Everybody has a different way of washing their hair. Some like to finish off with a blast of cold water, while others like to leave their conditioner in until the last minute. But generally, the one thing we all do the same is shampoo first and condition second.
Recently, however, a new hair washing technique has been sweeping across the Internet and even our own forums: reverse shampooing. This technique is when conditioner is used first and shampoo last, supposedly to add volume to fine and limp hair. Below, Barney Martin, Pantene Ambassador & Hair Expert, shares insight on this technique, while bh members comment about their own experiences.
Barney says:
“When you reverse shampoo, you’ll find that your hair won’t feel as weighed down and that it carries more volume and bounce, which is the result of no residue being left from your conditioner. In saying that, you’ll also definitely start to notice that your hair won’t be as soft, that it’s become a lot drier, and generally less glossy, which is due to the conditioning agents being stripped when you shampoo.
“Everyone’s hair type is different, but fine hair generally warrants less conditioning as it can end up being too heavy if it’s applied every day. If you have fine hair, then this method could be good as a short-term solution, but I don’t think it would be altogether healthy for your hair if you were to maintain this as a long-term habit, as essentially your hair won’t gain all the benefits of a conditioner.
“If you’re concerned about your hair being weighed down or being left with residue and are looking for a long-term solution, then I’d recommend introducing a clarifying shampoo (bh recommends: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Clarifying Astringent Cleanser Cleansing Oil Shampoo or Fudge Detox Cleanser Shampoo) into your haircare regime and using it once a week. A shampoo free from added silicones, parabens and dyes, like the Pantene Ice Shine Shampoo, will cleanse fine hair to remove dirt and residue, whilst leaving you with a lightweight feel.”
You say:
“I do it when I use a heavy conditioning treatment. I’ll often apply it to my dry hair, then leave it for ages before just shampooing out. I do find that the heavier treatments can leave my fine hair very soft but kind of heavy and lank.” –Stay C
“I’ve tried it – I actually do think I noticed an improvement. My hair was light and not at all limp like it often is. It wasn’t as shiny as normal, which I guess is the payoff, but I’d definitely be prepared to try it again.” –Miss_Lee
“I definitely didn’t like it. I mean I got a bit of extra volume throughout my hair, but it made it so knotty, dry and frizzy, which are things I struggle with anyway. Although it was an interesting method to try out, I won’t be sticking to it…” –sarzej
Have you ever tried reverse shampooing? Do you have fine hair that is partial to be weighed down by products?
