How to pre-shampoo? What is it and homemade recipes

What do you know about pre-shampoo? Although the technique is not new, there is a lot about it to explore. The product used before applying the shampoo promises deep cleaning and greater protection for the hair, depending on the technique. For those who have problems with dry hair right after shampoo, trying the homemade version of what comes before it is a great option. Therefore, learning how to pre-shampoo could be the answer to ending dryness, lack of nutrition and hydration.

Performing the technique begins by mixing different masks, oils and other ingredients, such as honey and glycerin. The important thing is to use products that promise greater hydration and nutrition for the hair. Furthermore, pre-shampoo still has different functions for certain purposes, depending on the technique. There is, for example, protective pre-wash and heavy cleaning. Its effects, first of all, need to be understood so that you can adopt the best solution to your problem.

Check below everything you need to know about how to pre-shampoo, as well as its benefits, different techniques and other interesting facts about the method.

What is pre-shampoo?

The expression in English means “pre-shampoo”, or simply pre-wash. Basically, the process consists of applying some product to your hair before washing it with normal shampoo. This way, when the shampoo works, the lengths and ends will not be affected by it. Pre-washing works so that the nutrients and hydration of the hair are replenished. Furthermore, it is still possible to protect the ends from hot water and the natural detergent action of the shampoo.

When learning how to pre-shampoo, you can choose between treatment masks, oils and conditioners rich in proteins. As long as the product promises to hydrate and nourish the hair, it will be worth it. You can make the homemade mixture whenever you wash your hair, but as for ready-to-use products, it’s best to follow the instructions on the label.

Benefits of homemade pre-shampoo

First of all, the fact that the method protects the most fragile and dry hair due to the abrasive action of shampoos is already important. Using moisturizing products before washing helps maintain the hair’s natural oils, from length to tip. Thus, by acting on the hair fiber, the product prevents certain bad substances from entering the cuticles and hindering cleaning. When applying the shampoo, however, the product will be washed away, and the hair will not suffer any damage. It is therefore possible to mention several benefits:

• Shinier hair;
• More nourished;
• Protection against drying out;
• Healthier ends;
• Longer duration of chemical procedures.

Who can do it?

Everyone can pre-shampoo and enjoy the benefits of the technique. However, those who gain the most from doing this are those who have strands prone to dryness, in this case curly, frizzy hair, those who have a lot of chemicals in their hair or who frequently use heat tools. In this sense, it is possible to mention the dryer, straightener and curling iron.

Pre-shampoo to protect hair

Pre-shampoo to protect hair has a very different function than that which promotes deep cleaning. In the case of the protector, it serves to reduce the effect of dryness caused by shampoos. Even if the conditioner tries to restore hydration after washing, it is still insufficient. Thus, pre-shampoos act as a containment, as they are absorbed by the internal proteins of the hair, helping to seal the cuticles. In other words: the hair becomes stronger and less brittle.

For those who have curls and find it difficult to keep them defined, pre-shampoo for protection is a great option. Likewise, those who have dry ends, chemically damaged hair and a lot of frizz also have it.

It is recommended that the protective pre-shampoo be used every 15 days, so that it does not weigh down the hair. How to use it is simple: before getting in the shower, moisten your hair with a spray bottle, applying the pre-shampoo to the lengths and ends and leaving it to act for 3 to 15 minutes. Soon after, wash as usual. In the oil versions of this type of product, the application can be done on dry hair, hours before washing. Therefore, it is recommended to apply it before bed and wash your hair in the morning for an incredible effect.

How to make protective pre-shampoo

A good version of protective pre-shampoo can come in the form of coconut oil. You just need to heat some of the oil in the microwave for approximately 20 seconds, applying strand by strand. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash your hair normally. More affordable nourishing masks also work, through generous application, covering the hair well and leaving it to act for 20 minutes. Finally, just wash.

Heavy cleansing pre-shampoo

On the other hand, the heavy cleaning pre-shampoo has the opposite effect of the protective version. Its action, much more astringent than that of common shampoo, removes oil from the hair and any residue from finishers or leave-ins. Anyone who feels that their hair feels heavy and looks dirty even after washing can benefit greatly from the technique. In this sense, those who have strands that are more prone to dryness, such as curly hair, should not abuse this method, as it can make them even drier.

When carrying out the heavy cleansing pre-shampoo technique, combining good hydration at the time is essential to prevent the hair from losing its shine and natural hydration. Furthermore, it is highly recommended before procedures such as hydration and hair reconstruction, as by opening the cuticles, any process will be enhanced.

In this sense, the heavy cleansing pre-shampoo can be applied to damp hair, from the scalp to the ends, massaging the roots well. It is important to spread it strand by strand, waiting a few minutes before continuing with normal washing. For those with dry hair, moisturizing before applying conditioner helps prevent dryness. Likewise, the effect of roughness and lack of shine can be avoided with a fortnightly application, instead of every wash.

How to pre-shampoo?

The recipe for a pre-shampoo is very easy, and often, there are products ready for the end. As for how to use it, just apply the mixture along the entire length to the ends on dry hair, leaving it to act for 20 minutes. Then, wash normally. The technique should not be used every time you wash, as there is a risk of overloading your hair. Always prefer to do it weekly or every 15 days, depending on your needs.

Furthermore, although each pre-shampoo has its own recipe aimed at different needs, the base usually doesn’t differ much. The basics for a good pre-wash, therefore, are:

• a neutral white base (conditioner or moisturizing cream of your choice);
• source of nutrition (vegetable butter or oil);
• source of hydration (tea, water, saline solution, vitamin).

Either way, when applying, just mix everything and continue with the process. Remember that this type of mixture should not be stored for future use, as it may change and nullify the effect, causing unwanted effects.

1 – For oily and fine hair

• Mask (3 spoons)
• Apple cider vinegar (1 spoon)

2 – Moisturizing pre-shampoo

• Mask (4 spoons)
• Vitamin B5 (1 tampa)
• Physiological serum (1 spoon)
• Glycerin (1 spoon)

3 – Nutritious pre-shampoo

• Mask (4 spoons)
• Apple cider vinegar (1 spoon)
• Coconut oil (1 spoon)
• Castor oil (1/2 spoon)

4 – To thicken the hair

• Mask (3 spoons)
• Honey (3 spoons)
• Vitamin B5 (panthenol, 1 spoon)
• Castor oil (3 spoons)

So, what did you think of this article about how to make pre-shampoo? If you’re interested, also check out Hair hydration with homemade and cheap recipes

Sources: Women’s Tips, Hairdresser’s Shop, Diva Things

Images: Reviewbox, Chuva de Ideias, Vix, Laces and Hair, All Things Hair, Freepik