7 pre-shampoo products to try

Just like the skin on your face, your scalp requires a deep exfoliation to eliminate product build-up. Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry Gloss Scrub is a scrub that contains tiny particles that gently buff away grime and dead skin without feeling too abrasive, making it a pleasure to use each time.

Address flakiness and irritated skin with Klorane Peony Conditioner Gel, which is specially formulated with Chinese peony to soothe sensitivity. Apply it all over your head, leave it on for a few minutes, then step into the shower to follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner ritual.

Nourish straw-like hair with R+Co Palm Springs, a pre-shampoo treatment mask that’s loaded with oils to soften and boost shine. Added bonus: this mask’s Sicilian lemon, eucalyptus, green tea and amber scent will transform your regular shower into a spa-like experience.  

Boost texture and volume in flat hair with TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner, a conditioner that you’re actually meant to use before shampooing your hair. The idea behind this is you don’t end up weighing the hair down with conditioner’s rich formula, and your shampoo can then effectively remove excess product when it’s applied afterwards.

Besides the sun, your shampoo, conditioner and even water in general can fade coloured hair. While some degree of colour fade is inevitable, you can use products to slow it down. Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon is detergent-free (so it’s super gentle) and can be used on your scalp, mid-lengths and ends to cleanse and protect at the same time. Use it before shampoo or even in lieu of it if you’re running short on time.

Oily roots - be it from a build-up of hair products or from your scalp producing too much oil, can leave hair looking greasy, even if you’ve just washed it. But banishing oily roots effectively can also dry out your mid-lengths and ends if you use a too-harsh formula. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask is fused with three types of clays to purify your scalp, while still keeping your strands hydrated.

The Body Shop Pre-Shampoo Coconut Oil can be used before and after you wash your hair to protect strands and add an incredible amount of shine. Be warned - a little goes a long way, so pour a small amount (so, a five-cent piece if you have medium-length hair) and use it only on hair lengths, not your scalp.

If your hair needs some further TLC, here are some hair masks for every concern.

What’s your favourite pre-shampoo product, and why? Tell us in the comments below.

Main image credit: Getty