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Reverse Hair Washing: The Secret to Gorgeous Hair

 

Reverse hair washing

 

Reverse hair washing is a hot new trend these days. It promises to give your hair more volume and gloss – just like the models in the adverts

It’s just like a regular wash, just in reverse order. You apply your conditioner first, then your shampoo.

This method works for pretty much any hair type that suffers from a lack of volume, dryness, frizz, or damaged hair. But it’s the fine, limp, oily hair girls that will see the most beauty benefits from the change. Also, those who have clogged hair follicles or prone to product build up doing these two steps in reverse may help you to achieve better results.

But whatever your hair type, I encourage you to give it a try at least once to see if it works for you or not.

Benefits of Reverse Hair Washing:

  • nourishes hair without flattening it
  • adds volume, bounce and shine to hair
  • calms down the frizz and fly-aways
  • prevents the build-up of residue that weighs hair down
  • keeps hair from becoming too oily too quickly
  • great looking hair every single day

Why is Reverse Hair Washing Better for Your Hair

Normally, you shampoo first then condition. But this can actually be bad for your hair, not everyone’s hair, but most of us are not benefiting doing this.

When you shampoo first you remove dirt and grease from your hair, however in the process you are also stripping away hair’s natural oils – that protect the hair and add shine and softness to it.

To avoid dryness you then apply conditioner, which coats your hair with ‘fake oils’. You could be using a natural conditioner but it’s still not same as your hair’s natural oils.

What happens if you reverse the order?

If you apply conditioner first, it creates a protective film over the hair. Then when you shampoo, the harsh cleansers in the shampoo can’t penetrate as deep, so less of the natural oils are stripped away. It’s a more gentle, nourishing cleanse.

With this method, you will see less hair damage, less split ends and softer and bouncier strands.

More Reasons to Condition First and Shampoo After

Prevents Weighed Down and Dull Look

When you condition your hair, you never quite manage to get it all out – leaving a residue that weighs hair down and makes it flat and dull looking. Reversing the order in which you wash your hair means your hair still gets all the glossing benefits of conditioner and the cleansing properties of shampoo, but without any icky residue.

You’re left with soft, manageable, clean hair with more body than usual

Doesn’t Clog Hair Follicles

The leftover residue can clog the hair follicles, damaging them in the process. Over time this can affect hair growth and even cause hair loss and thinning.

You can go more days without Washing

With shampoo washing out all extra conditioning oils – which can attract dirt and grease – your hair and scalp will feel clean and much lighter for many more days. And it will be easier to style- even without creams and gels.

Hair looks Bouncier, Shinier and Full of life

Having used the reverse hair washing method myself, I can vouch for its effectiveness. Only thing is I use cold pressed oils for conditioning, instead of store-bought conditioners.

But most ladies who have tried reverse hair washing, with regular conditioner, are extremely pleased with the results.

The ones with fine, oily hair state that their hair looks and feels thicker, fuller and has lots of shine. Plus, it doesn’t go oily too quickly.

And ladies with thick, coarse hair report that reverse washing leaves their hair soft, smooth, shiny, with great body and shape. Also, the hair is easier to comb and frizz-free.

How to use Conditioner Before Shampoo

  1. The first step in this reverse shampooing is to apply conditioner on wet hair. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, or regular amount of time that you would normally use.
  2. In the meantime, you can do rest of the things that you do in the shower.
  3. Before you use the shampoo, rinse your hair very lightly just to get it a little more wet. Then, apply shampoo – with the conditioner still sitting on your hair. You may need a little less shampoo than you use. Lather and rinse thoroughly…that’s it!

So nothing changes in terms of the amount of time you spend in the shower. Just the order is reversed.

Tip: Use a conditioner that is made from natural ingredients, as it will be free of synthetic chemicals and therefore will nourish and moisturise your hair better. And also better for the environment.

Extra notes:

  • Do the last rinse with colder water; this seals the hair cuticle and adds a nice shine to the hair.
  • Let your hair air dry – it gives a beautiful natural look. You are most likely to convert to air drying forever.
  • You can apply conditioner close to the scalp but avoid directly into the hair roots.
  • If you rinse the conditioner out, then shampoo, you may not benefit as much, especially if you have thick, coarse hair. This is because the conditioner acts kind of like a shield, creating a barrier between your hair and your shampoo. So that your hair gets clean without being stripped of its natural oils.
  • But if your hair is fine, oily and gets greasy fast, try rinsing the conditioner out before shampooing. Your hair may like it better.
  • If your hair is dry, thick and coarse, do a condition-shampoo-condition regimen. Coarse hair tends to lose moisture very quickly, so using a small amount of leave-in conditioner after shampoo will seal in moisture, reduce frizz and impart a healthy shine. Natural oils like argan, almond, and babassu work great as a leave-in conditioner.

Is this really a recent trend?

No.

If you have done or heard of coconut oil hair mask – it is nothing but pre-wash conditioning (and it’s natural and full of goodness for the hair).

It is, in fact, a common ritual in many cultures to apply oil, butter, or herbal hair masks before washing hair. And its purpose it to relax the mind, and nourish and condition the hair. Here are some oil suggestions for you to try out:

Oily hair: coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, sunflower oil, olive oil

Dry hair: Almond oil, avocado oil, argan oil, sesame oil, babassu oil

Enjoy your soft, shiny, gorgeous-looking hair…

 

Have you ever used conditioner before shampoo? How was your experience?

 

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