14 Best Pre-wash Hair Oils to Condition Your Hair Follicles

May 17, 2024

Pre-wash Hair Oils to Condition Your Hair Follicles

The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Hair wash at the end or in the middle of the week is always relaxing and rejuvenating. However, when you possess dehydrated, frizzy, damaged, and dry hair, it is a little difficult to restore hair’s lost elasticity and shine. Hence, we enlisted the best pre-wash hair oils for all hair types that can help in restoring, repairing, strengthening, and primarily improving hair and scalp quality. These oils are no less than an elixir that penetrates deeper to leave your hair soft, smooth, shiny and your scalp healthy. As per our intensive research, oils with a potent blend of pure and natural ingredients are the food that your tresses, hair shafts, and hair cuticles crave.

What makes pre-wash oils a must-have is their ability to create a desirable scalp environment for stimulating hair growth and strengthening hair follicles. So, without much ado, roll your eyes over and take a look at our fanciful list of the best pre-shampoo oils that you should think of investing in.

Our top picks

14 Best Pre-wash Hair Oils

Our very first recommendation is JVN’s pre-wash scalp oil enriched with the potent blend of rosemary extract, bisabolol, hemisqualane, and basil root extract. All these ingredients come together to stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. Secondly, they improve the quality and texture of your hair and soothe scalp irritation. What further makes it earn the top spot on our list is the fact that it is ideal for all hair types and safe for color-treated hair.

Pros

Sulfate-free
Vegan
Tames frizz
Cruelty-free
Rosemary fragrance
Minimizes hair breakage
Free from silicones

Cons

Might become moldy

Best Frizz Control

Moroccanoil Treatment

Introducing Moroccanoil Treatment, your pre-wash hair essential for salon-worthy locks. This multitasking marvel effortlessly smooths frizz and flyaways, while detangling with ease. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and essential fatty acids, it enhances shine by up to 118%, leaving your hair with a healthy, glossy sheen. Dive into a world where your hair feels as good as it looks. This treatment isn't just a routine; it's a ritual, promoting a lustrous, vibrant mane. Join the countless fans who've made it the #1 haircare oil in the US and embrace the ultimate in hair nourishment.

Pros

Effortless frizz and flyaway control
Easy and effective detangling
Unmatched shine enhancement
Antioxidant-rich argan oil infusion
Promotes healthier look and feel
Versatile pre-wash application

Cons

May feel heavy for fine hair types

Most Cost-effective

Mielle Mongongo Oil Pre-Shampoo Treatment

The next on our list is Mielle’s pre-shampoo oil treatment loaded with the goodness of mongongo oil, almond oil, and sacha inchi oil that tend to stimulate and condition your scalp deeply. In addition, it hydrates, repairs, and improves the texture of your hair by quenching the thirst of your parched tresses. What left us in awe is its ability to tame frizziness, impart luster, and protect your hair against heat damage or breakage.

Pros

Detangles your hair post shampooing
Cost-effective
Suits curly and damaged hair
Smells great

Cons

Less quantity

Best to Prevent Hair Loss

Rida Hair Research Institute Pre-wash Scalp Oil

While researching for the best pre-wash scalp oil, we came across this one from Rida Hair Research Institute. It is a phenomenal oil that is specially crafted for those dealing with hair loss and split ends. Furthermore, it is made from hair-nourishing ingredients like sweet almonds, avocado, Moroccan argan, and jojoba oils. Additionally, it contains fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, and essential vitamins to lend your scalp and hair necessary nutrients. With consistent use, this magical elixir will leave your hair feeling a lot healthier, shinier, and smoother.

Pros

Cruelty-free
Vegan
Reduces hair thinning
Strengthens hair follicles

Cons

Dropper barely sits into the rubber applicator

Best for Hair Growth

Kitsch Pre Wash Scalp Oil

To promote healthy hair growth and strengthen your tresses from roots to tips, snatch a glimpse of Kitsch pre-wash scalp oil. The reason why we recommend this oil is for its splendid formulation featuring rosemary, argan, jojoba, castor oils, and biotin that leave your hair utterly nourished. Let us also tell you that this oil acts as a fail-proof hair growth serum and gently loosens scalp buildup before hair wash. The best part — it is crafted with a therapeutic and invigorating lavender fragrance that invites you to indulge in a salon-like hair spa at home.

Pros

Supports scalp health
Suitable for all hair types
Eco-friendly packaging
Easy to apply

Cons

Unsatisfactory quantity

Best for Itchy Scalp

LPH LAB Pre-wash Hair & Scalp Treatment Oil

Soothe your irritated and itchy scalp with LPH LAB’s pre-wash hair oil treatment that contributes to stronger, shinier, healthier, and longer hair. To start off, this hair care essential is formulated with nourishing ingredients that alleviate inflammation and revitalize your scalp. Plus, it works toward creating a healthy scalp environment that promotes hair growth. Last but not least, this pre-wash hair oil also addresses scalp woes and paves the way to more resilient hair.

Pros

Lightweight formula
Rosemary scent
Ideal for all hair types
Increases volume

Best for Men And Women

Hair Thickness Maximizer Rosemary Oil

Based on our team’s research, Hair Thickness Maximizer’s rosemary oil stands out from the rest because of its distinctive formulation. It contains high-grade natural ingredients like vitamin E, rosemary, jojoba oil, Jamaican black castor oil, argan oil, pumpkin seed oil, peppermint oil, and grapeseed oil that stimulate your hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. This pre-wash hair oil works just like ordinary hair serum but goes a step beyond replenishing, strengthening, protecting, and repairing your hair. Topping it all off, the oil reduces split ends, smoothes your hair, and flawlessly treats dry scalp woes.

Pros

Gender neutral
Safe for chemically treated hair
Improves scalp circulation
Penetrates deeply into the scalp

Cons

Slow results

Best Lightweight Texture

Fable & Mane Hair Oil

While researching for the best pre-wash hair oil, we came across this one from Fabel & Mane. It is a cult-favorite hair care essential that is infused with ashwagandha, dashmool, and castor oil. What we really love about this product is its lightweight and effective texture. Additionally, this nourishing oil supports the scalp’s blood circulation and visibly strengthens your mane and tresses. So, to keep your happy hair days rolling, invest in this pre-wash hair oil right away.

Pros

Color-safe
Suits all hair types
Cruelty-free
Vegan

Cons

Overwhelming fragrance

Best Unscented

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil

Our findings show that this castor oil from Kate Blanc Cosmetics is nothing less than a magical potion. It is a cold-pressed, 100% pure, and organic oil that you can apply on your scalp to promote healthy hair growth. Addedly, what makes it one of the best scalp oils is its ability to improve the quality of dry and dandruff-prone scalp and brittle hair. Plus, you can also use it as an eyelash growth treatment.

Pros

Inexpensive
Unscented
Ideal for brittle hair
Moisturizes your hair

Best Fast-absorbing Oil

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil

Cliganic Organic’s jojoba oil is the finest cold-pressed and pure pre-wash oil that you must incorporate into your hair care regime without any second thoughts for three main reasons. First, it is extremely light in weight and features a fast-absorbing formula. Second, it is completely free from chemicals and harsh ingredients. Last but not least, it can be applied to the face, hair, and nails. The most impressive part — it is an ideal choice for those dealing with sensitive scalp and skin.

Pros

Free from additives
Vegan
Reasonable
Cruelty-free

Cons

Prone to leakage

Best Non-greasy Oil

Pure Body Naturals Sweet Almond Oil

This pre-shampoo hair oil brought to you by Pure Body Naturals is yet another magical elixir that will transform your drab hair into fab over time. It is crafted from pure and natural cold-pressed sweet almond oil, vitamins A, B, and E, and works like magic on hair, skin, as well as nails. In addition, it exudes a soothing fragrance that invites you to indulge in relaxing aromatherapy. What left us impressed is the fact that it has a non-greasy texture!

Pros

Chemical-free
Hypoallergenic
Non-toxic
Easy to dispense

Cons

Might not suit the one with sensitive skin and scalp

Rene Furterer KARITE NUTRI Intense Nourishing Oil

While looking out for some phenomenal pre-shower hair oils, we found this one from Rene Furterer. It is specially crafted for those possessing dry and damaged hair. With a luxe blend of shea oil and shea butter, this oil repairs and revitalizes your locks from root to tip. In addition, it is regarded as an intense nourishing oil that imparts luster and leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and supple. Topping it all off, this oil also works great when it comes to detangling your hair.

Pros

Can be used daily
Easy to apply
Light and fresh scent
Soothes scalp

Leven Rose Jojoba Oil

We glanced through the features of this prewash scalp oil from Leven Rose and were surprised to see it has managed to attract large eyeballs with its pure and organic formula that suits both, men and women. To note more, it is a remarkable oil that can be applied not only on your hair but also skin. Plus, it comes with a dropper applicator for precise and mess-free application. Let us also tell you that it is the go-to product to heal all of your skin and hair-related woes

Pros

Tames frizz
Quick-absorbent
Pocket-friendly
Moisturizes your hair

Cons

Unpleasant scent

Difeel Rosemary and Mint Premium Hair Oil

Lastly, we recommend Difeel’s rosemary, biotin, and mint-infused premium hair oil for those dealing with very dry and damaged hair. It comes with a strengthening and nourishing formula that works toward improving the overall quality of your hair and scalp. Moreover, it has a non-greasy formula that glides easily on your hair and imparts shine. Last but not least, the invigorating scent of rosemary makes you feel refreshed and relaxed.

Pros

Budget-friendly
Free from parabens
Sulfate-free
Available in larger size

Cons

Unsatisfactory packaging

That was our comprehensive list of the best pre-shampoo oils. Now, let us run you through our detailed buying guide.

How to Choose the Best Pre-wash Hair Oil?

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best pre-wash hair oil -

Hair Type: Before you vouch for some pre-shampoo oils, make sure you analyze your hair type thoroughly. There are oils that are specifically crafted to improve dry, damaged, and brittle hair, whereas some are formulated for chemically, keratin, and color-treated hair. In addition, you will also find oils that act as hair and scalp treatments to combat dandruff and itchy scalp. Hence, do your homework wisely.

Type of Hair Oil: Make sure you pay heed to the type of hair oil you are planning to invest in. Check whether the oil is meant for your hair type, hair texture, and scalp condition. You will come across pre-wash oil treatment, prewash scalp oil, as well as oil that can be used on skin and nails. Depending upon your needs and necessities, get your hands on the best and most suitable oil that will help you embrace healthier hair.

Ingredients: Ensure that you go through the list of ingredients mentioned on the packaging of the pre-shampoo oil. It is wise to invest in oils that are made from a natural, organic, pure, and botanical blend of ingredients like argan oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, olive oil, biotin, vitamin E, meadowfoam seed oil, bamboo extract, holistic plant roots, moringa oil, sunflower oil, etc. Stay away from oils that contain harsh chemicals and additives.

Formula: Always pick the best pre-shampoo hair oil that is vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and free from toxins. Avoid oils that are made from phthalates, sulfates, gluten, and silicon. On the other hand, make sure that the oil is light in weight and features a non-greasy and non-sticky texture.

That was all about the best pre-wash hair oils that you should think of snagging right away. With the right oil in your hands, you can flawlessly take due care of your scalp and hair just by sitting at home. These oils are renowned for their hair-nourishing, repairing, strengthening, and protecting properties. Plus, they leave your hair feeling a lot softer, shinier, and supple. So, pick the best of the best pre-shampoo hair oil and lend your hair the necessary nutrients, proteins, and vitamins that it needs. Happy shopping!

FAQ's

Which oil is the best for pre-wash?

JVN Pre-wash Scalp Oil is the best oil for pre-wash.

Is it good to apply oil before hair wash?

Yes, applying oil before hair wash leaves your hair shinier, softer, and moisturized.

What is a pre-wash hair treatment?

Pre-wash hair treatment is a treatment that is meant to offer your hair additional care and nourishment.

What should I use for pre-wash?

You should apply the best pre-shampoo hair or scalp oil or treatment.

Can I use coconut oil as a pre-wash product?

Yes, you can use coconut oil as a before hair wash to leave your hair feeling moisturized, smooth, supple, and nourished.

How often should I use pre-wash oil?

You can use a pre-wash oil once or twice a week.

Can we apply oil before a shower?

Yes, you can apply oil before you shower, but make sure you wait for at least 30 minutes.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Alvira, our certified hair care expert, is always a step ahead when it comes to hair and its thorough nourishment. She believes hair is like our body, it requires necessary nutrients and proteins in the form of oil to live a long and healthy life. This got her intrigued to research about the best pre-wash hair oils. Personally, she loved the formulation of JVN Pre-wash Scalp Oil that stimulates hair growth and improves the condition of your mane. You can also explore the rest of her top picks and add the most suitable one to your hair care arsenal.

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbXNpK2ipJyWe6S7zGiqnqSVmMFwrsSsq2aoopp6uK3SoWShmZmnerC1y2Zoa2xpbIVy