Pre-shampoo: know what it is and how to make a homemade pre-shampoo

Have you ever heard of pre-shampoo? As you can imagine from its name, it is a product used before shampooing.

However, the pre-shampoo can cause some doubts, as there are two variants of this product.

One of them aims to prepare the hair for washing, promoting a deeper cleaning than the conventional one. This type of pre-shampoo can open the cuticles more, in order to remove the residues of other products that are accumulated in the wires.

The other version of the pre-shampoo, in turn, works in the opposite direction: it works as a protector for the hair, sealing the cuticles to prevent moisture loss when the shampoo is applied.

Pre-shampoo to protect hair

Unlike the pre-shampoo intended to promote a deep cleaning of the hair, the protective pre-shampoo is used to reduce the drying effect that shampoos can cause.

A good conditioner can replace the loss of moisture after shampooing, but it cannot prevent this effect from happening.

Protective pre-shampoos have the power to be absorbed by the internal proteins of the wires, helping to seal the cuticles. In practice, this means stronger and less brittle hair.

If you have curly hair but can’t keep the shape defined, this could be a sign that pre-shampoo would be a good choice for you. Excess frizz, dry ends and chemically damaged hair can also benefit.

How to use the protective pre-shampoo

Available as a mask, cream, paste, serum or oil, the pre-shampoo should be applied before you even get in the shower. It is recommended to use it every 15 days to not leave the hair overloaded.

Before getting in the shower, moisten the hair with a spray bottle, apply the pre-shampoo to the lengths and ends and let it act for 3 to 15 minutes, according to the package instructions. Then wash your hair as usual.

In oil versions, the pre-shampoo can be applied to dry hair even a few hours before you wash it. So, for a powerful effect, you can use the product at night, before going to bed, and wash your hair in the morning.

How to make a homemade protective pre-shampoo

If you want to test the protective pre-shampoo at home, you can try coconut oil. To do this, heat some oil in the microwave for 20 seconds and apply it strand by strand to the hair. Wait 15 minutes and then wash your hair.

Another option is to use a nourishing mask that is more affordable – after all, the shampoo will remove most of the product, so it’s not worth spending that expensive mask as a pre-shampoo.

Just apply it very generously and glove the wires, letting the product act for 10 minutes. Then wash your hair normally.

Pre-shampoo for heavy cleaning

By having a more astringent action than the common shampoo, the pre-shampoo promotes a “heavier” cleaning than the conventional one, including removing more oil and residues from the leave-in and other finishers.

Thus, this type of pre-shampoo is suitable for those who feel that their hair is heavy and looks dirty even after being washed.

Precisely for this reason, those who have hair with a tendency to dry out, such as curly hair, should not abuse the pre-shampoo for heavy cleaning – or it can end up leaving the hair even drier.

In this case, it is interesting to moisturize at the same time you use the pre-shampoo to avoid loss of shine and natural moisture.

This pre-shampoo is even indicated before procedures such as hydration and hair reconstruction, as the open cuticles enhance the effects of the products used.

How to use the heavy cleansing pre-shampoo

The pre-shampoo should be the first product applied to damp hair. As this is the product to do a heavy cleaning, it can be applied from the scalp to the ends, massaging the roots.

Always spread the product strand by strand, massaging the hair well, and waiting a few minutes before proceeding with the wash.

Then the product must be removed with water and you must use your shampoo and conditioner of choice. For those who have dry hair, the tip is to moisturize before conditioning.

To prevent the hair from getting rough and losing its shine, it is recommended to use the pre-shampoo once every 15 days, not every wash. As each hair reacts differently, it is always advisable to talk to your trusted hairdresser before starting to use this new product.

5 heavy cleansing pre-shampoos for you to buy

Some brands have versions of this type of pre-shampoo. Meet some and choose yours:

• Pantene pre-shampoo, at Americanas
• Phytoervas Detox pre-shampoo, at Submarino
• Elseve Total Repair Pre-Shampoo 5, at Netfarma
• Plant exfoliating pre-shampoo, at Natura
• Amend pre-shampoo, at Americanas

If you are in doubt about which type of pre-shampoo to use, a conversation with your trusted hairdresser can help clarify whether you really need this product and which one is best for you.