12 best pre-shampoo treatments for all hair types and hair concerns
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Add extra nourishment and shine to the hair and scalp with an effective pre-wash treatment.
While shampoo and conditioner will always be staples, there’s been an abundance of new launches lately designed to amplify our hair washing routine. From intensive masks to leave-in conditioners, they’re all designed to repair and prep your hair for styling. The latest innovation? The pre-wash treatment.
Whether you want an intensive mask, a clarifying cleanse or a rich oil to deliver hydration, there’s the perfect pre-wash treat for your tresses. Not only can they cut down your shower time, but application to dry hair, rather than wet, can intensify the hydration benefits, as the potent formulas aren’t being watered down. Basically, you’re maximising the benefits.
No matter what your hair texture or concern, there’s an effective pre-shampoo treatment for you.
What is a pre-wash treatment?
Simone Thomas, hair loss expert and founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, describes pre-wash treatments as a facial for your hair. “It’s something that can be of benefit for all hair types and all ages. It’s a treatment that can help with many issues, including easing itchy scalps and lifting hair that has lost its shine.”
For many of us, and especially those with curly hair, topping up moisture levels is a mammoth task, and a conditioner isn’t going to cut it, which is where a hydrating pre-shampoo treatment is particularly beneficial.
“Pre-wash treatments can provide an extra protective layer of hydration and moisture, particularly to heat-damaged and post-braided hair,” says hair stylist Shelby Samaria.
When should you use a pre-wash treatment in your routine and how often?
This comes down to your hair type, but Thomas recommends using one at least once a week and making it a regular part of your routine. “Once you have used the pre-wash treatment, shampoo and condition as usual, gently towel dry and then, if you can, let your hair dry naturally.”
If you do end up using heat on your hair, don’t forget to apply a heat protectant product.
What type of pre-wash treatment is best for each hair type?
With ones to clarify the scalp and others to deeply nourish the ends, there’s an array of ones to pick from. Start by assessing the biggest concern you’re trying to tackle.
“Everyone is different; it’s best to give things a try and see what works best for you. If your hair is dry, you are going to want a luxury treatment that will truly nourish and bring it back to life, but if your hair is greasy, it will be more about finding a treatment that will ease the oil but not be so strong that it completely strips it away,” explains Thomas.
Color Wow Snag-Free Pre-Shampoo Detangle
Rich in oils, this aids in the detangling process. The less friction, the less damage you’ll rack up. This helps create slip for combing as well as moisturising strands for plumper curls and coils. Apply in sections onto wet hair, brush through strands with either your fingers or a comb and then rinse lightly before shampooing.
Shop Color Wow Snag-Free Pre-Shampoo Detangle at Space NK, £25
Typebea R.1 Pre-Wash Damage Repair Mask
This harnesses the powers of bond repair to reduce breakages and leave strands healthy and hydrated. Apply this delicious-smelling butter to damp or dry hair before shampooing and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Another pre-shampoo treatment featuring bond-repair technology. This also includes a citric acid blend to promote silkiness and a significant shine. Leave on for at least five minutes and prepare for some glossy ends.
Shop L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment, £16.99
Cantu Guava Pre-Cleanse Treatment
If greasiness and flakes are your biggest scalp bugbears, you need this clarifying exfoliating water. It uses guava, turmeric root oil and ginger to remove product build-up and dead skin cells, creating an ideal environment for new hair to sprout.
Leonor Greyl L’Huile De Leonor Greyl
This pre-wash treatment is oil-based and delivers nourishing, protective and detangling benefits to the hair. Due to its hydrating ingredients, such as organic coconut oil and jojoba oil, this is going to be the perfect pairing for parched strands.
Shop Leonor Greyl L’Huile De Leonor Greyl at Sephora UK, £37
Aveda Botanical Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Aiming to strengthen from root to tip, apply this bond-building cream to dry hair and leave it on for at least five minutes. The result? More robust and softer strands – with no added weight or greasiness.
Shop Aveda Botanical Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment at LookFantastic, £39
Fable & Mane Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
This treatment hair oil encourages healthy hair from root to tip, smoothing your strands for a silk-like finish. Whether you prefer using pre-wash treatments a few minutes before your usual wash routine or overnight before rinsing off, this is a great pick for all hair types with the same great results.
Shop Fable & Mane Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil at Cult Beauty, £34
Arkive The Immaculate Hybrid Cleansing Fluid
An SOS response to dry, stressed scalps, this cleansing water removes impurities while injecting skin with hydration. Apply to a dry scalp, leave on for 10 minutes, and then emulsify with a touch of water until it creates a rich foam. Roots should feel calmer and refreshed.
Shop Arkive The Immaculate Hybrid Cleansing Fluid at M&S, £15
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex’s well-loved patented bond-building technology (which is found in all of its products) helps to tackle the effects of dry and brittle hair. The bond repair treatment helps to give hair the structure, strength and stability that it deserves, and Olaplex’s cult following is truly a testament to how well each of its products works.
Bouclème Revive 5 Hair Oil
With a blend of moringa, mongongo, daikon seed, coconut and olive oils, you can bet that this not only will your hair feel nourish and revitalise, but it will smell great, too.
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Pre-Shampoo Purifying Mask
If your scalp is feeling clammy no matter what you do, this mask acts like blotting paper to remove oiliness and any impurities to leave your hair feeling and looking revitalised. Massage onto a dry scalp and leave it to work its magic for ten minutes before shampooing.
Shop Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Pre-Shampoo Purifying Mask at John Lewis, £86
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Pre-Treatment
Packed with citric acid to brighten and deliver shine, as well as a bonding complex to revive damaged strands, this is ideal if you’re into experimenting with colour but hate the drying effects and colour-fade that comes with it.
Shop Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Pre-Treatment at Boots, £26.40
Images: courtesy of brands
