Okay, so you know how TikTok and Instagram are always banging on about the next big thing? Well, reverse hair washing is definitely having a moment. And honestly, I was well skeptical. I mean, conditioner before shampoo? It sounded kinda backwards, right?
But you know me, I had to try it. I'm always on the hunt for that perfect hair volume hack, and anything that promises shiny hair tips gets my attention. Plus, anything that might be an oily scalp solution? Sign me up!
What Is Reverse Hair Washing, Anyway?
Basically, it's exactly what it sounds like: you condition your hair before you shampoo. The idea is that the shampoo then washes away any residue from the conditioner, leaving your hair feeling lighter, bouncier, and shinier. Some people also call it the "pre poo method," but honestly, reverse hair washing sounds way more chic, don't you think? It does to me!
My Reverse Hair Washing Experiment
Okay, so first things first: I've got pretty fine hair that tends to get oily at the roots. It's a constant battle! I'm always trying to find ways to add volume without weighing it down. So, naturally, I was hoping this reverse hair washing thing would be my holy grail.
I started by using my usual conditioner, the Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Conditioner. I applied it from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding my scalp (because, hello, oily roots!). I left it on for about 5 minutes while I shaved my legs (multi-tasking queen, right?).
Then, I rinsed it out lightly – just enough to get rid of the slippery feeling. Next, I went in with my shampoo. For this, I used the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo. It's a clarifying shampoo, which I thought would be perfect for removing any leftover conditioner residue.
I shampooed as usual, focusing on my scalp to really cleanse it. Then, I rinsed everything out thoroughly.
The Results? Honestly, I Was Surprised
Okay, so the first time I tried it, I wasn't blown away. My hair felt clean, but not noticeably different. I was a little bummed, but I decided to give it another shot. Don't give up after one go!
The second time, I made a few tweaks. I used a lighter conditioner – the John Frieda Volume Lift Lightweight Conditioner. And I made sure to rinse the conditioner out really well before shampooing. This made a HUGE difference!
My hair felt noticeably lighter and bouncier. Like, actually bouncier! And it looked shinier too. I was genuinely impressed. It really did boost my hair volume! This surprised me, I won't lie!
Reverse Hair Washing: Tips and Tricks I Learned
Okay, so here are a few things I learned along the way. Trust me on these!
* Use a lightweight conditioner: This is key, especially if you have fine hair. A heavy conditioner will just weigh your hair down, defeating the whole purpose.
* Rinse, rinse, rinse: Make sure you rinse the conditioner out thoroughly before shampooing. You don't want any residue left behind.
* Focus on your scalp: When shampooing, really focus on cleansing your scalp to remove any oil or product buildup. If you're struggling with build-up, you might also want to check out my post on Healthy Scalp, Happy Hair – It's That Simple! for some extra tips.
* Don't do it every time: I wouldn't recommend reverse hair washing every single time you wash your hair. It can be a little drying. Maybe once or twice a week is a good starting point.
* Listen to your hair: Every hair type is different, so what works for me might not work for you. Experiment and see what gives you the best results. You'll find what works!
Who Should Try Reverse Hair Washing?
Honestly, I think reverse hair washing is worth a try for anyone, but it's especially beneficial for:
* People with fine hair: It can add volume and bounce without weighing your hair down.
* People with oily scalps: It can help to remove excess oil and prevent your hair from getting greasy too quickly.
* People who use a lot of styling products: It can help to remove product buildup and leave your hair feeling cleaner. If you're already a fan of scalp treatments, perhaps you'd be interested in my post on Scalp Derma Rolling? OMG It WORKS! . It's not for everyone, but it helps with product absorption and scalp health!
My Final Verdict
So, is reverse hair washing worth the hype? For me, the answer is yes! I've definitely noticed a difference in the volume and shine of my hair since I started doing it. It's not a miracle cure, but it's a great way to boost your hair and give it a little extra oomph. If you're looking for a new hair volume hack or an oily scalp solution, I highly recommend giving it a try. I've found it's a keeper!
Just remember to experiment and find what works best for you. And don't be afraid to adjust the technique to suit your hair type. Happy washing!