Pre-Wash Treatments for Dry, Damaged Hair That Actually Work

Is your hair constantly feeling brittle, frizzy, or lifeless no matter how many masks you try? The secret to softer, healthier hair might lie before your shampoo. We’re talking pre-wash treatments. Also known as pre-poo (sounds weird I know), these game-changing treatments help protect your strands from harsh cleansing ingredients and lock in moisture before you even lather up.

In this post, you’ll learn what pre-wash treatments do, how to use them, and the best products (and ingredients) to try; whether your hair is fine, curly, color-treated or seriously stressed.

1. Apply to dry hair (unless the product says otherwise)
2. Focus on mid-lengths and ends, or your most damaged areas
3. Leave on for at least 15–30 minutes (or overnight for deep repair)
4. Rinse and shampoo as usual
5. Follow with your regular conditioner or mask

Tip: Always comb through gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product.

1. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector

💰 ~$30 | Bond-building, suitable for all hair types

The cult favorite for a reason. This concentrated treatment rebuilds broken bonds from chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage. Use once a week to revive overprocessed hair.

2. Coconut Oil (Organic, Unrefined)

💰 ~$8 | 100% natural and deeply moisturizing

Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and prevents protein loss. Great for coarse, curly, or dry hair types. Apply lightly to avoid buildup.

3. Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

💰 ~$55 | Leave-in overnight serum

Formulated with iris root extract and a vitamin blend, this luxurious serum nourishes while you sleep. It’s weightless and smells divine.

4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Pre-Wash Oil

💰 ~$30 | Silicone-free, clean ingredients

A blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils designed to hydrate without weighing hair down. Especially ideal for color-treated and fine strands.

5. The Inkey List Shea Oil Nourishing Hair Treatment

💰 ~$12 | Budget-friendly, fragrance-free

Lightweight yet rich, this affordable treatment improves shine and softness. Bonus: it’s non-greasy and ideal for sensitive scalps.

6. Davines OI Oil

💰 ~$45 | High-performance, antioxidant-rich

A luxurious oil enriched with roucou oil, which is full of beta-carotene and antioxidants. Adds shine and tames frizz while strengthening from within.

These simple pre-poo treatments use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. They’re great for when you want something natural, budget-friendly, and nourishing.

Tips for DIY Use

• Use once a week for best results
• Make fresh before each use (no preservatives!)
• If your hair is fine, apply only to ends to avoid weighing it down
• Always patch-test new ingredients to avoid irritation

• Avoid overwashing—2–3 times per week is often enough
• Always use a heat protectant before styling
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce breakage
• Consider trimming split ends regularly

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and trust. This helps keeping the blog free💛