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Ready to transform your hair care routine from meh to mesmerizing?
Join me as I’ve been on a journey of trial and error to find the best pre-shampoo treatment before the summer heat sets in and the chlorine dries out my locks!
In this blog post, I’ll dive into the luxurious world of pre-shampoo treatments—a treasure trove for beauty enthusiasts and hair care lovers alike.
Learn how a simple tweak to your routine can lead to luscious locks and a healthier scalp!
What Is a Pre-Shampoo Treatment?
Before we discuss pre-shampoo treatments in detail, it’s essential to understand what they are and what they do.
Unlike a typical post-shampoo conditioner, a pre-shampoo treatment (short for pre-shampoo) is the care and conditioning process that happens before you wet your hair.
This extra step replenishes moisture, enhances manageability, and protects hair from shampoo’s potentially stripping effects.
Think of it as the primer to your shampoo’s foundation—ensuring healthy hair and ensuring everything looks and feels flawless.
Why Pre-Shampooing Can Be Your Hair’s New Best Friend
For many, the notion of squeezing in an additional step between washing and drying can seem superfluous. But here’s why it’s worth your time:
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Moisture Barrier: A great pre-shampoo treatment prevents damaged hair from being overly dried out by shampoo, especially those with harsh surfactants to stimulate hair growth.
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Detangling: Apply pre-shampoo treatments to make detangling a breeze in your post-wash styling routine.
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Protective Layer: By adding a layer of protection, harsh shampooing and the friction from washing will cause less product buildup and excess oil from hair follicles.
What are the best types of pre-shampoo treatments?
The market is brimming with pre-shampoo treatments, ranging from oils to balms to masks.
With a plethora of products to choose from, finding the right pre-poo for your hair type and concerns is crucial.
Before you select your special potion, here are the kinds of pre-shampoo treatments you should consider:
Types of Pre-Shampoo Treatments
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Oils: Natural powerhouse oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut are excellent emollients that soften the hair and offer a layer of protection.
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Creams: Luxury hair creams provide deep nourishment and can be customized with additional treatment benefits like color protection or heat defense.
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Masks: Pre-poo masks are like “emergency services” for hair in distress. They focus on intense repair and targeting specific issues like breakage or dryness.
Psst, These Are the Best Pre Shampoo Treatments…
When it comes to the best pre-shampoo treatments, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
Here are twelve top picks that cater to various hair types and concerns.
1. Bread Beauty Supply Macadamia Oil
Hailing from Australia, this macadamia oil packs an anti-frizz punch. Rich in fatty acids, it’s a heavyweight for softening and strengthening stressed-out strands.
I find it perfect for those with a flaky scalp or wavy to coily hair craving moisture and luster.
2. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Gisou’s Honey-Infused Hair Oil is a delightful gem for your hair! I absolutely love how it harnesses honey’s natural humectant properties to lock in moisture and enhance shine.
This pre-shampoo oil uses Mirsalehi honey from the founder’s family bee garden. It deeply nourishes and revitalizes my hair, leaving it feeling soft and healthy.
I highly recommend it for all hair types, especially if you seek a hydration boost and gorgeous shiny hair.
3. Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
I think this can easily become a favorite for your hair, and it delivers results at such a great price.
The Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner are a must-have for those seeking intense hydration!
This natural blend promises revitalized, vibrant hair, with honey for moisture, sage for cleansing, and babassu oil for breakage prevention.
According to experts, this product is ideal for individuals with dry or textured hair, offering a deep conditioning treatment tailored to the requirements of parched strands.
4. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Designed with all hair types in mind, the Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment utilizes the power of Mongongo oil to provide essential nutrients and prepare your hair for the cleansing process.
Its unique formula is tailored to protect against high heat and UV rays, making it an excellent choice for individuals who frequently style their hair or spend a lot of time in the sun.
This multifaceted treatment performs marvelously for smoothing out frizz and enhancing the overall health of your hair.
5. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil
Keeping your hair protected and hydrated during the summer heat isn’t easy, especially depending on your hair type, but this will be a beach bag essential for added sun protection!
Say goodbye to hair breakage with this nutrient-dense oil from Briogeo.
A blend of natural oils, such as B vitamins, rosehip, and argan oil, nurtures the hair and scalp while providing heat protection for styling addicts.
6. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector is not just a pre-shampoo mask; it’s a restorative miracle worker.
Known for its ability to repair broken bonds and resurrect damaged hair due to heat styling, this treatment works at the molecular level to ensure your mane remains strong, shiny, and incredibly resilient against future damage.
Ideal for all hair types, it’s particularly beneficial for those with chemically treated or heat-damaged hair, offering a path to recovery and maintenance of hair integrity.
7. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque
Renowned for its reparative and growth-promoting properties, SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque provides a potent cocktail of nutrients to fortify hair strands.
It is infused with peppermint and apple cider vinegar to stimulate the scalp for healthier hair growth and clarifies and balances pH levels.
This rich, intensive treatment is especially suited for damaged, chemically processed, or heat-styled hair. It offers a thorough pre-shampoo regimen that revives and nourishes from root to tip.
8. Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
Transform your hair care routine with Kérastase’s luxurious overnight treatment.
The 8H Magic Night Serum works its magic while you sleep, serving as a powerful pre-shampoo scalp treatment that intensely nourishes hair without weighing it down.
Its blend of iris root extract and a special blend of 5 vitamins, including vitamin E, deeply penetrates each strand for silk-like softness by morning.
Suitable for all hair types, this serum provides the ultimate convenience with no need to rinse in the morning – making it perfect for those seeking sublime softness and shine with minimal effort.
Discovering the ideal pre-shampoo treatment can be a game-changer in your hair care routine, ushering in a new era of health, strength, and shine for your locks.
Whether you’re struggling with dryness or damage or simply wish to maintain your hair’s natural beauty, there’s a pre-poo product out there ready to transform your hair care ritual into a luxurious, beneficial experience.
9. The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Sweet Oil & Honey Endless Moisture Mask
This luxurious mask is a hydration hero. It blends Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil and Honey to penetrate and moisturize even the driest hair deeply.
Perfect for thirsty, curly, and kinky hair types, the Tropical Moringa Sweet Oil & Honey Mask helps reduce breakage, promote length retention, and impart a heavenly scent.
10. Aveda Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil
Aveda’s Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil is a versatile blend of five potent oils, including organic pomegranate, coconut, and avocado oils.
Designed to provide nutrient-powered hydration, this quick-absorbing formula can be used as a leave-in conditioner to boost hydration or post-styling touch-up.
Ideal for every hair type, it will visibly nourish hair and leave it more radiant.
Incorporating one of these top natural oils into your routine sets the stage for healthier, more resilient hair.
If you’re fighting dryness, looking to rejuvenate your hair’s luster, or trying to shield your strands from harm, an ideal pre-poo product is designed to meet your specific requirements.
Remember, great hair doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by taking the right steps before you shampoo.
11. Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This unrefined coconut oil does it all—moisturizes, detangles, and even offers some protein to strengthen the hair and provide extra moisture naturally.
It’s a go-to for those who love to keep their hair routine natural and straightforward.
It’s also great for skin and cooking, making it a versatile addition to any beauty routine.
12. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
This lightweight pre-shampoo treatment from Bumble and Bumble is an excellent choice for those with fine or medium hair.
Its blend of six oils works to detangle, moisturize, and protect against damage without weighing down the hair. Just spray on damp hair before shampooing, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse out for soft, smooth, and nourished locks.
Professional hair stylist Steven Fernandes suggested that for added convenience, it’s perfect for use as a regular shampoo or a leave-in conditioner.
Incorporating Pre-Shampoo in Your Routine
Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with the wonders of pre-poo treatments, it’s time to integrate them into your hair care ritual.
Here’s a simple guide to maximize the benefits:
How Often Should You Pre-Shampoo?
The frequency of pre-shampoo treatment depends on your hair’s needs.
If your hair is dry, thick, or curly, you may want to use a pre-shampoo hair mask, but a once-a-week treatment might be enough.
Application and Techniques
Apply the pre-shampoo treatment to dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Section your hair to ensure even distribution, and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
For an extra surge of moisture, wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a hair dryer to apply gentle heat.
Then, proceed with your shampoo and conditioning routine as usual.
The Final Verdict
I hope we were able to minimize your hair concerns and that this post offers a personalized and intensive approach to maintaining natural hair in a world where hair care is as varied as our hair textures and styles.
Choosing the right clarifying treatment for you can restore damaged strands while elevating your hair care experience from a routine task to a pampering self-care ritual.
Whether you’re team oil, cream, or mask, the secret is out—you can unlock the potential for healthier, more beautiful hair with a pre-wash hair treatment.
Editors Note: About Meghan
The FEMMENA explores the intersection between classic styles, practicality, and sustainability. Our mission is to help you feel confident and stylish without compromising your values or breaking the bank. Join us as we navigate the world of fashion with finesse and a mindful approach.
