We're all about a good post-hair-wash treatment mask or deep conditioner [1], but did you know that you can also benefit from conditioning your hair before shampooing? The point of pre-shampooing — or as many call it, "pre-poo" — is to give your hair some extra strength and nourishment before you wash, specifically if you often find that your hair is dry or brittle. If that's the case for you, consider taking 20-30 minutes out of your regular wash day to give your hair some extra help and prevent your shampoo from stripping it too much.
There are a ton of treatment options to choose from, whether you're looking at a standard conditioner or a natural oil. Read ahead to check out some of our favourite products to use before shampooing.
SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil [2] ($14) has long been upheld as a go-to conditioning oil for many. It can be especially beneficial to your hair when applied before washing, as it strengthens your strands and helps them to retain moisture.
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Conditioner
It's pretty standard to wait until after washing to apply a conditioner like OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Conditioner [3] ($6), but it also works pre-wash, as it contains biotin and wheat protein that can strengthen and moisturise the hair before you apply shampoo.
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil [4] ($12) not only smooths the hair and adds softness, but you can also massage it into your scalp for a little extra moisture if dryness or flakes are major concerns for you.
Ouidad Heavy Lifting Bubbling Scalp Mask
The Ouidad Heavy Lifting Bubbling Scalp Mask [5] ($39) is a good product to turn to when you're looking for a detoxifying product that can help you get rid of buildup. It applies like a gel and quickly reacts to your scalp's pH to transform into a foam that gently lifts away all the dirt, and it's so good that you can literally feel it working.
R+Co Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask
For hair that's frequently heat styled or colour-treated, the R+Co Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask [6] ($32) is an ideal product. It uses a mixture of oils and butters that pump some extra life into your hair before being shampooed and styled.
Oribe Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Moisture Treatment
There's a lot going on in the Oribe Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Moisture Treatment [7] ($68) that makes the price tag worth it. The mask includes coconut oil, which acts as a shield for the hair to retain moisture and block damage caused by washing, and biotin, which strengthens the hair from the inside out.
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner
The Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner [8] ($22) uses monoi oil to reduce frizz and restore moisture to the hair. Not only does it make the hair feel soft and smooth, it also works amazingly as a detangling product to use prewash.