The process of hair care and maintenance has developed into more than just the wash and dry method. With the rise of the beauty industry these days and all of the products on the market, it’s no surprise that people’s hair care routine has gone from a three step process to like a ten step ritual. Even though that may seem excessive, there are scientifically backed benefits to why you should implement pre shampoo hair treatments and post shower treatments to elevate your hair care ritual.
1.All you need to know about pre shampoo treatments
2. What are the different types?
3. Some of the best pre shampoo hair treatments
4. Ingredients to look for or DIY
Do you ever feel your hair dry up and look ratty right after you wash out your shampoo? An unfortunate side effect, shampoo dries out your hair in order to clean it really well. Applying conditioner right after helps, of course, but why not go above and beyond and take precautionary measures to avoid that brittle hair feeling?
Pre shampoo hair treatments are the perfect solution because they help to lock in moisture, preserve natural hair oils, and keep the shine. And if you’re worried this will be a waste of time since you end up washing it down the drain, don’t be. Experts claim that targeting your hair before the shampoo allows your hair to absorb the ingredients so that it’s fully pH balanced by the time you apply the shampoo and conditioner.
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All the benefits of pre shampoo treatments:
Whether you have broken ends, dull color, or product build up, a pre shampoo hair treatment could solve all your problems.
Once again, there are pre shampoo hair treatments for all different types of hair. Some have strengthening benefits and some just prepare your hair for the wash. Let’s dive into all the different types to help find the best kind for you!
1. Hydration pre shampoo
A hydration pre-wash treatment works to hold on to all the moisture in your hair before you put the drying ingredients of shampoo. If you feel as if your hair has been more brittle recently, and you’re looking for something to give it shine and more nourishment, then a hydration pre shampoo mask, balm, or even oils could help your hair out.
2. Basic pre shampoo hair mask
This one can be tailored to your specific hair type, but should only be used before shampoo and not in between shampoo and conditioner. What makes these masks different from regular post-shampoo masks is that applying it beforehand allows the mask to pull out build up and residue before you clean your scalp further with the shampoo. The shampoo will then have more ability to wash away all the leftover residue in your hair and scalp, instead of working twice as hard and drying out your scalp in the process.
3. Scalp clarification treatment
Scalp build up occurs from using hair products such as dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and even just normal shower products. This build up can be a difficult issue to eliminate and may cause dandruff, clogged hair follicles, and even hair loss. Implementing a scalp clarification treatment every once in a while can work to reverse and prevent these problems and provide even more benefits to your hair as a whole.
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There are thousands of pre-shampoo hair treatments on the market, which can make finding the right one for your hair type super overwhelming. Luckily for you, we have found our top 6 favorites to help you revive those luscious locks.
Scalp focused:
This clarifying mask utilizes an AHA-BHA acid blend, which works to break down the build up on the scalp as well as the dead skin cells. It also contains tiny biodegradable exfoliating beads which promote blood flow to the scalp for longer and thicker hair. Since it's an acid, this scalp scrub should only be used every 2-3 weeks to avoid dryness and irritation.
This oil to foam pre wash is the perfect product for deep cleansing the scalp. The clay ingredients work to draw out any impurities and leave it looking and smelling refreshed. This product is also free from many irritants such as gluten, sulfates, parabens, and harsh mineral oils.
This pre-wash oil treatment contains an abundant amount of nutrients and natural ingredients to cleanse and strengthen the scalp area. All of the ingredients work together to stimulate blood flow, promote hair growth, and create stronger and shiner hair. This product is also free from sulfates and parabens and is advertised as color safe.
Hydration focused:
If you think that your shampoo seems to dry out your hair rather than clean it, then maybe you need to invest in a pre shampoo nourishing mask. This R+Co treatment uses butter and oils to transform brittle hair into softer and shiner hair. Applying it before the wash will help your hair lock in the moisture before the shampoo has the chance to strip it out.
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This mask works wonders for improving the hair's elasticity and bounce. Using this product before shampoo provides it with more strength, as well as helps bond the hair together more.
If you’re dreaming of silky smooth, bouncy hair then this product is a must-have. The reviews and pictures associated with this mask are phenomenal, raving about how it turned their dry and dense hair into lighter, brighter, and stronger hair. The highly concentrated balm has six different types of oils that work together to restore damaged hair.
How to use these products:
Most of the time when you buy these sorts of products they will contain instructions on how to use them to get the most effective results. Most of the time, you’re going to want to apply these products to dry or damp hair for the best results. Work the product from the ends up to the scalp, unless you’re using a scalp based product. At minimum, leave the pre shampoo treatment in your hair for about 15 minutes and then proceed with your normal hair wash routine.
If you’re still not sold on the products above, and you’d rather do your own research, then here are some ingredients you should look for:
Written by Emma Carlson
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