Why You Should Pre-poo
Are your curls in need of some added moisture? Or perhaps your hair feels brittle and requires some strength? Harsh environments, heat exposure, chemical treatments along with daily wear and tear can lead to damaged, dry and weak hair.
When your hair is feeling not looking or feeling it’s best, a regular shampoo and conditioner may not be enough. In this case, you may need to incorporate a pre-poo treatment to your regimen to revive your curls.
What is a pre-poo?
A pre-poo or “pre-shampoo” is an oil treatment applied to your hair right before the shampoo process. Shampoos contain surfactants that can strip necessary moisture and natural oils from your hair. Conditioning is not always enough to replenish the moisture loss from shampoos.
A Pre-poo treatment will help maintain natural oils and protect hair follicles by providing your curls with a protective layer during shampooing, restoring dry, tangled, damaged hair.
Benefits of Pre-shampooing
Helps Detangle
Wet hair is the most fragile and vulnerable to breakage. A pre-poo treatment will make the detangling process much easier allowing for gentle removal of tangles and preventing breakage.
Provides Moisture
Harsh weather such as heat, humidity and wind can leave your hair feeling extra dry. Adding a pre-poo before your shampoo will penetrate your curls with added moisture. After the treatment you should notice softer and shinier curls.
Boosts the Effectiveness of Conditioner
When hair is stripped of its natural oils, it becomes hard for conditioner to stick to the hair to properly provide benefits before it’s washed away. A pre-poo treatment will allow your conditioner to latch to your hair and treat your curls to more moisture.
How to Pre-poo
The process of pre-shampooing is actually quite simple and can be done with products found right in your kitchen. Because it is done before shampooing and conditioning, you’ll apply the product to dry hair. This will allow the product to coat your strands and lock in moisture before you even wet your hair.
Divide hair into 4-8 sections depending on the thickness and length of your hair.
Distribute the product evenly throughout each section coating hair from roots to ends
Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to carefully detangle each section.
Place a plastic cap and scarf over your head and let the treatment sit from 30 mins to overnight. The longer the better as it gives the product time to penetrate your strands.
Once you’ve finished with your treatment, shampoo and condition your hair as normal. Make sure to rinse hair thoroughly to avoid product residue.
Pre-poo Product
The type of oil you will use for your pre-poo treatment will depend on your curl’s needs.
Pre-pooing with oils will add moisture to your curls while providing softness and shine. Oils help repair damage caused by heat, chemicals, or coloring. Check out some oils that are great for pre-pooing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to repair dry or over processed hair, applying a protective pre-poo treatment before shampooing will help boost moisture and strengthen your curls. Healthy hair starts with a good hair care routine, try incorporating a pre-poo treatment before your next wash day.