W hen you think of hair care, hair washing is (the most crucial and) the first thing that comes to your mind. Whether a beauty enthusiast or not, each one of us has been swearing by this basic ritual of cleansing our scalp and locks for years together. Okay, I agree, many of us added this step of using a conditioner as well. However, it’s safe to say that we’ve been pretty consistent with this technique of hair washing. But, what if I told you that turning your hair wash steps upside down could help your hair for good? Enter reverse washing, the newest way of washing your hair that has many more benefits than you can think of.

What Is Reverse Washing?

“Usually, hair washing involves cleaning the hair and scalp with shampoo first, followed by the application of conditioner, and finally rinsing it off. With reverse washing, the process involves applying a conditioner to the hair shaft first, followed by rinsing it off with a shampoo. This makes for a gentler cleansing of the hair as the hair is coated with a conditioner that protects it from the harsh detergents present in the shampoo. Hence it is great for people who have chemically processed hair and hair that is subjected to heat styling,” says Dr Shubha Dharmana. Well, we think reverse washing could be the simple yet effective revolution that our hair was yearning for.

Benefits Of Reverse Washing

“It is beneficial for people who have thin or oily hair as the conditioner is washed off with shampoo and hence the hair is not weighed down by the residue of the conditioner. Instead, it is left feeling light and bouncy,” says Dr Dharmana. “Reverse washing is also a recommended regime for areas having hard water or water with metal ions like iron. The initial coating would avoid deposition of metal ions on the surface of the hair and would help keep them smooth,” she adds.

Who Should Opt For Reverse Washing?

“Anyone who has thin, oily, dry or frizzy hair and those with chemically and heat-damaged hair can opt for reverse washing to have healthier, bouncier, and voluminous hair,” suggests Dr Dharmana. Honestly speaking, reverse washing is worth a shot for all of us city girls who constantly struggle with frizz, dryness and damaged hair. And, yes, it should become a norm for people who have treated or coloured their hair to preserve the moisture in the hair cuticles, keeping lifeless hair at bay.

Why Isn’t This Spotted In Salons?

“In salons, the conventional way of washing hair is still followed which may suit those with already voluminous and coarse hair. Reverse washing makes for gentler washing to prevent damage from the detergents in the shampoos, but salons usually thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair, stripping it off the much-needed moisture,” shares Dr Dharmana. However, she feels, “Since long term benefits are seen with reverse washing, it should be incorporated by salons for certain hair types.”