Everything You Need to Know About the Prose Custom Pre-Shampoo Mask

What Is the Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask?
Prose’s Custom Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask is a super-concentrated treatment designed to restore balance to your hair. Nourishing ingredients address your hair’s problem areas at the source, repairing fibers and preventing breakage.
The Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask is meant to go on before you wash, when your hair is most receptive to its restorative powers. That way, you’ll get the full effects of your shampoo. Once you’re done styling, you’ll enjoy an effortlessly bouncy mane.
Hair Masks vs. Scalp Masks
Prose also offers a Custom Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask you can use before you wash. But how is this different from the Custom hair mask?
Rather than targeting the ends and fibers of your hair, scalp masks work their magic on your roots. They exfoliate your scalp, depositing a layer of moisture and eliminating buildup for a much-needed detox. That way, your skin will be refreshed and receptive to your shampoo and conditioner.

Why You Should Start Hair Masking
If you’re currently meeting all your hair goals, adding a mask to your routine may seem unnecessary. But over time, even healthy hair could use a little extra help.
Hair damage has a variety of sources — some of which are out of your control, including humidity and hard water. Concentrated pre-shampoo masks provide the extra power needed to protect your hair from unavoidable damage.
The damaging factors can also wreak havoc on your scalp. A weekly scalp detox is a quick way to keep your roots happy and healthy, and the best way to cleanse is with a good scalp mask.
Do You Hair Mask Before or After Shampoo?
For best results, use your hair mask before shampooing. That way, you’ll wash out the concentrated formula with a gentle, soothing cleanse.
How to Use a Hair Mask
Ready to use your hair mask? Here’s how to get the best results.
- Review your personalized notes. When you opt for a custom hair mask from Prose, it’ll come with instructions detailing how to use your personalized formula. Read these first for expert guidance tailored to you.
- Wet your hair. Masks should be applied damp, so wet your hair slightly before applying.
- Evenly apply the mask. If you’re using a scalp mask, concentrate on your roots. For hair masks, give the ends some extra attention.
- Wait up to 30 minutes. Now, it’s time to let the mask do its thing. For the full effect, let your hair soak up the extra nourishment for a full half-hour.
- Shampoo and rinse. Simply finish with a gentle cleanse and style your bouncy mane like normal.
Hair Mask Tips and Tricks
Want to take your hair mask game to the next level? A few simple tricks can help you get the most out of every pre-shampoo treatment. Here’s how to elevate your masks for healthy hair year-round.
Add Some Heat
A little heat can go a long way when it comes to hair masks. Because heat speeds up chemical processes, heating up your mask helps it bind to your hair for enhanced results.
Heating your mask can be as simple as warming it in your hands before applying it. Or you can heat up your hair directly using a hot towel or a steamer. Just don’t go overboard with the heat, or you’ll risk damaging your hair.
Alternate Masks
Not sure if a scalp mask or a hair mask is right for your routine? The answer: Use both! Doubling up on masks ensures every inch of your hair gets the treatment it needs.
If double-masking is your preferred routine, moderation is key. To avoid overdoing it, alternate masks every week or two weeks. Everyone’s hair is different, and the right hair care routine is the one that works for you.
Find a Mask Designed Just for You
Just like you, your hair is totally unique. So, just any hair mask isn’t going to cut it. To really get the most out of your mask, opt for one that’s formulated exactly to your needs.
Prose’s Custom Pre-Shampoo Masks are specially curated for your hair and scalp. Whether you need hydration, color protection or breakage control, your hair mask will fit the bill. Visit Prose today for hair care designed with you in mind.
If I use the oil before washing do I still use Hair mask also?
Well mine came with the wrong instructions and pouring all out of the top – so it says lengths but clearly I indicated my hair is super oily on top and more dry on ends. This has left me more confused than happy!
All of my instruction leaflets had their ink smeared and nothing was legible. How So i KNOW-HOW to use My PRODUCTS?
After using the mask, do i then wash and cond my hair. I lost the instructions when i received My products.
Thank you
Yes! After you use your Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask, you should cleanse and condition your hair as usual 🙂
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
I did not receive instructions for my pre sHampoo mask. Please advise
Hi Catrina, we’re so sorry you didn’t receive instructions for your mask! Are you using the scalp or hair mask?
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
Hello! So after I rinse the mask out, I only shampoo my hair and then dry/style? I do not use conditioner after shampoo? Would love to make sure I’m doing it right as it’s not totally clear on the instructions. Thank you!
Hi Maria, we still recommend using a conditioner after cleansing your hair in addition to the Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask.
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
Can I use this mask more than once or twice a week? My scalp feels extremely itchy when I don’t use it.
Hi there, yes! You can totally use your custom Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask more than twice a week 🙂
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
Can your hair be dirty prior to using the pre-shampoo hair mask?
Yes! It is formulated to be used before cleansing so it’s fine if your hair is dirty 🙂
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
I saw a comment saying it’s okay to use the mask on dirty hair-does this means it’s okay to use on my scalp that I’ve applied dry shampoo to maybe 3 days in a row already? Should I wash once, then use the mask and wash against after?
Thank you!
Hi there! Our Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask is formulated to be used before you cleanse your hair so it’s fine if you still have product left in your hair 🙂
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
It would be helpful if there were online instructions for the at length hair mask. My instructions were accidentally thrown away in a mad cleaning frenzy and I don’t remember the length of time it said to leave it in before shampooing and conditioning.
Hi there! We recommend leaving your Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask in for 15 minutes prior to cleansing 🙂
-Keely, Prose Community Manager
I didn’t get any leaflet or any instructions on how any of your products are supposed to be used.. very disappointed about that but super excited to figure it out!
Hi Laurie, we are so sorry to hear that! Please contact us at hello@prose.com and we will send over a copy of your product info! 🙂
-Keely, SEO & Community Manager
I didn’t receive instructions with my pre shampoo hair mask
Hi there,
Please email hello@prose.com and we’d be happy to provide instructions for your mask! 🙂
-Keely, SEO & Community Manager
I am sorry but I can’t find my leaflet – how do I know how to use my unique pre-shampoo mask? Thank you.
Hi there! Please send us an email at hello@prose.com for specific instructions for your custom products.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
I didn’t get a leaflet with instructions…
Hi there! Please send us an email at hello@prose.com & we’d be happy to share the instructions for your products.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
Can we use the hair mask and the scalp mask at the same time? Thanks!
Hi there, yes you can use both at the same time!
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
I did not receive instructions with my hair mask.
I’ve read to apply to dry hair and I’ve read apply to damp hair.
I prefer to use it on dry hair.
Is this ok?
Hi Marie! We recommend applying your Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask to wet or damp hair and leaving on for 15-20 before cleansing. We do recommend applying to damp or wet hair to ensure the hair cuticle is able to absorb the nutrients of the mask.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
What do I do if this statement is false? “Every mask order arrives with a leaflet containing how-to instructions, along with details on how often and how long you should leave in your mask.”
We’re sorry you didn’t get your instruction leaflet in your box! Please email us at hello@prose.com and we can resend it to you via email 🙂
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
Hello. Do i need the mask to get results? Or shampoo/conditioner still enough to make a difference?
Hi! It all comes down to what your hair needs and goals are. Our Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask can add hydration, strengthen damaged strands, add shine, and much more. While you will see results from the Shampoo and Conditioner, the Hair Mask can also make a huge difference in the look and health of your hair.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
I just started using Prose and so far so good. However the one thing I would note, for the price, the bottles should at least include pumps. The cap is awkward in the shower and can dump out too much shampoo. You may want to think about this addition. Thank you.
Hi Nicole! All of your orders should arrive with pumps unless you opted out of getting them (they’re located under the bottles in the box!) If you’re missing them, please send us an email at hello@prose.com and we’d be happy to replace them for you.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
I didn’t get the leaflet what are the instructions?
Hi there! Please email hello@prose.com & we’d be happy to send you a copy of your instructions.
-Keely, Prose SEO & Community Manager
I just received the pre-shampoo hair mask for the first time and I did not receive any instructions.
Why are the instructions for any of the products a secret? They are not on the bottles, they are not listed under the products on the website and they did not come with my delivery. I finally Googled the instructions and there are several paragrphs hinting at what to do but nothing clear. I see in the comments that many others also did not receive instructions.
Hey Katie! Your order should have arrived with a few pieces of paper in the box that explain how to use your products. If you threw them out or didn’t get them for some reason, please email hello@prose.com. We’d be happy to resend them to you!
-Keely, Prose Senior Manager of Social Media + Community
Hi there. Is there charcoal in the pre-shampoo scalp mask?
Hi there,
Depending on your consultation, the Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask may contain charcoal. Please email hello@prose.com for a full list of your ingredients prior to purchasing 🙂
-Keely, Prose Senior Manager of Social Media + Community
Can I uses oil and mask at the same time?
Yes, they can both be used at once.