Washing Your Hair Like This Will Nix Excess Buildup, Strengthen Your Strands, and Promote Growth
When it comes to washing our hair, most people tilt their head up toward the ceiling with their face away from the shower head. But it turns out, flipping that method and washing hair upside down can actually get your your scalp cleaner and prevent any excess buildup that could damage your hair.
Benefits of Washing Hair Upside Down
First, if you’re wondering whether this method will work on all types of hair, the answer is yes! This technique will ensure that the shampoo, conditioner, and water are cleansing your entire scalp. Typically, when you tilt your head back to wash your hair, the part closest to your neck doesn’t get enough attention. This can result in annoying breakouts on your neck or back because the water doesn’t fully rinse away all of the shampoo and conditioner back there. It can also cause excess buildup in those neglected parts of your scalp — weakening and damaging follicles over time. So by simply washing it upside down, your hair will become stronger and healthier because it’s more consistently moisturized.
If that doesn’t convince you to start using this method, here’s something else that might: You’ll be getting more of your money’s worth from a bottle of shampoo or conditioner. Hair stylist Christophe Robin told the New York Times that washing hair upside down allows for the product to lather more as you’re washing your hair (thanks to gravity!). He adds that only using a teaspoon of shampoo is best to prevent your hair follicles from getting clogged with too much product.
The only thing this method won’t prevent is shampoo or conditioner getting in your eyes. If you’re not used to washing upside down, just be careful as you’re lathering and rinsing since it can be a little awkward leaning downward in this position with your hair so close to your face. Using all-natural products that don’t contain any sulfates or harmful chemicals, like Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Shampoo (Buy at Walmart, $6.98), can help, too.
Now that you know all of the benefits of this unconventional yet effective hair washing method, keep reading to see how to do it!
How to Wash Your Hair Upside Down
Before you start washing your hair, give yourself a quick scalp massage. All you have to do is gently rub your scalp using tips of your fingers for about a minute to lift any dirt, dead skin cells, or dandruff from the surface. This will also stimulate the follicles, helping your hair to grow.
Next, wet your hair until it’s completely soaked and place your desired amount of shampoo into your palm (don’t forget about that teaspoon tip). Then flip your hair so that your head is facing downward and work the shampoo into a lather all over your scalp before rinsing. The video below shows how easy it is to do when you’re in the shower.
Healthline suggests holding your head forward for no longer than 4 minutes, but if at any point you feel dizzy or light-headed, lift your head up and continue washing it with your head facing up. Also, if you already have neck problems, such as stiffness or pain, then consult with your doctor before trying this method out to make sure it’s safe for you.
Repeat this upside down process with your conditioner and give your hair a good final rinse with water to wash out any of the excess product. Then dry it off with a clean towel and you’re ready to move on with any other steps of your normal hair care routine.
This easy trick for washing your hair upside down seems a little odd, but you’ll be helping to keep your hair strong and healthy (and get more use out of your shampoo or conditioner).
This story was originally published on our sister site, First for Women.
