Does reverse hair washing work wonders? Let’s know from an expert

To keep hair smooth, shiny, long, soft — you put in a lot of effort. Sometimes you spend your money on expensive hair care products, sometimes you go completely natural and sometimes you fall for the trends! One of the things doing the routines doing the rounds is reverse hair washing. Have you ever heard of this method before? Well, it is just what its sounds like! Curious? Read on.

What is reverse hair washing?

There’s always a new trend coming up, and it’s hard to know if the trends really serve good. This concept could be something new for many. But some of its benefits can be a game-changer for your hair.

Traditionally, we all wash our hair with shampoo first and then apply conditioner. Dr Noopur Jain, MD Dermatology, says, “The shampoo helps to wash off any excess oil, dead skin cells, sweat, dirt; it’s basically a cleansing agent. Conditioner, on the other hand, is for hydration. It helps to provide nourishment to the hair. The general notion is to wash the shampoo off first, which can leave the hair dry, so applying conditioner can help to revive the soft silky nature.”

But in the case of reverse hair washing, all you have to do is reverse the hair washing process. You need to apply conditioner before shampoo. But is that a perfect hair care routine? Let’s find out.

Benefits of reverse hair washing

Although reverse washing is not meant for all, a lot of scalp types can benefit from using conditioner before shampoo, says Dr Jain, Founder and consultant dermatologist at Skinzest.

Here’s what it can do for you!

1. It will help you get rid of the oily scalp

If you have an oily scalp or your hair feels greasy after conditioning, you might want to switch the hair routine and see if the other way works for you. And reverse hair washing can help to nourish and moisturize your hair without weighing it down.

2. It will protect your hair from chemicals

Another benefit is that it can wash excess product build-up on the hair. Since shampoo strips the hair of excess oils, it can also take away the natural essential oils, but having conditioner as a layer before can reduce its possibilities and will protect your hair from the chemicals present in the shampoo.

3. It will detangle your hair easily

It can also help in detangling the hair quicker as well, leaving the scalp non-greasy for a longer period.

4. It will add new life to your hair

Anyone who is struggling with dull and lifeless hair should try the reverse hair washing technique. This process may add a new shine and texture to your hair.

Is there anything wrong with the traditional hair washing method?

“There is nothing wrong with the traditional hair washing method. It is in fact suitable for several hair types. However, reverse hair washing can especially benefit those with oily and finer hair strands,” says Dr Jain. In fact, if done correctly, reverse hair washing can help you combat oily hair, giving your hair a soft and bouncy look.

So how should you reverse wash your hair?

With the reverse method, rather than starting with shampoo, begin with conditioner. First, wet your hair, apply the conditioner, massage thoroughly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Over the layer of conditioner, apply shampoo and wash both the products together.

Moreover, you can also rinse the conditioner off before applying the shampoo. Later, wrap your hair in a towel to soak up the extra water and let it air dry.

Comb and style as usual!