While most hair care routines focus on conditioners, masks, and leave-in products applied after shampooing to repair and protect strands from heat, UV rays, and other stressors, many professional brands now recommend pre-shampoo treatments. These innovative formulas deliver intensive repair by sitting on the hair longer than post-wash options, without leaving behind greasy residue since they're rinsed away with shampoo. Intrigued? Here's why they're a game-changer.
As trichologists and stylists often advise, pre-shampoo treatments offer unmatched convenience for busy routines. Apply to dry or damp hair (check product instructions), let it work while you go about your day—avoid leaving the house if it's a heavy formula—and rinse with shampoo after 20 minutes or overnight for oils (protect your pillow with a towel). This method envelops each strand, boosting hydration and shielding natural sebum from harsh shampoos. Ideal for dry, damaged, frizzy, fine, or limp hair, they nourish without weighing down when applied mid-lengths to ends. Use weekly or more—your hair will thank you.
Our expert-recommended pre-shampoo favorites: Keratin Pulp Pre-Wash Treatment, Eugène Perma Professionnel, €25.40. Lavender Botanicals Pre-Shampoo Oil, L’Oréal Paris, €10.90. Murumuru Ekos Pre-Shampoo Treatment, Natura Brasil, €19. Karinga Supreme Nutrition Oil, René Furterer, €23.50. Pre-Shampoo Detox Purifying Mask, Phyto, €19.90. Tea Tree Pre-Shampoo Mask, Natessance, €12.40. Pre-Shampoo Purifying Massage Jelly for Oily Scalp, J.F. Lazartigue, €36. Bb Oil-Balm Pre-Shampoo Mask. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, Bumble &Bumble, €39.90. Nourishing Care Pre-Shampoo Infused Oil, L’Occitane, €29 (available September 15, 2019).
