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What Is Reverse Hair Washing and Should You Try It?

Last updated Jul 21, 2024

As we all know, our shampoo routine has always been shampoo, lather, rinse, conditioner, and wash off. For most of us, it has always worked well. But for others, it may not work at all, and they still struggle with dull, soft, and lifeless hair. If you are experiencing this too, then you can try reverse hair washing. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about reverse hair washing, so read carefully. 

Before we get into what reverse hair washing is, let's have a look at what's wrong with the traditional method of washing your hair.

What's Wrong With Traditional Hair Washing Methods?

Overall, there is nothing wrong with the traditional method of washing hair, which is ideal for thick, dry, and coarse hair. However, it may not be suitable for oily hair and shampooing. Conditioners tend to weaken fine hair and make it greasy after washing, and can also make oily hair greasier. But giving up conditioner is not a viable option either, as most shampoos tend to over-strip the scalp of the natural oils it produces, leaving hair dry, frizzy, and lifeless.

What Is Reverse Hair Washing?

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As you may have guessed, reverse hair washing means reversing the order in which you apply hair products. The reverse hair-washing process consists of first putting conditioner on your hair shaft and then washing it out with shampoo. With this, the hair is cleaned more gently as it is coated with conditioner, which protects it from the harsh cleansers in the shampoo.

What Is The Distinction Between Reverse Hair Washing And Co-Washing?

Some people may think that reverse shampooing and co-washing are the same when they see them. But the truth is, they are not the same at all! Reverse shampooing is a method of conditioning your hair with conditioner first and then shampooing it, which is more suitable for thin, fine, and oily hair. Co-washing, however, is a method of washing your hair using only conditioner or co-washing products and is especially suitable for people with weak, coarse, thick, dry, and porous hair.

How Often Should You Reverse Wash?

You can reverse wash your hair as often as you routinely wash it. But in reality, you may find that you don't need to wash your hair as often because it doesn't get as greasy as quickly as regular shampooing and conditioning. Therefore, you can experiment with the frequency of reverse washing depending on your hair type until you get to the routine that suits you best.

The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Reverse Hair Washing

After understanding what reverse hair washing is, do you want to know the pros and cons of reverse hair washing? Now, here are a variety of its merits and demerits, let’s have a look at them.

The Benefits Of Reverse Hair Washing

1. Nourish and moisturize hair

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It is well known that shampoos, especially those containing sulfates, can excessively remove the natural oils from the scalp and hair. When you try to reverse wash your hair by first applying a conditioner, it adds a protective layer to your hair to prevent the natural oils from being removed from your hair, which can keep your hair properly hydrated and nourished for healthy hair growth.

2. Get rid of product buildup

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Usually, conditioners are a bit thicker than shampoos. Although it moisturizes the hair, if it is not washed out, it creates a buildup on our head, leaving our hair looking greasy and lifeless. Therefore, using a reverse hair washing method will help remove excess product buildup and leave our hair with life, volume, and texture like before.

3. Free your hair from greasiness

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Getting rid of greasy hair is another benefit of reverse hair washing. Washing your hair with shampoo after using conditioner makes it last longer without greasiness, keeps it clean longer, and eliminates the need for frequent washing, making it ideal for oily hair. In addition, it helps tame frizz and improves hair combability.

The Drawbacks Of Reverse Hair Washing

As the saying goes, there are two sides to every coin. After understanding the advantages of reverse hair washing, let's look at its disadvantages. The only downside to reverse shampooing is that it doesn't work on thick, coarse, and rough hair and may make it frizzy and result in hair flyaway. But if you want to try this method, you can prevent this by using a leave-in conditioner after shampooing.

How To Do Reverse Hair Washing?

After learning about the benefits of reverse-washing your hair, can't you wait to learn how to reverse-wash your hair properly? Below, we will provide you with some reverse shampooing steps, please read carefully.

Step 1:Rinse your hair with warm water

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First, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Doing so, it will allow the hair scales to open up and absorb more conditioner, and it will also rinse the water-soluble products out of your hair, allowing the conditioner to better enter the hair shaft.

Step 2: Massage the scalp

Gently massage the scalp for better removal of buildup and skin particles, followed by rinsing the hair again.

Step 3: Apply conditioner

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Next, apply the conditioner from the roots, then comb it through to the ends with your fingers or a comb and wait at least five minutes for the conditioner to be better absorbed into the hair.

Step 4: Apply shampoo

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Then massage with a mild shampoo or low-strength shampoo and wash off the conditioner with cold water, as this will close the hair cuticle and keep the moisture in the hair, leaving it soft and smooth. Afterward, wrap your hair in a towel to absorb excess moisture and air dry. You had better use a microfiber towel to wrap your hair because it will not rub against your hair and will not cause damage to it.

Conclusion

After reading this article, do you have a good understanding of reverse hair washing? Then go ahead and try reverse hair washing. In addition, if you have better ways to wash your hair, you are more than welcome to share them with us in the comment section.

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