7 Simple Ways Reverse Hair Washing Changes Your Hair
If you want to add volume and life to flat, thin hair, you may have heard about reverse washing hair.
What is reverse hair washing?
Reverse washing means cleaning your hair in the opposite order. Instead of shampoo first, start with conditioner, then use your usual natural hair shampoo. Applying conditioner first helps fill and hydrate the hair strands while the pores are open. This locks in moisture. After that, shampoo cleans your hair as usual.
Who should do reverse washing?
Reverse washing does not work for everyone. It is most helpful for people with flat, limp hair. Those with oily hair may also see good results. The natural oils on our scalp are healthy. But sometimes, especially with fine or thin hair, too much oil can make hair heavy and dull.
Reverse washing lets the conditioner add moisture and hydration first. Then, shampooing afterward helps wash away any leftover product. This leaves your hair feeling lighter and looking fuller.
Reverse washing for curly hair.
For women with curly hair, it’s best to avoid this method. Curly hair is usually dry by nature. Washing with shampoo after using conditioner can remove the moisture your hair needs. If you still want to try it, use a deep conditioner instead of a regular one. Also, choose a natural hair cleanser instead of your usual shampoo. This helps keep your hair soft and hydrated.
The benefits of reverse washing hair
Reverse washing lets your hair get the moisture from the conditioner without leaving any leftover residue. When you shampoo after conditioning, it washes away all the conditioner buildup, making your hair feel cleaner. Another benefit of reverse washing is that it helps your hair look and feel thicker. Without heavy residue weighing it down, your hair strands stay light. This makes your hair appear fuller and more voluminous.
How to perform reverse shampooing?
Try switching your routine by using conditioner before shampoo. First, wet your hair. Then, apply conditioner mainly to the bottom two-thirds of your hair. This part often lacks natural oils from your scalp, so conditioner helps keep it healthy. Gently massage your hair and scalp, and leave the conditioner on for five minutes. Rinse with cold water to seal in moisture. Finally, wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
How often should you wash your hair in reverse?
If this method suits your thin, flat hair, you can use it every time you wash your hair. Follow it just like your normal shampoo and conditioner routine. Use warm water first to open your hair’s pores. Then rinse with cold water to seal in moisture.
Shampoo and conditioner to make your reverse washing more effective:
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Hair Masque is a hair treatment that moisturizes and conditions dry and damaged hair
- This deep conditioner smooths, conditions and fortifies follicles while providing healing moisturization for hair
- The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter hair masque is perfect for transitioning chemically treated hair, damaged hair, and natural hair
- Formulated with Raw Shea Butter, Sea Kelp and Argan Oil, this deep conditioner hair masque infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrients
- All SheaMoisture hair care products, like this hydrating hair mask, are sustainably produced with natural ingredients and are Cruelty-Free
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have curly hair and want to try the reverse washing method, we suggest using this deep conditioner. Deep conditioning curly hair helps lock in moisture, so your hair stays hydrated even after you shampoo.
- CLARIFY – Shampoo crafted with ginger root to naturally cleanse without stripping the hair of moisture, perfect for curly hair
- SCALP CARE – Aniseed oil relieves dry scalp, providing moisture while promoting hair growth
- HOW TO ENJOY – Drench strands in the shower and apply throughout the hair. For thicker textures, section first before applying. Using fingers or palms to massage, cleansing the hair
- GOURMET INGREDIENTS – A curated blend of natural ingredients sourced with integrity, mixed with a pinch of love, and always considerate of your total health and wellness
- ENHANCE RESULTS – Follow up with Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask for overall moisturizing hair care from root to tip
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a reverse wash, it’s best to use a natural cleanser rather than shampoo. Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Rinse gently clears away oily conditioner build-up while keeping your hair’s moisture intact.
- Made with natural and certified organic ingredients.
- For damaged, transitioning hair.
- Removes knots and tangles.
- Restores body, shine and manageability
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Once you finish reverse washing, apply Shea Moisture Raw Shea Detangler. It helps smooth out your curls, making your clean hair easier to comb and style.
- Get soft, manageable, and frizz-free hair with Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk, a moisturizer made with avocado oil, coconut oil, and shea butter
- Nourish and hydrate dry hair with this lightweight, non-greasy formula that is free of harmful chemicals and preservatives, such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones
- Whether you have curly, kinky, straight, or color-treated hair, Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk is safe for all hair types
- Cruelty-free and vegan, this hair milk is the perfect addition to your natural hair care routine
- Try it today and see the difference!
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can replace your usual conditioner with Mille Organics Avocado Hair Milk. It deeply hydrates your hair like a conditioner but does not leave a heavy buildup. After using it, wash your hair with a gentle cleanser.
- Mint Almond Hair Oil: This hair oil helps reduce excessive shedding and breakage with an all natural formula that protects and nourishes a dry, itchy scalp; Formulated for all hair types
- Hair Oil Collections: Made up of a variety of products, our collection of hair oils suit your specific needs to help maintain moisture, strength and shine with all natural ingredients that bring hair...
- Hair Products for All Hair Types: We promote the health and maintenance of natural hair from Types 3A to 4C natural hair, however our products are suitable for all hair types and we feature products...
- Natural Haircare: We continue to produce quality natural hair care products like oils, detanglers, shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers and more that help nourish hair through all three phases of...
- Women Owned: With a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics continues to create a line of natural beauty products by women & for women of...
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Once you finish your reverse wash, add extra moisture to your curls with this pure almond oil from Mille Organics. It is light and won’t leave any build-up. Just use a few drops to get soft, shiny hair.
Today, many things can impact our hair health. It’s not only about what we eat or the products we choose. How we use these products also matters. You can try many hair care items, but if you don’t use them the right way, you might just be wasting your money.
Reverse washing may not suit everyone. It can help women with oily scalps, but it might not be good for those with dry hair. Like other hair care methods, you should try it to see if it works well for you.