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, all of our products are 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/
