Last Updated on September 11, 2022 by nks_admin
Have you noticed that your hair is limper than usual? Maybe it just feels like it becomes greasy far too quickly after a shower? Whatever the situation may be, the order in which you use your hair care products in the shower could be to blame. With that in mind, we’re here to discuss the advantages of reverse hair washing. Continue reading for two dermatologists’ perspectives on the popular hair-washing routine that’s been circulating on social media. Reverse Washing Hair
Contents
Everything You Need to Know About Reverse Washing Hair
reverse-washing-hair
Craig Ziering, DO, is a dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and restoration specialist who is board-certified.
Purvisha Patel, MD, is the founder and owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates. She is a board-certified dermatologist, MOHS, and cosmetic surgeon.
What Is a Reverse Washing Machine?
You might be able to figure it out just by looking at the name. If not, board-certified dermatologist Craig Ziering, DO, says reverse washing is precisely what it appears to be. “It’s using a reversed order of products,” he explains, “by conditioning hair first (typically a deeper conditioning) and then using a cleanser or standard shampoo.”
“The theory is based on the idea that leaving conditioner on first will infuse the nutrients for soft, hydrated hair strands while the porosity of the keratin protein is open from the pH of our water,” he explains, noting that clean and clear follicles are most receptive to conditioner’s nourishing hydration. “Conditioners are an essential aspect of any haircare routine since they feed and hydrate the hair while also locking in moisture for healthy, glossy, and elastic hair.”
Furthermore, because hair cuticles are more likely to absorb the conditioner’s moisture when it’s applied first, reverse washing is frequently employed as an aesthetic strategy for those with fine or thin hair, according to Ziering. “Of course, this is merely a cosmetic effect, and while it may make some patients’ hair appear thicker, it will not treat the underlying reason of your thinning or hair loss,” he explains.
Who Should Reverse Wash Their Clothes?
Because the top benefits of reverse washing include deeply moisturizing the hair and maybe helping it swell to seem fuller, board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel recommends flipping the procedure for those with very fine hair as well as those with flat, greasy strands.
She explains, “Conditioner is lipophilic because it coats the scalp and hairs.” “Instead of just rinsing it off, it is allowed to cure before being wiped off.” This can help with a greasy scalp and prevent fine, lifeless hair from becoming burdened down by conditioner.”
The intensely moisturizing quality of reverse washing, according to Ziering, can also improve more natural hair types (such ethnic or AA hair).
Finally, reverse shampooing can help people with thinning hair, according to Ziering. “Those who are losing their hair or witnessing hair thinning and don’t want to leave any ‘heaviness’ of product on their hair or have their hair appear flat can use this to hide the appearance of finer or thin hair,” he explains. “This patient population utilizes conditioner first to nurture, then cleanses to clarify, removing any residue left on the hair by some conditioners.”
The Advantages
According to Patel, the major advantage of reverse washing is that it conditions the hair shaft without leaving a coating of conditioner on the scalp. She further claims that when reverse washing follows conditioner with shampoo, any conditioner residue that could lead to bacne will be rinsed away.
The benefits of reverse washing, according to Ziering, are hydration and volume.
“Overall, it will aid in the health and moisture of the hair, as well as the repair of the hair prior to the cleaning stage,” he explains. “The hair’s diameter will increase, making it feel and appear larger per strand.” As a result, the hair may appear denser, particularly at the roots, which may appear raised rather than flat.” In this way, reverse washing, according to Ziering, can help disguise thinning.
According to Ziering, another advantage is that your hair may appear cleaner for longer since conditioner, when rinsed off (rather than washed off with shampoo), may cause greasier hair sooner than with a reverse wash.
The Negatives
While reverse washing can benefit some natural hair types, Ziering and Patel agree that coarse or tightly coiled hair may not reap the same benefits.
While reverse washing can give the illusion of fuller hair, Ziering cautions that, even with high-quality products, it is not a substitute for professional hair loss treatments. “It’s critical to intervene early and see a specialist for an expert diagnosis and a treatment plan to control the illness if you want to see real increases in density or offset losses,” he says.
Reverse Washing Instructions
It’s easy to do a reverse wash. After wetting your hair, Ziering recommends starting with conditioner rather than shampoo.
“Massage or comb through the conditioner from the scalp to the ends of the hair for up to five minutes,” he explains. “Pay special attention to the hair’s bottom two-thirds, which receive the least quantity of natural sebum.”
Rinse hair with warm water and a small bit of shampoo when the five minutes are over (think: between a quarter- and half-dollar-sized dollop). Rinse, and you’re done. It’s as simple as that.
When Should You Do a Reverse Wash?
If you find that reverse washing is good to your hair type, Patel recommends that you apply it every time you wash your hair. It’s as simple as that.
The Final Thought
For those with dry, fine, or flat hair, reverse washing can be useful. However, if you have extremely curly or coarse hair, shampooing away the conditioner may remove too much of the moisture that conditioner can provide. Between the shampoo and final rinse, Ziering recommends applying a final application of conditioner to coat strands with a final dose of hydration. Reverse washing, on the other hand, could not be for you if that doesn’t provide enough moisture for your curly locks. Consider speaking with your hairstylist or dermatologist about which hair-washing regimen is best for your hair. Both should be able to provide you with advice on how to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
reverse-washing-hair
There you have it, Natural Hair 101!
What has helped you maintain, grow and cultivate your natural hair?
What to read next? I’ve got you, girl!
