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Conditioning Before Shampooing, Does It Work?

Wondering what happens when you use a conditioner before shampoo? Let's find out the answer, shall we?

By Kumutha

Have you heard of reverse hair washing? You know, the new fad of using a conditioner before shampoo? Celebrities are doing it, hair experts are recommending it, and magazines are writing about it!

We couldn't keep off, and we HAD to find out what the noise was all about. And here is what we've found out.

conditioner

The technique we were following so far was no-brainer, right? Shampooing - rinse, lather, rinse, repeat. Follow it up with conditioner - lather, wait, rinse. Only now, you switch the order. Condition first, and shampoo later.

So, what are the benefits of using a conditioner before shampoo?

It works as a primer. Just like applying a primer before makeup makes base for a smooth and even application of makeup, using a conditioner before shampoo too helps distribute the shampoo through the hair strands better, resulting in a cleaner scalp.

This technique works like a charm for people with thin and wispy hair. Without the added weight of the conditioner, weighing your hair down, your mane will have more volume and bounce.

Furthermore, it adds to the texture and quality of the hair, giving it more shine and softness.

To get the most out of this method, you need to get the reverse hair-wash technique right. Here is a step-by-step guidebook that will help you start off.

Step 1:

comb

Comb your hair out of any tangles. Saturate your hair thoroughly with water. If your mane is not completely doused in water, applying a conditioner can be a really messy affair.

Step 2:

apply conditioner

Applying the conditioner, only from the ears down is a technique you need to follow if you are not shampooing later. However, for this technique, apply the conditioner starting from the roots to the tips.

Step 3:

bun

Once you have covered your entire scalp and hair with the conditioner, tie your hair in a loose bun and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 4:

hair rinse

Now, the next step ideally would be to rinse out the conditioner, right? Wrong! If you rinse out the conditioner and follow it up with a shampoo, you are going to end up with a wild mass of tangled, dry and rough hair.

Step 5:

hair spray

Spritz your hair with some water to make it moist. Take the shampoo in the palm of your hand and work it onto your scalp. Use a little less amount of shampoo from the usual. Lather and rinse.

Step 6:

step 6

Squeeze out the excess water from the hair with your fingers. Blot your hair using an old T-shirt or a fluffy clean towel. Let it air-dry naturally before styling.

Story first published: Thursday, October 27, 2016, 18:42 [IST]