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

Stefani
2018-01-14T10:12:27.323Z
Hey, I’ll try it!
Jackie
2015-10-19T12:27:28.021Z
People that bash others for trying to help out are just plain mean and have nothing better to do with themselves. This article might not be right for you but someone else might find it helpful!
AlexSalem
2015-10-18T02:27:21.607Z
I love ya Eliza and I'm not being particular in your writing, but your question is backwards?? Please re-read lol. Call it the writer in me I guess. Not sure if there is a proofreader, but I love this app. I do notice a lot of mistakes in the editorials lately!
Kate
2015-10-22T20:39:35.259Z
Tried it! And I'm very impressed 💗
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!
Pooooppp
2015-10-18T11:04:19.583Z
This is a load of rubbish!!!! Shampoo opens the cuticle and cleanses it then conditioner closes the cuticle!!!!!!! So why close the cuticle before reopening it? People need to do their research
Luanne
2015-10-19T01:16:32.333Z
It did however help with the tangles I had in my hair when I put the conditioner in first. I'll try it again with a better conditioner than I used tonight
Nani
2018-02-15T13:56:47.203Z
How are you
Jeellybellyyy
2018-01-25T11:38:10.692Z
I feel like i SHOULD give it a go! :)
Fashioncool
2015-10-19T04:29:26.861Z
Tried this last night. Yes, it was soft but also looked very poofy and it was very tangly. Looked like I had been teasing my hair tons. So it's a no from me, but it may just not work for my shampoo and/or my hair type.