"Reverse Hair Washing"

ibarelycare · 06-08-2015 2:33pm #1

AKA conditioning before shampooing

I have thin, naturally oily hair and recently read an article recommending that people with that type of hair use conditioner before shampoo while washing. I did a bit of research into it and read a lot of positive reviews so decided to give it a go myself.

I've noticed such a difference in my hair since I started doing this a few weeks ago. The first thing I noticed is that my hair feels a lot lighter, as all the conditioner has been fully washed out by the shampoo. My hair is much more volumised, much softer, it stays straight much longer after straightening (it's usually prone to kinking) and I'm getting away without washing it as much. Now I wouldn't be able to wear it down two days in a row but on the second day I just tie it back and it looks fine. I've even got three days out of it a couple of times, with the help of dry shampoo.

The most important tip I read is don't rinse the conditioner out before shampooing - use the shampoo to remove the conditioner, otherwise your hair will be left feeling dry after shampooing. Make sure your hair is completely wet, put in your conditioner (I've been using it from roots to tips, usually only use it towards the ends) then leave it in for a couple of minutes as you usually would, while you use shower gel/shave etc. Then I tilt my head in and out of the water to get it a bit more wet, then I apply shampoo (I use less than I would if I was using shampoo first) and lather up and then rinse it all out.

My hair at that stage doesn't feel QUITE as soft as if I'd just rinsed out conditioner on its own but it's pretty close. The difference really shows when it's dried and styled though. BTW I'm using the same shampoo and conditioner as I did before (Tresseme).

Does anyone else do this??

magicmushroom · 06-08-2015 2:35pm

I don't, but I will try it now, thanks!

lazygal · 06-08-2015 2:45pm

This actually makes so much more sense than conditioning first!

#firstworldproblemsolved

Dial Hard · 07-08-2015 11:37am

I read about it too and it sounds good for fine hair (as you can attest) but there's no way I'll be trying it. I have highlighted hair down to about an inch below my bra-strap, and loads of it. Brushing it out after washing is enough of an ordeal as it is!

The other thing to bear in mind if your hair is super-fine is that you don't necessarily need to condition it every single wash. Every second or third is enough for some hair types (depends on the length too, though).

magicmushroom · 07-08-2015 11:41am

Tried this in the shower this morning and my hair feels just as soft as it normally does

ticklebelly7 · 07-08-2015 12:27pm

Just read your post, lepped into the shower (I was going to anyway, not because I'm easily lead ...), tried this - and it works!

I have very thin flat straight hair with no colours or treatments.
I did what you said. Towel dried it, threw in a squirt of Frizz Ease to keep it from flying off my head altogether, and dried it with the brush drier. For a start it dried in a few seconds because there's no silicates on my hair. There was no problem with tangles - I have shoulder length hair. And it feels much fuller and more ... lively. That's the only way I can describe it. It's still lovely and soft.

Thanks very much ibarelycan for this fantastic tip. I shall be following the Reverse Way from now on.

molly09 · 07-08-2015 10:21pm

I just saw this post and also read about it recently. I did it the other day and clearly did it wrong as I washed out the conditioner before shampooing &#55357;&#56833;&#55357;&#56833; 'twas a bit if a disaster, my superfine hair was coarser than normal. Will try it tomorrow without washing conditioner out.
I also read about just using conditioner on hair and not shampooing at all. I have not tried this though. But there is always Monday hair washing night&#55357;&#56832;

Ciarrai76 · 10-08-2015 4:44pm

I started doing this too, although I have thick curly hair, but it did feel a lot lighter & softer! I had bee rinsing it before the shampoo but the last couple of times I just left it in & shampoo it out. I'm still able to get the comb through my hair when wet (the only time I use a comb is to detangle when wet). I dont think I'm getting any longer out of it between washes , I still wash every 2nd day, but it feels great & less frizzy!

ShazGV · 10-08-2015 6:39pm

I tried this method yesterday morning; usually my hair would be feeling so greasy by now but it's still semi-fresh feeling! I definitely feel the lightness that others have mentioned. I'm sure I'll forget & fall into routine sometimes & just wash with shampoo first but when I remember, I'll definitely do conditioner first. My hair feels lovely.

Diamond Doll · 10-08-2015 6:44pm

Interesting, I'll definitely be trying this ... will report back!

Addle · 10-08-2015 7:59pm

Tried this. Noticeable improvement.
Hair def takes product better without conditioner.

willow tree · 10-08-2015 8:11pm

Tried this last night, my hair does seem fresher iykwim.. Thanks for the tip :-)

retro:electro · 10-08-2015 9:30pm

I want to try this but am afraid! does anyone who has tried this have highlighed hair?

ibarelycare · 10-08-2015 9:49pm

Delighted to hear people are having good results

anna080 wrote: »

I want to try this but am afraid! does anyone who has tried this have highlighed hair?

I do! Well balayage so it's mainly in the bottom half. Maybe give it a try when you've some spare time so if it turns out too dry you can just re-wash.

Aashna · 11-08-2015 10:21am

I actually just noticed this week that my hair is so much fuller when I don't condition it, so this method makes a lot of sense! I'll be trying it today

Thanks!

lazygal · 11-08-2015 10:23am

I was all set to try this today but I forgot the conditioner in the shower and with two kids competing for my attention while I showered I couldn't leave the bathroom to retrieve it. Next time!

unreg999 · 11-08-2015 10:56am

Is this only for thin & fine hair?
It sounds interesting but I have long, thick & dry hair (dyed dark red) I'm wondering if it will be a disaster?!

retro:electro · 11-08-2015 11:42am

I use a kerastesse mask as my conditioner usually so if I were to try this method would I apply the mask first and then wash it out with shampoo?

Addle · 11-08-2015 11:47am

unreg999 wrote:

Is this only for thin & fine hair?
It sounds interesting but I have long, thick & dry hair (dyed dark red) I'm wondering if it will be a disaster?!

What's the worst that could happen-you have to wash your hair again.

cobham · 11-08-2015 12:32pm

I swim a lot and if I bother with conditioner, I put on before a swim then cap on. Part of t his is to protect hair from chemicals in water but it also gives it time to absorb before shampoo off after swim. I had seen this recommended for when swimming in sun and maybe in a chlorine pool so double whammy on the hair.

abba5 · 11-08-2015 12:40pm

good tip thanks

ShazGV · 11-08-2015 1:48pm

unreg999 wrote: »

Is this only for thin & fine hair?
It sounds interesting but I have long, thick & dry hair (dyed dark red) I'm wondering if it will be a disaster?!

I have long dyed red hair too & it worked a treat for me. My hair isn't as thick as it used to be but still thicker than some (I think!) and a bit dry from years of dying.

stop animal cruelty · 11-08-2015 3:08pm

From reading all these posts I can't wait to give it a go!

Toto Wolfcastle · 11-08-2015 3:38pm

Tried this this morning. I have short, curly hair that is low maintenance. I just run a wide tooth comb through it when wet and leave it to dry. My hair feels much drier than usual so it definitely doesn't suit me.

Aashna · 11-08-2015 7:05pm

Tried this earlier today. Feels a bit drier than usual, but it's definitely got more volume. I think I'll alternate between it and 'normal' washes for a week or two and see what I think.

Tilly · 11-08-2015 9:56pm

Toto Wolfcastle wrote: »

Tried this this morning. I have short, curly hair that is low maintenance. I just run a wide tooth comb through it when wet and leave it to dry. My hair feels much drier than usual so it definitely doesn't suit me.

Same with me, didn't work. Felt my hair was going to snap if I brushed it so put some conditioner back in it for a few mins.

Bored_lad · 11-08-2015 10:32pm

First of all in going to start by saying that I haven't tried this technique and I hadn't heard of it before I saw this thread. However I believe this in both potentially damaging for your hair and also that you can get better results from different methods.

The point of shampoo is to remove grease from your hair. Many shampoos achieve this by using sodium laurel sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate or a combination of the two of them as the main ingredient to do this. However these are both very effective ingredients and remove a lot of the oils from your hair leaving it dry and possibly even damaging it.

Conditioner then comes in and replenishes these oils and keeps your hair healthy and happy. However main conditioners use silicones which coat your hair in a thin layer of silicone to give the impression that it is shiny and soft and healthy. However for some peoples hair this makes their hair get geasy thin feel not healthy etc. You then need to use a harsh shampoo with SLS in it to remove these silicons.

What I think is happening with this technique is that the people finding benefits from it have issues with silicones. By washing after they condition they are removing this layer of silicone and also potentially damaging their hair. What I would suggest they do instead of this is to go out and buy a shampoo without SLS and a conditioner with out silicone. Most cheap brands even have these now and they are available Boots etc. So go out and try this first would be my suggestion before you try something that may damage your hair and is pointless.

fondue · 11-08-2015 10:55pm

I have tried this method too. My hair definitely feels fuller after but harder to untangle. I have also tried just shampooing my hair, no conditioner and the result is the same. I can't help but feel that putting the conditioner in is a waste as you're washing it out anyway.

ibarelycare · 11-08-2015 11:00pm

fondue wrote: »

I have tried this method too. My hair definitely feels fuller after but harder to untangle. I have also tried just shampooing my hair, no conditioner and the result is the same. I can't help but feel that putting the conditioner in is a waste as you're washing it out anyway.

It's completely different for me if I just shampoo. I often enough just shampoo if I'm going to be leaving my hair tied up, and it's very dry and can be hard to brush when I do that. Reverse washing leaves it nearly as soft when wet as normal washing, and softer when dried.

pinkypinky · 12-08-2015 10:12am

I tried this method yesterday. My hair is fine and thin, and often looks flat after conditioning.

No discernable difference after blowing drying but I think my hair has slept better overnight. It only required brushing this morning, where often I'd have to tie it up or consider washing again to get a good look.

Once isn't enough to confirm it's the reverse order though so I'll give it another try.

Diamond Doll · 12-08-2015 11:42am

Bored_lad wrote: »

What I think is happening with this technique is that the people finding benefits from it have issues with silicones. By washing after they condition they are removing this layer of silicone and also potentially damaging their hair. What I would suggest they do instead of this is to go out and buy a shampoo without SLS and a conditioner with out silicone. Most cheap brands even have these now and they are available Boots etc. So go out and try this first would be my suggestion before you try something that may damage your hair and is pointless.

Which cheap brands are SLS free, if you don't mind me asking? My shampoo and conditioner are both SLS free, but they're €15 each.

Would love to find a good cheap replacement brand!

I'm gonna give this method a go anyways. My hair is shoulder-length, and I'd describe it as combination rather than greasy or dry. Just depends on what it feels like doing on any given day! :rolleyes:

Ciarrai76 · 12-08-2015 12:45pm

This little piggy wrote: »

Which cheap brands are SLS free, if you don't mind me asking? My shampoo and conditioner are both SLS free, but they're €15 each. Would love to find a good cheap replacement brand!

I'm gonna give this method a go anyways. My hair is shoulder-length, and I'd describe it as combination rather than greasy or dry. Just depends on what it feels like doing on any given day! :rolleyes:

Herbal essence have one & it's fab! Only about €6 although on offer in dunes at the mo!

ticklebelly7 · 12-08-2015 12:47pm

Bored_lad wrote: »

However main conditioners use silicones which coat your hair in a thin layer of silicone to give the impression that it is shiny and soft and healthy. ...

What I think is happening with this technique is that the people finding benefits from it have issues with silicones. By washing after they condition they are removing this layer of silicone and also potentially damaging their hair.

Afraid I can't agree here. I want the silicates out of my hair. They're not something we produce naturally - they're a cosmetic which gives the appearance of health. They don't actually make hair healthy.

For those with thick hair I can understand that silicate conditioner is probably saving them from a life of torture when combing out after washing so this method is probably not good for them.

For those blessed with fine thin hair who are worried about stripping all the oils away, use a baby shampoo. Sebum is nature's conditioner, not silicon.

amdublin · 12-08-2015 12:51pm

I think the important thing is to use this for oily hair only.

Curly hair tends to be drier (you lucky things!) Which is part of why your hair curls (try curl my oily dead straight hair good luck to you! ).

Not sure why people with dry hair are using this method and reporting back their hair was dry and unbrushable.

retro:electro · 12-08-2015 1:14pm

Just tried this. Does not work for me, disaster. Hair is like a birds nest

Toto Wolfcastle · 12-08-2015 1:40pm

amdublin wrote: »

I think the important thing is to use this for oily hair only.

Curly hair tends to be drier (you lucky things!) Which is part of why your hair curls (try curl my oily dead straight hair good luck to you! ).

Not sure why people with dry hair are using this method and reporting back their hair was dry and unbrushable.

I have curly hair that's also oily. My hair isn't dry at all. I was able to comb my hair perfectly well after I tried this method, but my hair felt dry. As the day went on it felt less dry but it looked pretty much exactly the same as my hair usually looks so I would say the result on my oily hair was dry to no difference. I already use sulfate free products so I'm probably getting the bests results I can from my usual routine. I thought it was worth a try to see if I could manage to get a couple of days out of one wash without my hair feeling greasy.

Addle · 12-08-2015 1:46pm

I have dry curly hair and find they this procedure works for me.

unreg999 · 12-08-2015 6:03pm

I tried it and I love it... Usually have to shampoo 2 or 3 times to get hair feeling clean & smooth.. My hair is very long, thick & dry with a small curl in it also prone to frizz... Dyed for over 25 years... Dark red for the last 10 or so!
I conditioned first with the cheap argan oil stuff you get in the brown bottles... Then washed with Jason anti-dandruff shampoo... (the usual shampoo, use this or Dr. Organics Argan oil shampoo but I usually use a natural conditioner for dry hair but didn't have any!)
I used the Dr. Organics Argan oil hair serum which I usually do after towel drying.
Tied hair up in bun to dry which takes HOURS...
At first felt a bit coarse but as it dried got softer & softer... Was still a bit damp when I went to bed but woke up with lovely soft hair with really nice volume!!
Only usually wash around once a week as it gets too dry if I wash more but itchy scalp really gets me as does super-dry scalp just after washing... No sign of that now probably cos I was able to finish with the Jason rather than having to use conditioner..
Will defo try again, thank you op ï¿¼

unreg999 · 12-08-2015 6:05pm

Defo noticed a lot less frizz around top & sides of Head & more volume above all..!

Bored_lad · 12-08-2015 6:30pm

ticklebelly7 wrote: »

Afraid I can't agree here. I want the silicates out of my hair. They're not something we produce naturally - they're a cosmetic which gives the appearance of health. They don't actually make hair healthy.

For those with thick hair I can understand that silicate conditioner is probably saving them from a life of torture when combing out after washing so this method is probably not good for them.

For those blessed with fine thin hair who are worried about stripping all the oils away, use a baby shampoo. Sebum is nature's conditioner, not silicon.

That's why if you read my post I clearly state silicone gives the illusion of healthy hair and isn't suited for some people so I recommend that they try silicone free conditioner and SLS free shampoo. Don't go attacking people without reading the whole post.

Ciarrai76 · 12-08-2015 7:43pm

Bored_lad wrote: »

That's why if you read my post I clearly state silicone gives the illusion of healthy hair and isn't suited for some people so I recommend that they try silicone free conditioner and SLS free shampoo. Don't go attacking people without reading the whole post.

I don't think its fair to say ticklebelly7 attacked anyone, just said she didn't agree with your post and she said it pretty nicely. We are allowed to disagree here!

dee_mc · 12-08-2015 8:01pm

I've been doing this for the past few weeks and it really suits my hair which is dry (highlighted) and prone to frizz and greasy roots. Great to read the tip about washing the conditioner out with the shampoo, this hadn't occurred to me so I'll be trying it next wash!

Bored_lad · 12-08-2015 8:26pm

Ciarrai76 wrote: »

I don't think its fair to say ticklebelly7 attacked anyone, just said she didn't agree with your post and she said it pretty nicely. We are allowed to disagree here!

Except for the fact that she says that she disagrees and wants silicones out of her hair. My whole post was explaining conditioner and shampoo and that not using silicones and SLS may help peoples hair. This is getting silicones out of your hair is it not?

Second Toughest in_the Freshers · 12-08-2015 10:28pm

saw this, thought of ye...

stop animal cruelty · 13-08-2015 12:23am

Well I tryed thus today....i have thick dry hair.....made it feel really light, soft n not as frizzy. Also noticed it looks a bit more shiny than usual.

I'll defo try this again....i just think it's gonna be different results for everyone. ...love this kind of discovery s

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 13-08-2015 12:25am

Tried this, can't believe it. Amazing

r93kaey5p2izun · 13-08-2015 2:25am

This little piggy wrote: »

Which cheap brands are SLS free, if you don't mind me asking? My shampoo and conditioner are both SLS free, but they're €15 each. Would love to find a good cheap replacement brand!

L'Oréal "Ever" range is sulphate free and silicone free. There's three versions for different hair types. It's around €8.

I have to agree with Bored_lad though that this does sound a lot like a sulphate/silicone issue.

But whatever works for everyone individually - it's rare to find one of these tips that impresses so many. Definitely not for my dry frizzy curls though.

bearhugs · 13-08-2015 2:53am

Actually just heard about this in the last few weeks and have been doing it, working wonders for my hair. Getting longer out of it between washes and it's so much lighter. I was very sceptical but so glad I tried it.

Taboola · 13-08-2015 11:41am

Been doing this for 2 weeks or so now and can't believe the difference it's made. I'd have thought my hair would be impossible to comb afterwards but it's fine. Feels like there's more volume in my hair and its not as flat and dead.

Diamond Doll · 13-08-2015 11:53am

Finally tried this today. My hair was definitely much softer and more volume with no frizzy flyaway bits. Very impressed!

My hair was quite greasy this morning and well overdue a wash, so I didn't think it would feel/look properly clean afterwards, but it definitely did! Even moreso than usual.

Thanks for the suggestion!

lazygal · 13-08-2015 2:22pm

Finally tried this today. I think its made a difference. I've also started using a tea tree oil shampoo so I don't know if that made a difference too.

"Reverse Hair Washing"

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