Trend Alert: Reverse Hair Washing
BY BETHANY HEITMAN
From overlining your lips to curling your hair with toilet paper rolls (yes, really!) influencers are constantly filling our feeds with odd and sometimes downright wacky beauty trends.
The latest? Reverse hair washing—which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s so popular, there are nearly a quarter of a million videos on Tik Tok about this method.
But messing with your hair can be risky and if you try the wrong thing, it can do more damage than good. So, before following a viral trend blindly, do a bit of a reality check. We dig in below.
Photo by Nora Hutton
What is Reverse Hair Washing?
It’s simple really. Reverse hair washing involves starting with conditioner and then finishing with shampoo.
But why would you do this? The thinking is that shampoo contains ingredients that can strip and dry out strands. So, if you use conditioner first, it seals strands and then coats them so that the shampoo doesn’t strip hair too much.
Some people also say that this method is good for fine hair because ending with conditioner can weigh your tresses down. By starting with the conditioner, you may get the hydrating benefits but aren’t left with hair that’s heavy.
Should You Be Washing Your Hair This Way?
“If you have healthy hair, you really don’t need to switch up the way you cleanse,” says Taylor Nelson, a hair stylist in Tacoma, Washington. “That said, it won’t harm your hair either way.”
However, if your hair is super dry or breakage prone, you may want to consider reverse washing every once in a while. Or, better yet, make sure you’re not over-washing your hair. Super dry or textured strands really only need to be washed once or twice a week.
Another option: Skip the shampoo all together and opt only for conditioner or consider using a co-wash. These one-and-done products are conditioners that have cleansing properties. Generally, they are recommended for textured hair or hair that has been relaxed or treated.
By Bethany Heitman, Contributor
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