A pre-shampoo treatment involves applying hair care products to your hair before washing it. Now, why would you do that? It seems counterintuitive.

The pre-poo helps prep your hair to reap the benefits when using your shampoo and conditioner.

These treatments are an integral part of your scalp care and an essential component of your hair care routine. You can find many formulas that nourish and strengthen your locks during your styling routine.

What Are Pre-Shampoo Treatments?

A pre-shampoo, also known as a pre-wash or pre-poo, is a hair care product that we apply to the hair or scalp before shampooing. You can find many pre-poo treatments available that include:

• Nourishing Pre-Shampoo Oils
• Strengthening Pre-Shampoo Masks
• Purifying Pre-Shampoo Scalp Scrubs

Yet there is one thing they all have in common: they help set your hair care up for success and address specific concerns.

What Does a Pre-Wash Treatment Do?

The primary purpose of a pre-shampoo treatment is to help protect your strands during the cleansing process. When hair is wet, it stretches up to 50%, making it weaker and vulnerable to damage during the shampoo process.

Pre-wash treatments provide a protective barrier around the strands to shield them from friction when you lather them up. These products contain moisturizer and strengthening ingredients that penetrate the hair fiber, giving it a deep clean without stripping it dry.

Furthermore, they offer additional benefits to help tackle dandruff, including products that combat those itchy flakes. Another advantage of pre-shampoo treatments is that they help extend the time between salon visits when coloring hair and improve hydration.

Do You Need Pre-Shampoo Treatments?

Although it is not compulsory, everyone can benefit from a pre-shampoo treatment. If you have textured hair, a pre-poo treatment can help retain moisture and prevent damage. Still, it is an easy and excellent way to target specific hair concerns, such as breakage, dandruff, and dryness, before shampooing your hair.

💡 While on the subject of retaining moisture, learn how the LOC method hair routine can help you lock in moisture in your hair.

Do You Rinse Out a Pre-Wash?

It depends on the pre-poos you use. Some can be washed out before shampooing, while others require rinsing after pre-wash products. The steps can vary, and it’s best to read the label to determine the best use or discuss it with one of our stylists to get the proper guidance.

What You Can Use For a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Several DIY pre-shampoo treatments are available online, but some can do more harm than good. Many of these recipes call for slathering olive or coconut oil before shampooing.

Still, these oils can be complex to remove from your hair, and we recommend investing in professionally formulated pre-poo products. These products contain the correct ratio of ingredients without adverse effects. Learn more about scalp oil treatments and how often you should have them done.

Most importantly, you must know what you want to address to select the right pre-wash formula and ensure it aligns with your goals.

How to Pre-Shampoo Your Hair

When you choose the proper pre-wash treatment, you can add it to your haircare routine and follow these simple steps:

1. Grab Your Pre-Wash Product

Depending on the product you choose, apply it to your strands according to the directions to ensure you use it on either dry or wet hair. Once you have coated the hair, leave the product to set according to the instructions and then rinse it before shampooing.

2. Use a Nourishing Shampoo And Conditioner

After your pre-wash, follow up with your shampoo and conditioner. For instance, if you use a purifying pre-wash, it is essential to use a pure, purifying shampoo for oily hair to achieve the best results. 

The same goes for your conditioner; if you have oily hair, it needs to be rehydrated. Bond-strengthening pre-washes work best with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for bond repair.

3. Use a Leave-In Conditioner

Once washed, we recommend using a leave-in conditioner to add more moisture. Use a dime-size amount, work it through your damp strands, and then style your hair.

Mistakes to Avoid With Pre-Shampoo Treatments

As with everything, even a pre-poo needs to be done in moderation. One of the biggest mistakes is overusing your product or doing it too often.

The general rule is to follow the instructions on the product you choose for the recommended usage. Also, use smaller amounts, as a little can go a long way, and make notes of the application method.

How often you get a pre-wash treatment will depend on your care needs and the product. For instance, if you use a hair mask, you can apply it before every shampoo, whereas a clarifying treatment is typically used once a week or as needed.

You need to proceed with caution when pre-washing hair oils. Products containing oil and butter are too thick for the hair to penetrate and are best suited for use in conditioners. If you use a hair oil as a treatment, be sure to rinse it thoroughly to avoid over-greasing your hair.

Wrap-Up: Pre-Shampoo Treatments

A pre-shampoo treatment can add loads of benefits to your hair care routine. Still, it is essential to ensure you choose the right pre-poo products to address your hair concerns. 

The treatment is accessible at home, but when you visit Haste Hair for a hair consultation, we recommend the best treatment suitable for your lifestyle and needs.

We offer a pre-wash service and treatments that include keratin, protein, and other specialty services. Book your hair care treatment with us today, and you will see the wonders these miracle workers can do.

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