Should you shampoo or condition first when washing curly hair?

The standard and most effective order is shampoo first, then conditioner. Shampooing cleanses the scalp and hair of buildup, which opens the cuticle and allows the conditioner to penetrate effectively. Reverse washing (conditioning before shampooing) is a technique some naturals use to protect hair from dryness, but it does not replace the cleansing step.

What is reverse washing and is it good for curly hair?

Reverse washing means applying conditioner to dry or wet hair before shampooing. The conditioner coats and slightly protects the strand from moisture loss during shampooing. Some naturals with fine or low-porosity curls find this technique helps them maintain more moisture and reduce post-wash frizz.

Can you use conditioner before shampoo on natural hair?

Yes, and it is often called a pre-poo or pre-shampoo treatment. Unlike reverse washing, a pre-poo is typically applied to dry or barely damp hair, left on for 15–30 minutes, and then shampooed off it is particularly useful for detangling very tight coil patterns before water exposure.

Does the order of shampoo and conditioner matter for curl definition?

Yes washing in the correct order significantly affects curl definition and moisture levels. Shampooing first provides a clean base for conditioner penetration, which directly impacts how defined and moisturized curls appear after styling. A clean, well-conditioned curl pattern responds more consistently to styling products.

Should you detangle before or after shampooing curly hair?

For coily and tight-textured hair, it is safest to pre-detangle before shampooing while the hair is coated with conditioner or oil (pre-poo). Shampooing on matted or tangled hair causes additional knots and breakage. After shampooing, continue detangling gently during the conditioner step while the hair has plenty of slip.

What is the correct full wash day order for natural curly hair?

The full wash day sequence: (1) Pre-poo with oil or conditioner to soften and detangle, (2) Cleanse with shampoo clarify monthly, hydrate weekly, (3) Deep condition under heat for 15–30 minutes, (4) Apply leave-in on soaking-wet hair, (5) Style with cream, gel, or foam while wet, (6) Dry via air drying, diffusing, or hooded dryer.

Shampoo or Conditioner: What Comes First for Healthy, Bouncy Curls?

May 1, 2024

It’s that time again—wash day. As a curly-haired goddess, cleansing & moisturizing your voluminous strands is essential to your hair care routine. But as you turn on the shower, you think about the reverse hair-washing trend. You know the one: conditioning your hair first & then washing it.

So, does it really matter which you do first?

It may sound like a silly question, but it’s a valid question! While many would assume that shampooing should always come before conditioning, that’s not always the case (especially for curlies & coilies).

Pause that shower as we help you decide between shampoo or conditioner first for curly hair.

Shampooing First: The Benefits for Natural Curls

The traditional hair care routine of shampooing first, followed by conditioning, is a classic choice for a reason. Its cleansing ingredients help to remove dirt & oil from your hair, effectively eliminating unwanted buildup.

Once your hair is refreshed & clean, your tresses are primed & ready to absorb the moisture from your conditioner & other styling products. This sets the foundation for vibrant, envious curls that hold their heated or natural style for hours.

Shampoo Before Conditioner: Tips for Success

If you choose to shampoo your coils before conditioning, here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your cleansing products:

Choose the right shampoo – Your beautiful, bouncy curls deserve the best treatment possible. However, not just any ordinary shampoo will bring those coils to life. This may spark the question of “What shampoo should I use?” or “What are the best shampoo ingredients to be on the lookout for?” We recommend opting for products tailored to curly crowns, such as our Hydration Shampoo or Cleansing Shampoo, that work with your strands to moisturize & clarify without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Focus on the scalp – Distribute shampoo onto the roots of your hair, gently massaging it into your scalp to thoroughly cleanse away dirt & oil while also promoting scalp-loving circulation. No matter what washing method you choose, make sure you’re only washing your hair as often as needed to avoid depleting your curls from their natural oils.

The Advantages of Conditioning First

When it comes to washing & conditioning your natural hair, a one-size-fits-all approach is less than ideal. But for us curlies & coilies, starting with conditioning is often where the magic happens. If you've adopted the shampoo-first routine & notice your locks feeling a bit heavy or greasy after conditioning, it's time to flip the script & give this reverse washing method a whirl.

If you’re still not convinced this switch-up is for you, consider these potential benefits of changing up your normal hair-washing routine:

It may help your hair maintain its natural oils – Despite what anyone says, your hair’s natural oil is essential to maintaining healthy hair. While your scalp works 24/7 to provide it with sebum (a natural oil that hydrates each strand), some shampoos strip your hair of those oils, which can leave it feeling dry & brittle. By conditioning first, you help your hair create a protective barrier on the outer layer of your strands, limiting the amount of stripping from shampoo.

It can detangle your coils – Conditioning first can aid in detangling your curls & loosening fairy knots & tangles. This can minimize the risk of natural hair breakage that could occur when cleansing your hair later.

Maximizing Conditioning First for Healthier Natural Curls

If you’re ready to hop on the reverse washing bandwagon, here are a few pointers to help you navigate this new & prosperous curl journey:

Find a conditioner that works with your natural hair texture – For those with fine or thin hair, try PATTERN’s Lightweight Conditioner that provides weightless moisture for added volume. If you have coily hair with tight ringlets or spiral waves, we recommend a product like our Heavy Conditioner enriched with ingredients like Avocado Oil & Safflower oil.

Not sure which conditioner is truly best for your curl type? Take our Conditioner Quiz today & let us guide you towards the perfect match for your unique hair needs.

Concentrate on the ends of your hair – Since your scalp naturally produces oil that tends to distribute toward the roots, the middle & ends of your hair strands are the parts that need the most moisture from products. Direct your attention to coating these areas with conditioner & reserving the shampoo treatment for the scalp.

Finish with a conditioner - You may choose to follow your shampoo with another conditioner to double condition or simply seal in the hydration from your shower with Leave-In Conditioner while your hair is wet. The goal of the conditioner is to penetrate strands to help absorb & seal in the water that your hair absorbs in the shower. Curly, coily & tight textured hair requires hydration to look its healthiest, so formulas that help guard against moisture loss make excellent final steps.

Experimenting with Your Hair Wash Routine for Natural Texture Success

The best way to determine which order to wash your hair is by trying both methods for yourself. If you’ve never tried conditioning first, start by applying a moisturizing conditioner to your locks, gently rinsing it out & following it up with a hydrating shampoo to remove any built-up oil & residue from day-to-day styling.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the frequency of conditioning first in your hair care routine. Some notice their hair looks its most voluminous when they condition it first before each wash, whereas others work it into their normal routine, albeit less frequently.

Switch Up Your Hair Care Routine with PATTERN

Unlocking radiant, effortless curls begins with discovering a hair wash regimen that suits your unique hair. By pairing essential curly hair products tailored for your natural hair texture, you are better suited to unlock the secret to captivating, envy-worthy locks.

Whether you choose to condition or shampoo first, PATTERN has all of the quality, moisturizing ingredients your hair craves. From hydrating shampoos & conditioners for curly hair to nourishing styling products like curl creams & gels, shop the products best products for curly hair crafted to empower your curl pattern & confidence.

Sources:

NIH. Effect of shampoo, conditioner & permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4636411/

NIH. The Impact of Shampoo Wash Frequency on Scalp & Hair Conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8138261/

Reviewed by Ashley Ludgood

With over 12 years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, Ashley Ludgood brings a wealth of expertise to her current role at PATTERN. Her insights have been featured in reputable publications like American Salon Magazine, American Spa Magazine, and Skin, Inc. Ashley has also shared her knowledge at conferences, including Face & Body, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to contributing to the industry. Having been an integral part of the team at PATTERN for nearly 4 years, Ashley continues to make significant contributions. Holding a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, she remains passionate about her field. Among her favorite products, Ashley turns to the PATTERN Styling Cream, Moisture Milk, and the Cleansing Shampoo as her go-to essentials.

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