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You probably wash your hair just like everyone else: first shampoo, then conditioner. This, of course, is completely normal and traditionally correct. After all, we all know that conditioner replenishes moisture and seals the hair cuticle, helping to prevent breakage and damage. It’s a balm; a salve—an all-important after-shampoo treatment that keeps hair soft, supple, and from looking like a crispy, dried-out mess.
But skipping conditioner is not the mistake we’re here to discuss. You might try skipping shampoo—but conditioner? Never. And that’s fine. Because there’s a new hair washing method on the block and it involves not skipping conditioner but actually using conditioner before shampoo. Yes, before! Shocking! Weird! And, also, maybe, life-changing?
Read on to find out why, how, and what the heck this whole idea is all about. And, most importantly if it’s worth trying out the conditioner before shampoo method yourself.
How to wash your hair using the CWC method
This whole conditioner before shampoo thing actually has a name: the CWC method. C = conditioner, W = washing with shampoo, C = conditioner again. And, yes, applying conditioner before shampoo can be a real game changer, especially if you have dry, damaged hair that tends to split, break, or otherwise give you hell.
The CWC method is pretty self-explanatory, but let’s dive in. It’s easy.
To do the CWC method, first apply conditioner to just the lengths and ends of your hair before washing. This is key. It is the whole crux of the method, in fact. But why would you do this, you may ask? Well, conditioner protects the hair from the detergents in the shampoo and keeps the hair from drying out. Remember, even the gentlest shampoo is a cleaning product: great for a dirty, sweaty, oily scalp; but not so great for your precious, delicate, moisture-loving strands.
Therefore, applying conditioner to the ends of the hair first allows the cleansing effect of the shampoo to ever-so-lovingly glide over your delicate ends. The conditioner envelops the hair like a protective veil and saves it from becoming straw-like and dried out.
How to put the CWC method into practice
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the details. There’s a method to this madness; a CWC technique, if you will.
On wash day, brush your hair thoroughly before jumping in the shower. Then, wet it as you normally would. But don’t reach for that shampoo bottle yet—this is where business as usual takes a new course. Before applying shampoo, rub a small amount of conditioner between your hands and distribute it over the lengths and ends with your fingertips. Be careful to avoid the roots and scalp—remember, this is where the shampoo will go! Once you’re done with the conditioner, lather a small amount of shampoo in the palms of your hands and distribute it over the roots. Get the hair above the ears and at the back of the neck, too—these areas, which are often forgotten, are some of the main culprits behind quick-to-get-greasy, limp-looking hair. (Not to be confused with the intentionally greasy, slicked-back hair that was all over the runways for Spring.) Then simply rinse everything. Next, distribute the conditioner again to the lengths and ends. Avoid the roots so as not to weigh them down. Leave the conditioner on for a minute or so—it doesn’t need too long—then rinse everything again thoroughly. For extra shine, finish with a shot of cold water.
When you’re done in the shower, wring your hair carefully, then dry it gently by patting with a microfiber towel. Style as usual—and relish in the delight of your super healthy hair.
