Should I use shampoo or conditioner first?

Always shampoo first to clean your hair, then apply conditioner to nourish and smooth it.

Can I skip shampoo and just use conditioner?

Using only conditioner, called co-washing, works for some hair types, but shampooing is important for removing buildup.

How long should I leave conditioner in my hair?

Leave conditioner in for 2-5 minutes to allow it to moisturize before rinsing thoroughly.

Does order matter if I use deep conditioner?

Yes, shampoo first to cleanse, then apply deep conditioner for extra hydration after rinsing out shampoo.

Can conditioner weigh my hair down if used first?

Conditioner before shampoo can leave hair heavy and greasy since shampoo will wash it away.

Is it bad to apply shampoo twice?

It's okay if your hair is very dirty, but usually one shampoo is enough to avoid stripping natural oils.

Should I rinse conditioner with cold or warm water?

Rinse conditioner with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and add shine.

Can I apply conditioner to my scalp?

It's best to apply conditioner mainly to the ends to avoid buildup and oily scalp.

How often should I use conditioner?

Condition your hair every time you shampoo to keep it hydrated and manageable.

What if my hair feels greasy after conditioning?

You might be using too much conditioner or applying it too close to the scalp; try using less on the ends only.

The short answer is: yes! This is a new trend and it sounds weird, but there’s science behind it. I have never in my life done conditioner before shampoo so I was intrigued when I heard about this. Apparently it’s a thing. And it’s a thing that has merits so you should definitely give it a try before you decide if it’s for you or not. To help you decide, I went to the experts and learned everything I could about shampoo before conditioner. Here’s all the facts.

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1. The Conditioner Acts as Primer for the Shampoo

hair, blue, hairstyle, long hair, You know how great a primer can be for keeping your makeup in place and it turns out that using conditioner before shampoo has the same effect. It creates an even and smooth palette for your shampoo to stick to. That means a more even distribution throughout your strands, leaving you with a cleaner head of hair every time and less product buildup at the same time. Interesting, right?

2. Conditioner before Shampoo is Perfect for Girls with Thin Hair

hair, human hair color, face, blond, hairstyle, As a person with pretty thin hair, I’m always on the lookout for ways to add volume. According to hair experts who love this trend, using conditioner first helps keep from weighing your hair down so there’s a fullness that you don’t see when you shampoo first. For this reason alone, I’ve got to give this a try!

3. Condition from Root to Tip if You Plan to Shampoo Last

New York City, hair, human hair color, face, clothing, You might generally only condition from the ears down, which many experts recommend, but if you plan to shampoo after you condition, you should apply the conditioning product to your entire head of hair. Rub the product in well all over your head, then shampoo as usual.

4. This Crazy New Hair Washing Trend is Great for Hydration

hair, face, eyebrow, black hair, photography, One of the reasons why conditioner before shampoo is getting so much attention is because it’s great for hydrating parched strands. You get the hydration you need without weighing your hair down. Experts say it’s an especially good practice during the summer when your hair is naturally a bit drier than in cooler months.

Embrace your individuality and transform your look by trying out a unique shade. Did you know that green hair is associated with nature, creativity, and growth? So go ahead, experiment with this bold hair color to represent a new phase in your life, waiting to blossom like a fresh spring leaf.

5. You’ll Get a Longer Lasting Blow Dry

hair, face, hairstyle, blond, brown hair, Hate blow drying your hair? Me too! If you want to get more mileage out of your blowout, you should be conditioning before you shampoo. Switching up the order of things gives you a fresh mane of hair, which means your styling treatments penetrate deeper and last longer. Who doesn’t want that?

6. Use Heat to Make the Change Even More Effective

eyewear, hair, sunglasses, glasses, vision care, Some hair care experts say that applying the conditioner, then blasting your strands with a blow dryer for a few minutes before washing drastically improves the benefits. The heat allows the conditioner to penetrate more deeply into your hair, boosting the benefits. Once you finish with the blow dryer, hop in the shower, shampoo and you’re done.

7. Some Products Might Not Work as Well as Others for Reverse Washing

hair, human hair color, face, black hair, clothing, Some girls who have tried reverse washing say that it doesn’t work with all combinations of shampoos and conditioners. If you want to give it a try, experiment with various brands and combinations to find the one that gives you the luxurious head of hair you crave. Some hair care products are even coming out with partner products that are specifically designed for reverse washing.

Have you ever tried conditioner before shampoo? Did it work wonders on your hair? If not, do you plan to try it now?

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Robin
2016-01-20T01:07:14.890Z
What would happen if you condition , shampoo , then condition again ?
SJC
2015-10-18T12:52:25.521Z
As a hairdresser, this is absolutely ridiculous. The point of shampoo is to wash excess oils and other things out of your hair so by using it after conditioner makes no sense! You'll just wash it out as it runs down the ends of your hair. You may as well just not use conditioner! Your hair will be soft, yes but it will also be brittle and dry up faster than you can imagine! The conditioner has a purpose and you're defeating that purpose. I'm not trying to start an argument, do whatever you want to your hair. But don't complain when your hair breaks faster than you want it to.
Taylor
2015-10-18T21:40:07.014Z
@brittany maybe because we're shocker the author hasn't done research and we're trying to help the average reader? I for one hate all the "put lemon on your face" articles because they will harm your skin. I'd feel bad if someone got a chemical burn from one of these articles since people don't do research first.
Marie
2015-10-18T22:42:47.516Z
I've been doing this for years. I have super curly hair and the condition mixed in with the shampoo in the beginning saves me from tangles. Try it!
Jcwriter
2015-10-19T01:34:34.053Z
I read this years ago, in what I believe might have been my father's Scientific American, actually that would have make it over 20 years ago! The article was about the discovery of how when conditioner was applied first, it excited the ions in the hair meant to bind with the shampoo. Since conditioner is always applied last, there is little residue of the shampoo left in the hair for the chemical reaction to occur. It cited the pure accidental discovery of this by a girl who accidentally applied conditioner, thinking it was shampoo, then tried to wash it out. That's all I can remember; I have a good memory, but it has its limitations.
Stefani
2018-01-14T10:12:27.323Z
Hey, I’ll try it!
Bunny
2016-12-23T18:03:58.928Z
People are bored out of their head we don't know what to expect next ! 😶
singami
2015-10-18T01:33:10.313Z
I am going to try it. Honestly I have thin hair and I normally shampoo first and my hair is always kinda dry and today I just use the conditioner because I did like a co wash and honestly my hair is so soft it feels .... So I am definitely going to condition my hair first. Thanks
Karam
2015-10-18T20:20:31.495Z
Use olive oil instead of the conditioner, believe me it works much better.. And it's more useful because it's natural!
Anne
2015-10-18T01:26:41.806Z
Rubbish