Shampoo and conditioner are an absolute must in every hair routine, but what if we told you there may be a step you’re skipping before you begin washing your hair? Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, curly texture or a pin-straight mane, consider starting your wash day routine with a pre-shampoo treatment. Pre-shampoo products come in many formulas, such as a pre-shampoo hair mask or pre-shampoo oil, to help tackle a variety of hair concerns. Beginning your hair care routine before you wash your man can make for hair that feels healthier, cleaner, stronger and is more equipped to handle whatever style you desire.
Ready to learn more about pre-shampoo treatments and how you can incorporate them into a pre-shampoo routine? Keep reading.
What Is A Pre-Shampoo Treatment?
As the name implies, this hair category includes basically any product that is applied to your strands before washing them. Formulas range from creamy pre-shampoo masks and pre-shampoo oils that hydrate and nourish to pre-shampoo scrubs that deliver some much-needed TLC to your scalp.
The goal of a pre-shampoo treatment is to set up your hair care routine for success, and to give you another chance to work toward your hair goals. For instance, if you want to tackle dandruff then you’d select a pre-shampoo formula that addresses unsightly flakes. Whereas, if you’re concerned about color-care or hydration, you’d opt for a pre-shampoo that targets those concerns.
Hair professionals often layer products in the way an average woman rarely does, so think of pre-shampoo treatments as an easy way to emulate salon results.
Who Needs Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatments?
While a pre-shampoo treatment is not always a necessity, it’s an excellent—and easy—way to target specific hair concerns such as dryness, breakage, dandruff, and beyond, before the shampoo process even begins.
As far as what kind of pre-shampoo formula is best for you, think about how you’d like your hair to look at the very end. Do you want a visibly flake-free scalp? Or is it a glossy blowout vibe that you’re craving? Perhaps you’d like to boost hydration if your strands are feeling parched. Your chosen product should align with your hair goals.
Our Best Pre-Shampoo Treatments To Try Now
If you’re ready to incorporate a pre-shampoo treatment into your routine, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite formulas below.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
An intensive acidic rinse-off treatment that helps reinforce weak hair bonds and repair damaged hair.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
If you're dealing with major hair damage, Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment might just be your pre-shampoo in shining armor! A member of the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate family, this reparative treatment can be used as either a pre-treatment prior to shampooing or as needed as a strengthening mask. It's a must if you have weakened hair from coloring, lightening, brushing, and heat styling.
Curious how the Intensive Treatment fits into the rest of the Acidic Bonding Concentrate routine? Check out this quick how-to!
Style Shifter Society Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanser
A foaming pre-cleanser that refreshes and balances your scalp.
Mizani Style Shifter Society Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanser
Make scalp care a priority with Mizani Style Shifter Society Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanser, a luxurious foaming pre-cleanser that helps refresh and rebalance your scalp. Formulated with peppermint, honey, salicylic acid, and cannabis sativa oil, it provides a soothing sensation that preps your scalp for your style journey.
Blondage High Bright Pre-Treatment
A pre-shampoo treatment powered by Vitamin C and chelating agents to prep and clarify hair for a brighter blonde instantly.
Blondage High Bright Shampoo
A blonde brightening shampoo and conditioner system to maintain salon-quality blonde between salon visits.
Blondage High Bright Conditioner
A lightweight conditioner with Vitamin C that helps condition brighter and lighter blonde hair between salon visits.
Redken Blondage High Bright Pre-Treatment
Blondies, if you’ve ever noticed that your hair tends to look dull a few weeks after your salon visit, you’re not alone. This happens because of pollution, product buildup, hard water, and more. The good news is that there’s a way you can combat the problem. Redken’s Blondage High Bright Pre-Treatment helps brighten your blonde while clarifying and balancing your pH level. It's meant to be used as a system. Apply to wet hair, comb through and leave in five to 10 minutes without rinsing. Follow up with the Blondage High Bright Shampoo and then Conditioner.
Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub
An energizing sea salt scalp scrub to remove impurities
Kérastase Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub
You scrub your elbows, knees, and heels—even your face! Why not include your scalp in the mix? Especially if you rely on dry shampoo in between wash days. Formulated with sea salt, vitamin b6, and salicylic acid, this Kérastase pre-shampoo doubles as a hair scrub that specifically targets oily scalps. It's meant to be applied to the front hairline, temples, crown, and nape. Afterward, rinse and then follow up with your second shampoo through the lengths of your hair. After using it, you'll see lifted roots, volumized hair, and a shiny-looking finish.
Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
A moisturizing hair oil that adds shine and softness.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil is a multi-use elixir that moisturizes and protects your tresses with seriously intense nutrition. Rapidly absorbed into the hair fiber, it rebalances the moisture level of dry hair. It’s even formulated for daily use, if you happen to love washing your hair every day.
Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub
A calming gel scalp scrub to cleanse the scalp
Kérastase Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub
If you love the idea of a scalp scrub but think your scalp may be too sensitive, consider Kérastase Scrub Apaisant Deep Clean Fusio Dose Scrub. This gel texture is ideal for sensitive scalps. It helps gently, but deeply cleanse and remove product buildup and combat dryness, dandruff, and flakiness. Formulated with jojoba and sweet orange, this calming scrub helps leave your strands shiny, soft, and oh-so-clean.
Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil
Nourishing multi-use scalp and hair oil for curly, frizzy hair.
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil
Calling all curly-haired people! This pre-shampoo treatment is for you. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil combines nourishing manuka honey and visibly strengthening ceramides to take your curls to the next level. It reduces frizz, enhances shine, and infuses a major dose of moisture. To use as a pre-shampoo, gently work the product through dry hair and allow it to set for about five minutes before rinsing and following up with your shampoo.
Ashita Supreme Intense Revitalization Scalp Scrub
A revitalizing scalp scrub for normal to dry scalp and hair.
Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ashita Supreme Intense Revitalization Scalp Scrub
This revitalizing pre-shampoo scalp scrub is intended for normal to dry scalp and hair types to help refresh and enhance your mane. The formula has a granulated texture that gently but effectively, removes product buildup. It even features a cooling sensation that makes it feel especially soothing—a major plus for those with sensitive scalps.
For personalized advice, be sure to loop in your stylist before trying something new. And check out Hair.com’s other amazing hair products that’ll visibly transform your mane!
Style Shifter Society Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanser
A foaming pre-cleanser that refreshes and balances your scalp.
Scrub Energisant Deep Cleaning Fusio Dose Scrub
An energizing sea salt scalp scrub to remove impurities
Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
A moisturizing hair oil that adds shine and softness.
Blondage High Bright Pre-Treatment
A pre-shampoo treatment powered by Vitamin C and chelating agents to prep and clarify hair for a brighter blonde instantly.
Blondage High Bright Shampoo
A blonde brightening shampoo and conditioner system to maintain salon-quality blonde between salon visits.
Blondage High Bright Conditioner
A lightweight conditioner with Vitamin C that helps condition brighter and lighter blonde hair between salon visits.
Curl Manifesto Huile Sublime Repair Hair Oil
Nourishing multi-use scalp and hair oil for curly, frizzy hair.
Ashita Supreme Intense Revitalization Scalp Scrub
A revitalizing scalp scrub for normal to dry scalp and hair.
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment
An intensive acidic rinse-off treatment that helps reinforce weak hair bonds and repair damaged hair.
