Hair care is increasingly thought out and is not left to chance, each gesture has an intention. In general terms, when washing our hair, we have always used shampoo first and then conditioner. Well, this formula has changed in recent years and this is known as reverse washing.
The reverse wash consists of using the conditioner first (better on damp hair) and applying it from the middle to the ends, leaving it to act for a few minutes. Then the shampoo is applied to remove both the dirt from the hair and the conditioner itself.
Many women prefer to use this order of products because they consider that the cleansing is deeper and they achieve greater volume, without the heaviness that the conditioner applied as the last step can leave behind. In addition, the conditioner itself, applied before the shampoo, acts as a protective shield, preventing the fiber from being damaged by some ingredients that shampoos contain, such as surfactants.
Hairdresser Felicitas Ordás told the publication InStyle in which cases it is really effective to use reverse washing. “The 'pre-poo' method with conditioner can be useful on fine hair that weighs down easily, or on hair that tends to be oily at the roots but dry at the mid-lengths and ends. Applying the conditioner first slightly protects the fiber and allows hydration without overloading, leaving a lighter finish,” explains the hairstylist.
Apparently, many women have adopted this technique to be able to space out hair washing since they do not add as much weight. “It can help in certain cases, especially in fine hair, because it prevents excess product at the roots,” highlights Felicitas. Although it must be taken into account that reverse washing is a solution for everyone.
One of the most common mistakes that the expert highlights is applying too much conditioner, since this will only weigh down the hair and it will not look fresh or voluminous. Another of the most common mistakes is using products that are too heavy and not rinsing the hair well after conditioning, which will cause the fiber to have residue.
The hair that will not benefit as much from this reverse technique is “very dry, curly or chemically treated hair. In these cases, the conditioner after shampooing is key to sealing the cuticle, and skipping that step can leave the hair rougher or more unprotected,” adds Ordás.
But if this washing method has convinced women around the world for something, it is because of its protective effect. “The conditioner creates a light film that can reduce the friction of washing and partially protect the fiber,” highlights the expert. Furthermore, the conditioner “does not replace the repair function that must be done after shampooing. It is more of a complement than a substitute,” says Felicitas.
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