You've got regular conditioners, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, serums, oils, sprays, mists, and, of course, your standard shampoo. But the oft neglected products in the haircare category -- and one that can make a serious difference in your hair game -- are pre-shampoo treatments.
All pre-shampoos have the shared goal of infusing an extra dose of moisture while prepping your scalp and strands for shampoo and conditioner. However, many act like specialized serums for your hair, targeting issues including color preservation, ultra-hydration boosts, plumping up fine or thinning hair, and even alleviating flaky or itchy scalps. In the end, consistent usage will yield a healthier, shinier head of hair.
And though they might all seem just a little bit, well, extra, once you try it, you'll never knock this seemingly superfluous step again.
If you're the (not so proud) owner of ultra-dry ends, Phyto's Phytoelixir Subtle Oil Intense Nutrition may be the answer to your parched prayers. It boasts a unique blend of camellia oil, corn germ oil, karanja oil, and egg yolk, which join forces to resuscitate damaged, dehydrated hair. To use, massage into hair from the mid-shaft and down, let it set for 10 minutes, then rinse before shampooing. For supremely damaged ends, put off a haircut for another week by leaving this elixir in overnight.
This weekly pre-shampoo treatment is made with lightweight Abyssian oil to moisturize without weighing hair down, caviar extract to smooth the cuticle and provide max shine, vitamin C to repair damage, and "color hold" technology to keep your color vibrant. It's recommended for dry, coarse hair and is formulated to quickly and effectively nourish and restore hair health.
This budget-friendly pre-shampoo mask will make your scalp feel superfresh and your hair ultra-shiny. It contains kaolin clay, which soaks up excess oil and impurities at the root, salicylic acid to exfoliate, and fruit oil to nourish and hydrate.
Itchy scalps, rejoice. This scalp exfoliator by Madam CJ Walker gives itch-causing flakes the boot via salicylic acid, while shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil soften, nourish and promote shine. In addition, it protects your hair from heat damage (and fixes damage already done).
