Pre shampoo (also known as pre-poo) is a treatment applied before shampooing to protect hair and scalp during cleansing.
Used before shampooing, pre shampoo helps reduce moisture loss, minimize friction during cleansing, and prepare both the scalp and hair lengths for a more balanced wash.
In this guide, Hwahae explains what pre shampoo is, how it works, and how to choose the right approach based on your hair and scalp needs.
What is a pre-shampoo?
Pre shampoo is a treatment applied before shampooing to protect hair and scalp,
reduce moisture loss, and improve cleansing balance.
Pre shampoo refers to any treatment applied before shampooing to protect hair or scalp during cleansing.
Also known as pre poo in curl-focused routines, this step helps reduce dryness, friction, and breakage by creating a temporary protective barrier. Rather than replacing shampoo, pre shampoo supports it—making cleansing gentler and more effective.
While especially beneficial for dry or curly hair, pre shampoo can help anyone seeking smoother, healthier hair when used intentionally.
Pre-Shampoo FAQ: What You Need to Know
Pre shampoo is a treatment applied before shampooing to protect hair and scalp, reduce moisture loss, and improve cleansing balance.
01. How often should I use a pre-shampoo treatment?
How often you should use a pre-shampoo treatment depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and how frequently you wash your hair.
For most people, using pre shampoo once a week or every other week works well. Those with very dry or damaged hair may benefit from using it before every wash, while normal hair types can use it occasionally as needed. Since pre shampoo is applied before cleansing, it can be easily adjusted to fit your regular wash routine.
02. How long should I leave pre-shampoo on my hair?
The ideal leave-on time for pre shampoo depends on your hair’s thickness and condition.
For fine or easily weighed-down hair, 10–15 minutes is usually sufficient. Dry, coarse, or damaged hair may benefit from leaving pre shampoo on for 30 minutes to up to an hour. Hair absorbs only what it needs, so longer application does not necessarily lead to buildup when used correctly.
03. Are there any side effects of using pre-shampoo?
Pre shampoo treatments are generally gentle and safe, but results can vary depending on the formula and your hair type.
If you experience scalp irritation, discontinue use immediately. If your hair feels heavy or greasy after using pre shampoo, switch to a lighter formula and focus application on the mid-lengths and ends rather than the scalp. Choosing the right texture and adjusting frequency usually prevents unwanted side effects.
Hair-Focused Pre Shampoo: Protecting Length Before Cleansing
Hair-focused pre shampoo targets the most damage-prone areas: the lengths and ends.
During shampooing, hair is exposed to water, cleansing agents, and friction, which can strip moisture and weaken the hair fiber—particularly in dry, damaged, or textured hair. Applying pre poo to the lengths beforehand helps hair retain moisture, stay flexible, and reduce tangling or post-wash dryness.
Effective formulas typically contain:
- 🪴 Plant-based oils (such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or sunflower seed oil), which coat the cuticle and slow moisture loss
- 🧴 Fatty alcohols and conditioning agents, which soften hair and improve flexibility
- 💧 Humectants (such as glycerin or panthenol), which support moisture retention before shampooing
These ingredients help prevent hair from becoming stiff during cleansing and reduce the overly dry feeling often experienced after shampooing.
1. Hair Mask + Hair Oil
Using a hair mask combined with hair oil is a classic pre shampoo method that helps retain moisture and reduce friction during cleansing.
This approach is especially suitable for:
- Dry hair – helps prevent moisture loss and dehydration
- Damaged hair – supports smoother texture and reduced breakage
- Curly hair – enhances slip and moisture retention
According to Hwahae reviews, combining a hair mask with oil before shampooing helps hair feel softer and more manageable after cleansing.
Hair Mask
1) fino PREMIUMTOUCH PREMIUM TOUCH HAIR MASK
fino PREMIUMTOUCH PREMIUM TOUCH HAIR MASK helps hydrate and soften dry, damaged hair when used before shampooing.
2) BIORECIPE Highly concentrated protein care marble hair pack [White Musk]
![Highly concentrated protein care marble hair pack [White Musk]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2065814/2065814_20230918142321.jpg)
BIORECIPE Highly concentrated protein care marble hair pack [White Musk] helps support weakened hair and reduce breakage as a pre-shampoo treatment.
Hair Oil
1) L’OREALPARIS Extraordinary Oil [Extra Rich]
![Extraordinary Oil [Extra Rich]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2095601/2095601_20240418172555.jpg)
L’OREALPARIS Extraordinary Oil [Extra Rich] is a hair oil enriched with nourishing plant-based oils that coats the hair cuticle before shampooing to reduce moisture loss and friction.
2) miseenscene perfect serum [ORIGINAL]
![perfect serum [ORIGINAL]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2000115/2000115_20220801000000.jpg)
miseenscene perfect serum [ORIGINAL] is a blended oil serum containing argan oil that forms a protective layer on the hair before cleansing, helping reduce tangling and dryness.
3) AROMATICA Ritual Hair Oil [Jasmine & Vetiver]
![Ritual Hair Oil [Jasmine & Vetiver]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2015183/2015183_20221102153535.jpg)
AROMATICA Ritual Hair Oil [Jasmine & Vetiver] is a plant-derived hair oil that smooths and conditions hair before shampooing, minimizing friction during cleansing.
2. Pre Shampoo–Specific Products
Pre shampoo–specific products offer a simplified option for protecting hair before cleansing without mixing multiple products.
They are formulated to rinse cleanly while providing lightweight conditioning and moisture protection during shampooing.
1) L’OREALPARIS Bond Repair Pre-Treatment
L’OREALPARIS Bond Repair Pre-Treatment is a pre-shampoo treatment designed to help reinforce damaged hair bonds and minimize hair stress during cleansing.
Scalp-Focused Pre Shampoo: Resetting the Scalp Before Wash Day
Scalp-focused pre shampoo prepares the scalp for cleansing by loosening buildup and excess oil before shampooing.
By addressing the scalp first, shampoo can cleanse more evenly without harsh scrubbing, helping maintain comfort and balance.
According to Hwahae reviews, choosing scalp pre poo products based on scalp condition is often associated with improved comfort after washing.
1. Scalp tonic
gentle liquid exfoliation for sensitive or frequently washed scalps
1) ROUNDLAB Pine Soothing Cica Scalp Tonic
ROUNDLAB Pine Soothing Cica Scalp Tonic is a calming scalp tonic formulated with soothing ingredients to help balance and comfort the scalp before shampooing.
2) AROMATICA Rosemary Active V Anti-Hair Loss Tonic
AROMATICA Rosemary Active V Anti-Hair Loss Tonic is a rosemary-based scalp tonic that refreshes the scalp and helps create a balanced scalp environment prior to cleansing.
2. Scalp scrub
deeper exfoliation for buildup and excess oil
1) GROWUS Sea salt therapy scalp scaler
GROWUS Sea salt therapy scalp scaler is a sea salt–based scalp scrub that gently removes buildup and dead skin cells from the scalp before shampooing.
2) nesh MINT BIOME™ SCALP PURIFYING SCRUB
nesh MINT BIOME™ SCALP PURIFYING SCRUB is a mint-based scalp scrub that helps clarify excess oil and buildup on the scalp before cleansing.
3. Scalp oil
moisture-focused care for dry or tight-feeling scalps
1) GYEOLHAUS SKIN BARRIER JOJOBA OIL
GYEOLHAUS SKIN BARRIER JOJOBA OIL is a jojoba oil–based formula that gently coats the scalp and hair before shampooing to relieve dryness and tightness.
2) MIELLE Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
MIELLE Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is a nourishing oil infused with rosemary and mint that hydrates dry scalps and adds flexibility before shampooing.
What’s the Right Way to Use Pre-Poo?
Using pre shampoo correctly is key to seeing real benefits.
Rather than adding extra steps, the goal is to apply pre shampoo with intention—based on whether you’re targeting hair lengths, the scalp, or both.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Gently detangle hair so pre shampoo distributes evenly.
- Apply pre shampoo to dry hair lengths and leave on for about 20–30 minutes.
- Use scalp-focused products just before cleansing.
- Shampoo thoroughly to remove residue, then follow with your regular post-wash care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying heavy oils directly to the scalp – can cause buildup instead of restoring balance
- Not rinsing thoroughly – may leave residue that weighs hair down and reduces shampoo effectiveness
Which Pre-Shampoo Is Right for Your Hair & Scalp Type?
| Hair / Scalp Type | Main Concern | Goal | Recommended Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry hair | Moisture loss | Seal hydration | Hair mask + oil |
| Curly hair | Frizz, tangles | Slip & protection | Mask + oil pre poo |
| Low porosity hair | Product buildup | Light hydration | Hydration products |
| Thinning hair | Breakage | Reduce friction | Lightweight oil products |
Choose your treatment focus by hair type:
- Dry hair (Type 1, Type 2A–2C)
Focus on moisture retention to prevent dryness during cleansing. - Curly hair (Type 3A–3C)
Prioritize slip to reduce tangling and friction while washing. - Low porosity hair (Type 2B–3B)
Opt for lightweight hydration that won’t sit heavily on the hair. - Thinning or fine hair (Type 1–3A)
Choose formulas that minimize friction to help reduce breakage.
Editor’s Note
If you’ve ever wondered what pre shampoo is, how to use it, or whether it is necessary, this step can be a simple yet strategic way to improve your overall hair routine—especially when chosen based on your hair and scalp type.
