Having perennially dry hair will not be for the weak; fortunately, I found the fascinating world that’s pre-shampoo remedies—potent elixirs fastidiously crafted to sort out quite a lot of hair considerations. Earlier than I truly examined one, I believed it was all fluff. I used to be utilizing a nourishing shampoo and conditioner; I prioritized routine hair masks and bond restore remedies for strengthening; I even use a hair oil virtually each night time. So, I assumed my brittle strands had been one thing I might should dwell with perpetually.

Then, I randomly remembered I had a bottle of Ceremonia’s pre-shampoo oil in my toilet. So, on wash day, as an alternative of heading proper into the bathe with my mane untouched, I did because the directions requested and utilized the oil to dry hair—massaging it into my scalp and dealing extra product down my hair shaft. I let it work for quarter-hour; The oil felt conditioning, however admittedly I couldn’t inform any distinction till I began washing it out.

Now within the bathe, armed with my shampoo, I discovered my, once more, very dry hair feeling noticeably softer whereas rinsing away the soapy lather. This softness solely turned extra obvious throughout my conditioning step. Whereas my strands would sometimes want a minute or so to take in the conditioner’s intensely hydrated substances, they instantly felt softer, stronger, and silkier. It was markedly simpler to detangle my valuable coils. “The place has this been all my life,” I believed. And so, the pre-shampoo turned integral to my bi-weekly washes, however I did not fairly perceive why the way it labored any completely different than different oils I had tried. 

“A pre-shampoo therapy is a hair-care product utilized earlier than shampooing to handle particular considerations similar to hydration, nourishment, restore, or scalp well being,” explains movie star hairstylist Valerie Vanessa. That mentioned, there are a couple of forms of pre-shampoo remedies. “Sure masks can assist restore the hair shaft, whereas oils moisturize the scalp and strands,” says professional hairstylist Madison Clifford. “Some remedies will help in exfoliating the scalp or clarifying the hair from product buildup.” 

Selecting which sort would possibly be just right for you is basically as much as your life-style and desired outcomes, as movie star hairstylist Jay Birmingham places it. “For instance, in the event you work out, chances are you’ll want a extra exfoliating pre-shampoo therapy to banish any sweat residue within the hair,” he says; or, in the event you use lots of styling merchandise and warmth, you may probably desire a pre-shampoo that may take away buildup. Or in the event you’re like me, a hydrating oil or masks to assist replenish moisture, support in detangling, and promote softer strands.