HAIR CARE
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Abyssinian complex for next-gen pre-wash hair care
Chloe De Doncker, Pascale Goyat – Natura-Tec
For several years now, consumers have been redefining their approach to hair care. More mindful, more sensorial, yet also more technical, this evolution is giving rise to new routines inspired by skin care. Among them, the cleaning pre-wash trend is emerging as a true revolution in the world of hair care. This shift reflects a broader movement
across the beauty industry, one that favours preventive care over corrective treatment, and values routines that engage both performance and emotional connection. Hair care is no longer limited to cleansing and styling: it has become a self-care ritual, an expression of personal wellbeing and identity. Halfway between deep treatment and
active protection, the hair pre-wash is gaining popularity as it helps protect the hair fibre before cleansing, prepares the scalp, and delivers targeted nourishment even before the hair comes into contact with water and surfactants. It addresses the key weaknesses of
conventional routines, especially for dry, damaged, or chemically processed hair, by reinforcing the structure before it is exposed to any stripping agents. Its rise also coincides with the increasing demand for clean formulations, multi-functional products, and routines that respect the natural physiology of both hair and scalp.
Within this new generation of formulas,
brands rely on high-value natural-origin actives that combine technical performance with a sensorial experience. Consumers no longer want to choose between efficacy and comfort they expect both, delivered through refined textures, pleasant application, and measurable results. In this context, Natura-Tec Abysoft™ –
hereafter, the Abyssinian complex - stands out for its film-forming, moisturizing, and protective properties perfectly aligned with the demands of an effective pre-wash treatment. Its natural origin, sensorial softness, and compatibility with sensitive scalps make it a preferred active for formulators looking to innovate without compromise.
What is ‘pre-wash’, or pre-shampoo treatment? The ‘pre-wash’ step is inspired by professional salon rituals. Hairdressers often apply nourishing or protective treatments before shampooing, especially on sensitized, colour- treated, or curly hair. This technique helps to prevent damage caused by washing, particularly
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on dry, porous, or damaged ends. These professional routines aim to minimize
stress on the hair before it undergoes cleansing, detangling, and heat styling — steps that can all contribute to cumulative damage if the hair is left unprotected. At home, this practice has become more
widespread with the rise of hybrid products such as pre-wash oils, protective creams, or pre-shampoo masks. These are applied to dry or slightly damp hair before cleansing, helping to prepare and protect the hair fibre. Consumers increasingly seek rituals that
mirror salon-quality care, but in a simplified, accessible form. The pre-wash step answers that demand, combining performance and sensorial comfort in one elegant gesture. Even when gentle and well-formulated,
shampooing remains a cleansing process that can weaken the hair cuticle especially when done several times a week. Yet, hair lengths are not actually dirty: they do not require intensive washing, but rather protection. That is precisely the role of the pre-wash
step: to preserve the hair fibre, prepare the scalp, and enhance the overall cleansing experience. It acts as a proactive treatment that anticipates the needs of both hair and
scalp, helping to maintain balance and integrity throughout the washing process One of the main goals of a pre-wash
treatment is to prevent the dryness caused by shampooing. By coating the hair fibre, it forms a hydrolipidic barrier that helps limit moisture loss and friction. The result: softer, shinier, and less brittle hair
after drying. This barrier effect is particularly important for hair types prone to dehydration such as curly, bleached, or chemically treated hair which tend to absorb and lose water more quickly than virgin hair. Unlike traditional hair masks, the pre-wash
treatment is designed to interact with both impurities and the hair fibre before cleansing. It acts as a pre-treatment, providing deep nourishment without weighing the hair down. Its active ingredients are carefully selected
for their affinity with keratin and their ease of application. Because it is applied before water and surfactants, the pre-wash step allows lipophilic ingredients to better penetrate the fibre, delivering their benefits where the hair needs them most at the core, not just on the surface. Finally, a pre-wash can be formulated to soothe and rebalance the scalp before applying
October 2025 PERSONAL CARE
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