When it comes to washing our hair, we have always stuck to the routine. Shampoo, condition, and rinse. This is the traditional hair wash routine that a majority of the population with hair has followed. However, did you know that there is a concept called reverse hair washing which renders more benefits than the traditional one?

Reverse hair washing is nothing but washing your hair in reverse order. So, if you wash your hair through the traditional method of shampoo, condition, and rinse, you will condition your hair first and then shampoo it.It sounds crazy, right? But trust us, it is equally amazing and renders better results, especially if you have oily and limp hair. But, you might question, why ditch the traditional method which is supposedly okay for your hair?

You are right in your way but when it comes to oily and fine locks, conditioner often tends to weigh them down and leave them greasy within a day. Not only that, but it also leads to the buildup of the product on your scalp which will leave it oilier than before.You might think that bidding adieu to the conditioner will be the right way to deal with this problem. But, leaving out the conditioner completely from the process, can make your hair dry and frizzy.Perhaps, traditionally washing your hair may work for you if you have thick, dry and coarse hair. But if you belong to the former category, your curiosity has landed you in the right place.  

Also Read: Why Use A Hair Conditioner?

What Exactly is Reverse Hair Washing? Does it Make a Difference?

As mentioned earlier, reverse hair washing refers to reversing the process of washing your hair wherein you condition your hair first and then shampoo it. When you apply the conditioner first, a protective layer is formed over your locks which ensures a gentle cleanse when you shampoo it. Consequently, your hair will turn softer and smoother in comparison to the traditional method of washing your hair.

And yes, this process does make a difference.

More often than not, when the texture of your hair is oily, conditioner might replace the natural oils when you continue to use them regularly. However, reverse washing for oily hair is considered to be beneficial because it helps in retaining natural oils.

With the conditioner creating a barrier between your hair and shampoo, the locks of your hair will remain more protected till the end of the shower and you will observe less breakage than usual. When you have natural oils on your scalp, you will not need the styling products or tools that you usually use.

How to Do Reverse Washing For Oily Hair?

Here are some steps to do reverse washing:

Step 1: Wet your hair completely under the shower and then apply the conditioner. Allow it to stay for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Then, rinse your hair but do not wash the conditioner off completely.

Step 3: Now, apply a mild shampoo. Make sure that you do not use a shampoo that has a lot of chemicals. Using a shampoo with harmful chemicals can cause counterproductive effects on your hair.

Step 4: Now you can rinse your hair off completely with cold water which will help you seal the cuticles.

Step 5: You can wrap your hair with a towel on your head and pat them dry.

Reverse Hair Washing Benefits

Below are some benefits of reverse air washing:

1. Reverse washing helps to add extra texture, volume, and shine to your hair.
2. Helps to ease the tangles and knots
3. Reverse hair washing for oily hair ensures non-greasy hair for a long time
4. Ensures smoothness of hair and reduces frizz for a long time.
5. Reduces your dependency on hair styling product
6. Helps in moisturizing and nourishing your hair without making them dull and weighing them down.
7. Reverse hair washing ensures the longevity of your hair. You will not need them to wash after one or two days. (Major pro!)

With the benefits of reverse hair washing being explained, you might wonder if this method works for all hair lengths. You might be surprised by the answer.

Is Reverse Washing Your Hair Suitable For All Hair Types?

Well, the answer is yes. Although this method works best for those who have fine and oily hair, check out who else will be benefited from this method.

Reverse hair washing is suitable for:

1. Short hair: If you have short hair and you are tired of washing them three times a week, you can certainly opt for this method as it helps in retaining moisture and nourishment in your hair.
2. Straight hair: More often than not, people who have straight hair are brittle and thin. Under such circumstances, washing them traditionally may weigh them down and become lackluster. However, when you reverse wash them, you will observe that they have turned more voluminous, bouncier and softer.
3. Dry hair: If you have dry hair, it is probably because the natural oils of your hair have been stripped off. Therefore, following the reverse hair washing method for at least 2-3 weeks might make your dry hair more manageable and less difficult to detangle.

Make sure that you use the right reverse hair washing products that compliment your hair type. You might have to experiment with a few of them first but eventually, you will end up with the right kind of products that will enhance the quality of your hair.

Is reverse washing really that effective?

As mentioned earlier, reverse washing may not be that effective when it comes to thick or coarse hair. It will make them frizzier and leave them drier than ever.

Be that as it may, even if you have oily hair, it is better to not continue the process every time you wash your hair. For instance, if you are washing your hair 3 times a week, you can do reverse washing one time. You can practice this way for one month and see if this process works. You can even do it alternatively if it works for you.

However, if you have oily hair and don’t see any significant results, it is completely okay to change the hair care routine and try another one or even go back to the previous one. You can also try washing your hair less often or more often depending on your hair type. If you want to continue the method of reverse hair washing, make sure that you use the right kind of products and do not use any harsh shampoo in it.

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