Can the viral ‘sandwich method’ actually transform your hair?
‘Hair sandwiching’ is the hot new trend for healthy, moisturised locks. But does the ‘sandwich’ method really work? Our experts give their verdicts.
From hair dye to heat tools, we really don’t give our hair a break.
So it’s no surprise that we often suffer the consequences and develop unmanageable, damaged hair.
Taking care of our beloved locks can be a challenge.
Thankfully, products such as hair conditioner have come a long way, with formulations intended to soften and replenish a damaged and unruly mane.
And now, there is a new way to use one of our favourite hair care products – and it’s gone viral.
What is the ‘hair sandwich’ method?
Most of us apply conditioner at the end of our hair-washing routine – after shampoo and treatments or masks.
However, the new “hair sandwich” trend involves using conditioner before and after shampooing.
The hair conditioner acts as the “bread”, sandwiching shampoo and any treatments in the middle of your routine.
Also known as the “reverse hair wash” method, this technique claims to produce extra moisturised locks.
Award-winning hairdresser Grant Norton says for thicker, damaged and unruly hair, conditioning at the beginning of your wash routine can reap great benefits.
“Conditioning as a first step helps to soften the hair prior to shampooing,” he says.
Is ‘hair sandwiching’ suitable for all hair types?
Before getting carried away with conditioner, it is important to consider how your specific hair type reacts to excess moisture.
The amount of conditioner your hair requires is an important factor.
Hair colourist Tarryn Cherniayeff tried out the “hair sandwich’’ method exclusively for The House of Wellness, however, her experiences were “not really that mind-blowing’’ for her long, fine hair with oily roots and dry ends.
“The way shampoo works is it essentially opens the hair cuticle and conditioner closes it,” Tarryn says.
And closing the hair cuticle is what makes conditioning products effective, she says.
Grant says excess conditioning methods may not be ideal if a person has fine hair.
“It is possible to ‘over-condition’ fine to medium hair,” he says.
“The amount of conditioner your hair actually requires depends on the length and thickness.”
As for tips to combat dry hair, Tarryn recommends keeping things simple, and sticking to a four-step routine of shampoo, conditioner, treatment and a leave-in treatment.
“To further protect and nourish, I recommend heat protection and serums, as well as regular cuts and trims,” she says.
What is the best way to tackle the ‘hair sandwich’ method?
If you want to jump on board the craze to see if it’s right for your hair, here’s Grant’s step-by-step guide to tackling the “hair sandwich” method’’.
- Step 1: Damp your hair using a spray bottle and detangle with a wide-tooth comb to remove knots.
- Step 2: Add a 20 cent amount of hydrator/professional conditioner to the hair and comb through. Leave this in as a pre-treatment for 3-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse and gently shampoo your hair, rinse thoroughly.
- Step 4: Squeeze out excess water from your hair and add 20 cents of calming conditioning to your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb for even distribution. Leave for 3-5 minutes and rinse.
More on hair health:
Written by Ravisha Rajapaksha.
