dryness or split ends can benefit by other solutions, like homemade masks treatments.

Furthermore, the conditioners you buy at the stores normally contain chemicals like sulfates propylene glycol and parabens and many other ingredients that extend the shelf-life of the products. They also may include salts and sodium to thicken the hair, which may cause irritation to the locks and the scalp.

Therefore, when selecting the commercially-available conditioners choose products that contain as little chemicals as is possible. Additionally, search for conditioners with natural ingredients, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil along with shea butter.

2. Natural oils for conditioning

It is frequently advised applying the natural oils for conditioning of hair prior to washing the hair. Applying natural oils to the hair can moisturize and nourish hair while helping you in relaxation.

Think about these following tips when using natural oil for conditioners:

A. Condition with oils

It is possible to use natural oils as normal conditioners. Simply wet your hair during the shower and massage the oil over all the length of hair strands. Then, shampoo the hair.

B. Apply oils as a mask

It is done by applying the oil on the combed, dry hair and then letting it stay on for 30 minutes prior to shampooing. It is required to use between a couple of tablespoons to a teaspoon of the oil depending on the length and type of hair. Try the following oils in accordance with your hair’s type:

For hair with oily hair: argan oil, Coconut oil, sunflower oil or olive oil.

For hair that is dry: Use avocado oil, babassu oil, almond oil, sesame oil or argan oil

3. Hair masks made from herbs and herbal remedies

A better healthy alternative to the store-bought conditioners for hair are homemade herbal oils and hair masks.

It is also recommended to use rosemary herbs, mint or tea tree and essential oils for nourishing and conditioning your hair. Simply mix the herbs into your oils or regular conditioner and use. The herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and improve circulation to the scalp.

You could also consider chamomile and lavender for a relaxing experience, and clove oil or cinnamon oil to get a more pleasant effect. You can also add flowers like roses to increase the effectiveness of conditioners.

On the other hand, you can also use honey, avocado or coconut milk to make hair masks at your home and then use it.

Final Words

Recently, reverse hair washing has become a popular method that involves conditioning your hair first before applying mild shampoos to wash and clean your hair.

This method of washing hair is more gentle on hair, and can improve hair health by enhancing the growth of hair and its softness. It also adds bounce, volume and shine to the hair.

Try reverse washing your hair every week to revitalize and rejuvenate your hair. Keep in mind that the process may not yield immediate results in the event that your hair cuticles have been damaged. Make sure you follow through with your consistent efforts to let the conditioners take effect and heal your hair damage.