What is a Pre Poo?
A pre poo is a mix of oils or one type of oil or sometimes it can be a conditioner that is applied to hair prior to shampooing your hair.
The best oils you can use for a pre poo process are olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado and many others.
Don’t limit your pre poo regimen to oils and conditioners. It can be anything that provides moisture to your hair before washing your hair with a shampoo which can be drying. Its important to learn about your HAIR POROSITY HERE so that your hair can benefit from the pre poo process.
Why is a pre poo important?
A pre poo process is important because it helps protect hair from the harsh chemicals in the shampoos.
Those chemicals can be drying to the hair and cause hair to break. Many shampoos strip hair of its moisture and oils and leaving hair very dry. When hair is dry it breaks and makes it difficult to detangle and style.
Is it necessary to pre poo every time on your wash day?
I think its best to evaluate what shampoo you’ll be using first and the needs of your hair to make a decision if you really need to pre poo.
Thank God a lot of shampoos are mild, sulphate free, moisturizing and gentle on the hair. We have a lot to choose from in terms of cleansers so you might not need to pre poo every week at all. When your hair accumulate lots of build up and you need to use a clarifying shampoo, that’s when you should pre poo.
Different types of pre poo depending on your hair porosity
✔ Oil pre poo: They are so many oils you can choose from for example olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, castor oil.
You can also add tea tree oil to your hair mix, it helps in removing scalp build up, dandruff, gets rid of scalp itching, unclogs hair follicles and stimulates scalp for new growth.
I think the key is to choose a oil that penetrates in your hair shaft and works well with your type of hair in terms of hair porosity. READ ABOUT POROSITY HAIR HERE
✔ Aloe Vera Gel pre poo: This is also another great pre poo to use. Its very moisturizing to different types of hair.
A great simple DIY is Fresh Aloe Vera Juice from the plant + distilled water + Apple Cider Vinegar in equal proportion. Then apply a oil. It breaks down buildup and breaks down tangles.
Nourishes the scalp, the hair shaft, as well as the ends of hair, leaving them nourished and moisturized. It however has some negative effects on hair that is protein sensitive.
✔ Rice Water Pre Poo:
It is also helpful to add honey to your pre poo. Honey is a humectant meaning it attracts and maintains moisture, softens and adds shine to your hair.
How to Pre Poo Using Oils
✔ Mix oils together such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil. You can use one oil or mix any two or more oils together.
✔ Gently finger detangle your hair section by section.
✔ Warm the oils in the microwave for 30 sec or until the oils are warm. It absorbs to the hair faster
✔ Add your oils to the hair. Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave the treatment in for 15-20 minutes or overnight OR simply use a steamer for your hair. Then shampoo and follow with your regular wash day regimen such as deep conditioning.
Whichever way you pre poo, don’t knock it till you try it and see if its going to change the overall health of your hair.
