How Often Should Pre Wash Treatments Be Incorporated into a Weekly Hair Care Routine?

When it comes to achieving healthy, thick, and manageable hair, consistency is everything. Pre wash hair treatments are one of the most powerful steps you can take to nourish your hair from the root to the tip before you even step into the shower. But a question many clients and salon professionals often ask is how often should you really be using pre wash treatments in your hair care routine?

The answer depends on your hair type, lifestyle, hair goals, and how often you wash your hair. However, most experts agree that incorporating a pre wash treatment at least once a week can bring dramatic improvements in texture, moisture, strength, and overall hair health.

Let’s explore how often to use them based on hair type and desired results.

Why Pre Wash Hair Treatments Matter

Before we talk frequency, let’s quickly understand what a pre wash treatment does. These treatments are designed to nourish the hair and scalp before shampooing, helping to:

Hydrate dry or brittle hair
Strengthen strands from root to tip
Stimulate the scalp and support growth
Restore natural shine and smoothness
Reduce breakage and split ends
Protect hair from harsh cleansers and water

This is why pre wash treatments are widely used by hair professionals and recommended in salon-level hair care routines.

How Often Should You Use a Pre Wash Treatment?

For Dry or Damaged Hair: 2 to 3 Times a Week

If your hair feels dry, brittle, over processed, or heat damaged, your strands will benefit from more frequent care. Using a pre wash treatment two to three times per week helps replenish lost moisture, restore softness, and repair damage. This also helps prepare the hair for styling and prevents further breakage.

Ideal ingredients: coconut oil, argan oil, keratin, rice water, aloe vera

For Oily Hair or Scalp: Once a Week

If your hair tends to become greasy quickly, a weekly pre wash treatment is ideal. Focus on using lighter formulas that balance the scalp without weighing down the roots. Treatments with tea tree oil, rosemary, or aloe vera work well to clarify and purify while still hydrating the mid lengths and ends.

For Normal Hair: Once a Week for Maintenance

If your hair is relatively healthy with minimal concerns, one solid pre wash treatment per week is enough to maintain shine, strength, and softness. It is the perfect self care ritual that keeps your hair feeling and looking its best, while also preventing future damage.

For Curly, Coily, or Textured Hair: Twice a Week or As Needed

Textured hair types are more prone to dryness, tangling, and breakage, so pre wash treatments are essential. Use two times a week or more depending on how your hair feels. Focus on rich, nourishing treatments that help detangle, soften, and define curl patterns without disrupting the scalp.

For Hair Extensions or Chemically Treated Hair: Once to Twice Weekly

Clients with hair extensions, bleach, color, or keratin treatments should use pre wash products regularly to maintain moisture balance and extend the life of their treatment. Look for sulfate free, extension safe formulas that keep both natural and added hair healthy.

Benefits of Consistent Pre Wash Treatment Use

No matter your hair type or goals, consistency is the secret to seeing results. Some of the biggest benefits of regular pre wash care include:

Stronger hair over time
Less frizz and flyaways
Faster growth due to improved scalp health
Smoother texture and better manageability
Enhanced absorption of shampoo and conditioner

It is like priming your skin before makeup the better the base, the better the outcome.

How to Use a Pre Wash Treatment Effectively

Start by brushing through dry hair to remove knots and tangles
Apply the treatment evenly from mid lengths to ends and massage into the scalp
Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes or longer for deep nourishment
Rinse thoroughly and follow with your usual shampoo and conditioner

Some treatments can also be used overnight for even deeper hydration and repair.

Final Thoughts: Let Pre Wash Treatments Work Their Magic

The best way to use a pre wash treatment depends on your hair’s unique needs but once or twice per week is the golden standard for most people. When used consistently, these treatments help build a healthy foundation for strong, shiny, and vibrant hair.

At DreamHair, we offer professionally formulated pre wash treatments packed with the best ingredients for all hair types. Whether you are focusing on growth, moisture, strength, or scalp health, our formulas are designed to help you reach your hair goals with visible results.

Remember, beautiful hair starts before you shampoo. Give your strands the care they deserve with the right pre wash routine.