Have you heard of reverse washing? It involves applying hair products in the opposite order: starting with conditioner, then deep conditioning, and finally cleansing with a shampoo.
Reverse Hair Wash: The 'Wrong' Way to Do It RightTypically, we wash our hair by wetting it, applying shampoo, and then conditioning. However, reverse washing flips this process, placing conditioning as the first step. But why is this effective?
The idea behind reverse washing is that applying conditioner first allows it to infuse nutrients into the hair strands. The open porosity of the keratin protein, due to the water's pH, helps the hair absorb the conditioner more effectively. When hair follicles are clean, they can better receive the hydration and nourishment from the conditioner. Conditioners are crucial for any hair care routine as they hydrate, nourish, and lock in moisture, keeping hair healthy, shiny, and elastic.
Benefits of Reverse Washing# Effective Conditioning: It conditions the hair shaft without leaving a layer of product on the scalp.
# Cleanliness: Following conditioner with shampoo removes any residue that could contribute to scalp issues.
# Hydration and Volume: This method enhances hydration and volume, promoting overall hair health.
# Thinning Hair: It may help disguise thinning hair.
# Longer Freshness: Hair may stay cleaner longer, as rinsing off conditioner instead of washing it out with shampoo can reduce greasiness.
Does Reverse Washing Damage Hair?While reverse washing can be beneficial for some hair types, those with coarse or tightly coiled hair might not see the same results. It's important to note that while this technique can create the illusion of fuller hair, it shouldn't replace professional hair loss treatments. For real improvements in hair density or to address loss, consulting a specialist is essential.
How to Do Reverse Hair Wash# After wetting your hair, apply conditioner instead of shampoo.
# Massage or comb the conditioner through your hair from scalp to ends for up to five minutes.
# Pay extra attention to the lower two-thirds of your scalp, where natural oils are less abundant.
# After five minutes, rinse with warm water and use a small amount of shampoo.
# Rinse thoroughly.