Switcheroo! Your Ultimate Reverse-Shampoo Guide

Picture this: you went bananas this summer, you may or may not have forgotten to invest in your good old moisturising shampoo and have surrendered to some no-name brand provided by your local hotel, or the cheapest option on the shelf of a mini-market in Ibiza after splashing out on cocktails on the beach and one-of-a-kind nights out.

Now, your strands (and hair extensions, if you’re wearing any) are lifeless, dull and are slowly giving up. What to do?

Well, someone decided to resort to a different type of hair washing, and found what looks like an easy, affordable fix. What am I talking about? But the reverse shampoo method, obviously!

1. What Is The Reverse Hair Washing Method?

Ominous title, effective results. The reverse hair washing method means switching things up, starting with conditioning (or deep conditioning) first, and then shampooing after.

By conditioning your hair first, technically your hair becomes prone to absorbing the good stuff and it’s easy to districate when washing it. Shampooing after conditioning helps remove some of the heaviness of the conditioner itself, helping not only your strands to stay light and fresh (useful for those who are struggling with product build-up or greasy hair!), but also making it the perfect base for a fluffy, bouncy blowout.

2. Does Reverse Washing Hair Work?

It always depends on what your expectations are. Reverse washing won’t salvage and repair your strands if they’ve been damaged by chemical treatments, bleach, and whatnot, this hair washing technique is surely a good help for those that want to achieve an easily washable mane and give it a good round of conditioning. Depending on your hair type it might not be the best option, but giving it a try won’t hurt.

3. How To Reverse Wash Your Hair

Reverse washing hair is incredibly simple:

• Get your hair wet under the shower
• Slather a generous amount of conditioner on your strands
• Leave it on for a few minutes to work its magic
• Optional: detangle with a large-toothed comb or a detangling brush (you can get your detangling brush here)
• Rinse your hair thoroughly
• Shampoo your hair, focusing on your scalp and massaging with your fingertips
• Rinse again

Voilà! Interestingly enough, reverse washing also means applying conditioner on your scalp. Contrary to the general belief, this won’t leave it feeling coated, clogged and oily. Hair pros generally recommend applying conditioner exclusively on your lengths and ends, where the hair is usually older and showing the signs of time (and treatments). However, this technique allows you to hydrate and nourish your whole head. Because you’re ultimately washing out the product using shampoo as your last washing-up step, you won’t have to worry about build-up on your scalp.

4. Reverse Hair Washing: How Often Should You Reverse Wash Your Hair?

You can use this hair washing method as often as you shower, however you might notice that in fact reverse hair washing often results in less frequent washing sessions! Shampooing as a last step leaves scalp and strands lightweight and shiny, which surely will make your hair’s beauty last longer.

5. Is Reverse Washing Good For Your Hair?

Medium and fine hair gain great benefit from this hair washing technique, and it works wonders for both oily and dry scalps.

Reverse washing doesn’t really benefit those with excessively dry, coarse hair, or naturally curly hair (the texture of this type of locks makes it hard for them to retain moisture) where the conditioning step is essential for adding a boost of hydration.

6. What Are The Best Products To Reverse Wash Your Hair?

Depending on your hair type and scalp conditions, you may want to opt for a moisturizing set, or a clarifying one. You can also switch-up your products every now and then, keeping clarifying shampoo for a weekly detox instead.

7. Can You Reverse Wash Your Hair Extensions?

If you’re wearing clip-in hair extensions and your strands are not looking too good, then you may want to try something different to bring them back to life. Have a look at our guide on how to revive your hair extensions here before giving up.

If you need to stock up on a new set of hair instead, click here to shop our remy hair extensions.

8. Conclusion:

Reverse washing is the key to healthy, shiny locks after sea, salt, sun, and sand left your hair dull and in serious need of a moisture boost.