Stylist Secrets: The Growth & Strengthen Hair Oil Pre-Wash for Extra Shine + Slip on Wash Day
If wash day already works for you, this is the step that makes it feel next-level.
Not heavier. Not greasy. Just smoother.
This is a stylist-style trick we love: using the Growth & Strengthen Hair Oil before you shampoo to get extra shine, more slip, and softer ends — while still keeping your cleanse clean and your hair light.
What a Pre-Wash Oil Actually Does
A pre-wash oil step is like priming your hair. It helps:
- Soften the lengths before water and shampoo
- Reduce friction — which means less tangling and breakage
- Give ends that smooth, glossy feel after you rinse
- Make detangling easier once you condition
It's not about making shampoo less effective. It's about making the whole wash day feel more silky.
Who This Is Best For
This step is especially good if you:
- Deal with frizzy ends or dryness at the bottom
- Want more shine without adding heavy product after styling
- Tangle easily on wash day
- Have color-treated hair or past damage
- Want the clean scalp + soft lengths balance
Even if your hair is pretty healthy, it's an easy upgrade.
The Micro-Press Rule
The dropper dispenses more than a typical dropper — so use micro-presses.
A micro-press is a tiny squeeze of the rubber top, just enough to release a small ribbon into your palm. Start small. You can always add.
The Exact Pre-Wash Ritual (5 Minutes)
Step 1: Apply to dry hair before the shower Pre-wash oiling works best on dry hair.
Step 2: Start with ends first Dispense into your palm:
- Fine hair: ½–1 micro-press
- Medium hair: 1–2 micro-presses
- Thick/textured: 2–3 micro-presses, work in sections
Rub hands together to spread thinly. Apply to ends first, then lightly up through mid-lengths.
Step 3: Optional scalp moment If you're doing scalp oiling, keep it minimal — part into a few sections, use a tiny amount on fingertips, massage gently for 30 seconds. If your scalp gets oily fast, skip this and keep it to lengths only.
Step 4: Let it sit
- Minimum: 10–15 minutes
- Sweet spot: 30–60 minutes
- Clip it up and go about your day
Step 5: Wash as usual Go in with the Nourish & Strengthen Shampoo scalp-first. If you used more oil than usual or did scalp oiling: shampoo once, rinse, then shampoo again if roots still feel coated. Follow with the Nourish & Strengthen Conditioner mid-length to ends as normal.
What "Extra Slip" Means (And How You'll Notice It)
Slip is that feeling where your hair detangles easier, feels softer when wet, doesn't snag and knot up as much, and combs through without fighting you.
You feel it immediately — especially when you're rinsing and conditioning.
The Biggest Mistakes
Mistake #1: Using full presses Fix: micro-presses only.
Mistake #2: Applying oil directly from the dropper onto hair Fix: dispense into palm, spread, then apply.
Mistake #3: Starting at the roots with too much Fix: ends and mid-lengths first. Scalp is optional and minimal.
Mistake #4: Not cleansing thoroughly after scalp oiling Fix: if you oil the scalp, don't be afraid of a second shampoo.
The "Shine Without Buildup" Version
The safest version that works for almost everyone:
- ½–1 micro-press into palm
- Apply to ends only
- Wait 15–30 minutes
- Shampoo and condition as normal
That's it. Polished finish, no risk of heaviness.
What Results to Expect
Most people notice softer ends after the rinse, easier detangling, hair that looks smoother and shinier once dry, and a wash day that feels more intentional overall.
It's a small step. But it makes your routine feel more complete — and your hair usually looks like it.
If you try it once and love it, make it a weekly ritual. That's where the real difference happens: not from doing a hundred steps, but from doing one good step consistently.
Get the full system with the Glow Kit.
