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

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

However, pre-shampoo may 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, to remove residues of other products that accumulate in the hair.


The other version of the pre-shampoo, in turn, does the opposite: 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 pre-shampoo designed to deep clean the hair, the protective pre-shampoo is used to reduce the drying effect that shampoos can cause.

Read also: Do ​​a deep clean with this homemade recipe for anti-waste shampoo


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

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

If you have curly hair but can't keep it straight, this may be a sign that pre-shampoo would be a good fit for you. Excessive frizz, dry tips, and damaged chemistry 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 into the bath. It is recommended to use it every 15 days to avoid overloading your hair.

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

Read also: How many times a week should you wash your hair?

In oil versions, the pre-shampoo can be applied to dry hair even a few hours before you wash it. Thus, for a powerful effect, you can use the product at night before bed and wash the 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 a little oil in the microwave for 20 seconds and apply it strand by strand to the wires. Wait 15 minutes and then wash your hair.

Another option is to use a more affordable nourishing mask? 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 generously and glove the wires, leaving the product to act for 10 minutes. Then wash your hair normally.

Heavy Cleaning Pre-Shampoo

By having a more astringent action than ordinary shampoo, pre-shampoo promotes a? Heavier? than conventional ones, including removing more oil and residue from leave-in and other finishers.

Read also: Dry Shampoo Saves Your Hair on the Busiest Days

Thus, this type of pre-shampoo is suitable for those who feel their hair is heavy and dirty looking right after it is washed.

Precisely for this reason, who has hair with a tendency to dry out, such as curly, should not abuse the pre-shampoo for heavy cleaning? or it may end up making your hair even drier.

In this case, it is interesting to moisturize at the same time that you are using the pre-shampoo to prevent loss of shine and natural wetting.

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

How to use the heavy duty pre-shampoo

Pre-shampoo should be the first product applied to damp hair. As this is the product for heavy cleaning, it can be applied from the scalp to the ends, giving a root massage.

Read also: Coffee Shampoo: Know the Product Benefits for Your Hair

Always spread strand by strand, massaging the strands well, and waiting a few minutes before proceeding with washing.

Then the product should be removed with water and you should use your shampoo and conditioner of preference. For those with dry hair, the tip is to hydrate before conditioning.

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

5 heavy duty pre-shampoos for you to buy

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

  • Pantene pre-shampo at Americanas
  • Phytoervas Detox Pre-Shampoo in Submarine
  • Elseve Total Repair 5 shampoo, on Netfarma
  • Pre-Exfoliating Plant Shampoo at Natura
  • Amend Pre-Shampoo at Americanas

If you are unsure which type of shampoo to use, a conversation with your trusted hairdresser can help clarify if you really need this product and which one is right for you.

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