A pre-shampoo treatment involves applying hair care products before washing your hair. 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 part of your scalp care and an essential part 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, or pre-wash or pre-poo, is a hair care product 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 cleansing. 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 provide other benefits to help tackle dandruff and can find products to combat those itchy flakes. Another benefit from pre-shampoo treatments is that they help extend salon visits when coloring hair and help with 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. Still, it is an easy and excellent way to target specific hair concerns, from breakage and dandruff to dryness, before you shampoo 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 some pre-wash products must be rinsed afterward. The steps can vary, and it is best to read the label to help you determine the best use or discuss it with one of our stylists to steer you in the right direction.
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 it done.
Most importantly, you must know what you want to address to get the right pre-wash formula and what needs to align 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 per the directions to ensure you use it on dry or wet hair. Once you coat the hair, leave the product to set according to the instructions and rinse it before you shampoo it.
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, you must use a pure purifying shampoo for oily hair to get 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 bond repair shampoo and conditioner.
3. Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Once washed, we recommend using a leave-in conditioner to add more moisture. Only use a dime-size amount, work 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, while a clarifying treatment is limited to once a week or as needed.
You need to proceed with caution when pre-washing hair oils. Products with oil and butter are too thick for the hair to penetrate and are best used in conditioners. If you use a hair oil as your treatment, you must rinse it well to avoid overgrazing 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 and keratin, protein, and other treatments. Book your hair care treatment with us today, and you will see the wonders these miracle workers can do.
FAQ
Can a pre-shampoo treatment replace your regular conditioner?
No, a pre-shampoo treatment cannot replace your regular treatment, even if it provides the same benefits, such as moisturizing your mane.
Are pre-wash treatments made for all hair types?
Yes, pre-wash treatments are made for all hair types but are not always necessary. If you have coily hair, you can benefit from pre-poos, which help retain moisture.
How often should you have a pre-poo treatment?
Depending on your hair needs, you can have a pre-poo treatment once every week.
Can you leave a pre-wash in overnight?
No, you cannot leave a pre-wash in your hair overnight. It is best left on for the recommended minutes before washing your hair.
