Top 10 Pre-Shampoo Treatments

WHAT IT DOES
This pre-shampoo oil is best used to protect your locks from damage caused by chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure. Recommended for those with dry, over-processed hair, it claims to hydrate and restore your strands without weighing them down.

FORMULA FACT
The L'Huile de Leonor Greyl pre-poo oil features a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and sesame seed oil. With that in mind, this product will solidify if it’s stored in conditions above 75 degrees. If this happens, don’t worry—just run the bottle under hot water to restore it to its liquid state. 

WHAT IT DOES
The Goddess Strength Ultra Shield Pre-Shampoo Treatment was made to hydrate your strands and smooth away flyaways and frizz. Its creamy formula includes ginger, black cumin seed, and castor oil (which is also what makes this pre-poo treatment good for hair growth). 

WHO IT’S FOR
This pre-shampoo treatment is best for dry, curly hair. In fact, the product description specifically calls out these curl types: 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C. 

WHO IT’S FOR
If you happen to know that your home shower has hard water, this pre-shampoo treatment is the one for you. Made to protect color-treated hair from the dulling effect of tap water, the Dream Filter Pre-Shampoo Mineral Remover is a Tik Tok-famous, non-stripping spray that brings back your strands’ shine. 

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“Get it! My hair gets super dull and turns gray with purple shampoo. I’m a natural brunette and have dyed my hair with bleach for years. This stuff really brightens it up and makes it so soft, which is a plus.”

WHAT IT DOES
JVN’s perfectly groomed locks are all you need to see to believe in the power of this Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil. All you need to do is massage a dropperful of this pre-poo oil into your scalp 15 minutes before shampooing to attain your strongest, shiniest, healthiest hair to date.

FORMULA FACT
The ingredients list of this pre-shampoo treatment includes squalane (an emollient frequently used in the cosmetics industry), as well as basil root and rosemary extract, both of which are known to stimulate hair growth. 

WHO IT’S FOR
We’ve found it: The best pre-shampoo treatment for colored hair. Amika’s Fadeblock does exactly what you’d think it would from its name, but it also shields your strands from damage caused by hard water, chlorine, and UV rays. 

FORMULA FACT
In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, the Fadeblock Pre-shampoo Color Seal treatment is safe to use on chemically-treated hair. And here’s something interesting: The formula includes red wine extract, which is rich in tannins that soften, condition, and protect your hair’s color. Cheers to that!

WHAT IT DOES
If dealing with dandruff is part of your day-to-day routine, let us introduce you to Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil. This cult favorite is made to strengthen your strands and scalp, and because of the addition of castor oil to its formula, it’s also a great pre-poo option for hair growth.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“I struggled for the longest time with dry patches and flakiness on my scalp. It was embarrassing and gross, but I tried this hair oil on a whim after I saw it as a gift in the Sephora rewards bazaar. ABSOLUTELY CHANGED EVERYTHING! My scalp has not been flaky or dry, all the irritation is gone, and I also don't have super greasy and oily hair after 1 day of not washing it. Such a great product!!!”

WHAT IT DOES
This best-selling pre-shampoo hair mask from Shaz & Kiks has a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters, it has aloe and shikakai to nourish your scalp, turmeric oil to soothe inflammation and sensitivities, and amla and moringa to strengthen your strands and prevent breakage. 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Here’s some happy news: You can tailor this pre-shampoo treatment to your hair type. Shaz & Kiks have two versions of their Scalp + Hair Prewash available, one for those with fine-to-medium hair, and one for those with thick, curly or coily hair. 

WHO IT’S FOR
As both a detangler, conditioner, and pre-shampoo treatment, this product is best for curly or coily hair. Simply apply it to your hair and let it sit for up to 30 minutes for soft, more manageable strands.

FORMULA FACT
Coconut water and aloe vera are the two key ingredients behind this pre-poo treatment. Plus, the natural formula is completely free from harmful additions such as parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum.

WHAT IT DOES
Aceite de Moska is an award-winning pre-shampoo treatment made to nourish and cleanse your scalp, but from what we’ve read, breaking down buildup is its true superpower. Bonus: As you’ll learn from the review below, the beachy scent of this product is something shoppers are particularly excited about.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
“I was recently introduced to the Ceremonia brand, and it has quickly become a standard part of my hair routine. This oil is amazing—I put two droppers full of product in the areas prone to dry and flaky scalp and let it sit for about 20 mins. It smells amazing, and already after a few uses, I’ve noticed a difference with less dandruff and frizz.”

WHAT IT DOES
Is it really any surprise to see Olaplex top this list? A well-established name in the haircare industry, they formulated the No. 3 Hair Perfector with their patented bond-building technology, and that’s what makes this pre-shampoo hair mask best at repairing damaged strands.

HOW TO PRE POO
According to Ulta’s instructions, you should apply the No. 3 Hair Perfector to your locks before hitting the shower two to three times a week. Comb the product through your strands, let it sit for 10 minutes, then continue with your usual rinse-and-repeat routine.