'Love is in the hair' – Yup, we women love our crowning glory and literally do all that is within our limits to achieve beautiful, salon-like, smooth hair. Whether sticking hours to the handset searching for that latest DIY, trying out new hair products, or even applying gooey and smelly hair packs, we can never say no to something that bestows us with plush, bouncy mane! But even after all that, sometimes, all we get is limp, lifeless hair, crying for help! In such a scenario, most of us are in a dilemma, are we doing it the right way? Is there something missing out?

Also Read: DIY Dry Shampoo: Homemade Water-less Hair Wash Recipes For A Healthy Lustrous Mane

What if we tell you that a simple switch in your hair wash routine is the literal answer to all your hair woes! Sounds unbelievable, doesn't it? Trust us; it isn't!
Reverse hair washing

Right from childhood, our hair washing routine has always been rinse, shampoo, lather, condition, and wash off! It's the primary process, and most of us have benefited from it, but if you are one of the unlucky ones, still facing greasy, limp hair, even after a hair wash, why not try the reverse process? 

What Is Reverse Hair Washing, You Ask?

Well, quite aptly named, Reverse Hair Washing is a simple hair wash method where you implement a reverse order of the hair wash products, i.e., condition the damp hair first and follow it up with a regular shampoo at last. This reverse technique is highly significant for washing off any product residue left on the scalp and the strands by the conditioner, so the hair remains soft and silky and not weighed down. This trick does magic for people blessed with an oily scalp and thin and limp hair.

But What's The Science Behind It?

According to dermatologists, this theory is mainly based on the idea that when the conditioner is applied to the hair first, the strands will quickly absorb the nourishing and hydrating ingredients. In contrast, the pores of the keratin protein within the hair follicles remain open due to the pH of water. When applied at the beginning, the conditioner usually does the work of a primer before washing and protects the hair follicles so that the shampoo doesn't strip it of its natural oils. Additionally, shampooing the hair afterward also effectively helps remove some of the heaviness that conditioners usually cause that weighs down the strands and makes the hair look dull and greasy even after a hair wash. The reverse technique can potentially help the mane appear softer, glossier, and voluminous.

Also Read: Hair Spa: The 3-Step DIY Therapy To Rejuvenate Your Tresses At Home

Who Should Opt For Reverse Hair Washing?

Although anyone who has dull, life-less hair can try the reverse hair washing method. It is ideal for those with oily scalp and hair and even people with fine and thin hair. It usually offers nourishment to the hair without making it look greasy or weighing it down. 

Even for those blessed with thick, dry, or curly hair, the reverse hair washing technique can help add some texture to the locks. Additionally, for people who forgo the use of conditioner due to hair fall issues and suffer from dry ends, this latest hair care technique can be your ultimate solution for achieving beautiful locks sans the hair fall.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Reverse Hair Washing?

Pros:

  • Conditions the hair without leaving product residue
  • Repairs the hair follicles
  • Nourishes and moisturizes the hair shafts from deep within
  • Adds texture to thin, flat hair
  • Enhances hair volume
  • Prevents greasiness of the scalp and hair

Cons:

  • Not ideal for curly, thicker mane

How To Reverse Wash The Hair?

Just like the original method, rinse your hair with water, and apply conditioner along the shafts of the hair. Massage the hair strands and the scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse your hair, follow it up with a mild shampoo, and wash it off. For extra moisturization, you may apply conditioner and then directly apply the mild shampoo and wash it all together. 

How Often Should You Reverse Wash Hair?

If you have oily, limp hair, and this hair washing technique makes your hair healthy, bouncy, and beautiful, you can use this process every time you wash your hair or as suitable for you. 

However, if you feel that it makes the hair too dry and causes rough ends, you can opt for this method once a week.