If your scalp feels bogged down by excess hair care products, then it’s best not to enter straight into the shampoo phase. Hairstylist Nikki Corzine advises naturalistas to begin wash day with a pre-shampoo.
“[Pre-shampoo] gets in there and gently lifts away the residue, oils and everything else that’s on your scalp,” Corzine said.
According to the hairstylist, a pre-shampoo clears residue and built-up product to prepare the hair for shampooing. If you have a moisturizing shampoo that doesn’t feel like it’s working, it’s best to try a pre-shampoo on your scalp. It will clear the product buildup and make way for the moisturizing elements to work on your tresses.
What Causes Product Buildup on the Hair?
On both natural hair and protective styles, the products you put on your hair and scalp will build up between wash days. “Product buildup on the scalp comes when hair styling products are layered on the hair cuticle and with time it creates a barrier on the hair and scalp,” said Tiffany Young, a certified trichologist.
Leave-in conditioner, mousse, gel and other hair care products piles up on your scalp as you continuously refresh your style between wash days. Corzine added that environmental pollutants and natural oils also add to the buildup. To get the gunk out of your natural or protective style, grab one of these products that gently exfoliates the scalp without stripping it dry.
- Best Expert-Approved Ingredients: The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment
- Best Itch-Relieving: Act+Acre Cold Processed Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil
- Best Moisturizing: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
- Best for Protective Styles: Mizani Wonder Crown Clarifying Scalp Treatment
- Best Scalp Stimulation: BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Scalp Detoxifying Pre-Wash Clay Treatment
Best Expert-Approved Ingredients
The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment
The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment includes ingredients that both experts recommended looking out for. Young suggested trying a pre-shampoo with apple cider vinegar. “[It’s] a non-abrasive way to clean and remove scalp and sebum buildup,” Young explained.
Corzine recommended trying out a product with alpha hydroxy acids. “They break down fatty acids for a clean, clear scalp, and it’s known for its ability to deeply cleanse and purify the hair and scalp,” she explained.
Best Itch-Relieving
Act+Acre Cold Processed Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil
Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Vitamin E Scalp Detox Oil is a soothing pre-shampoo that releases excess buildup, while alleviating irritating itchiness from a scalp that hasn’t felt moisture in days. To alleviate itch, this product uses a blend of sunflower, coconut, and baobab oil. It also has aloe leaf extract.
Best Moisturizing
Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil is an oil cleanser for your scalp. There’s tea tree leaf oil and charcoal powder in the formula to disperse excess product. The portion also includes olive, castor, avocado, coconut and sunflower seed oil.
Best for Protective Styles
Mizani Wonder Crown Clarifying Scalp Treatment
Mizani’s Wonder Crown Clarifying Scalp Treatment clears gunk at the roots of your protective hairstyle. Its nozzle sends a tea tree, honey and peppermint oil-rich formula into every nook-and-cranny. This pre-shampoo lathers, so that the tiny suds can go deep into your style to pull out excess product.
Best Scalp Stimulation
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Scalp Detoxifying Pre-Wash Clay Treatment
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY’s Scalp Detoxifying Pre-Wash Clay Treatment stimulates the scalp in a way that supports healthy hair growth. The combination of matcha tea leaf extract and coffee seed extract help to invigorate your roots. This product includes avocado oil and aloe leaf juice to prevent this mask from drying-out your scalp.
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