The Ultimate Guide to Pre-Pooing for Natural Hair: Why, How, and What to Use
What Exactly Is a Pre-Poo?
“Pre-poo” stands for pre-shampoo, and it’s exactly what the name suggests - a treatment applied to your hair before shampooing. For textured hair types, especially 4C, coily, kinky and curly hair, pre-pooing can be a game-changer.
It’s essentially a way to protect your strands from the drying effects of shampoo, add extra moisture, and improve manageability on wash day.
Why Pre-Poo Matters for Natural Hair
Textured hair tends to be dry and fragile due to its coiled structure. Shampoo, especially clarifying or sulfate-based ones, can strip the hair of its natural oils. This is how Pre-pooing can help with:
Moisture Retention: pre-pooing helps your hair retain moisture by creating a barrier before shampooing.
Reduced Breakage: detangling during the pre-poo stage helps reduce breakage as it provides more slip
Scalp Prep: oils and treatments can help loosen buildup and prep the scalp for cleansing.
Manageability: makes hair softer and easier to work with post-wash.
Best Pre-Poo Ingredients for Textured Hair
One thing that is highly recommended is to choose your pre-poo treatment based on your hair’s porosity and moisture needs:
1- Natural Oils
Natural oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil can be used as a pre-poo
If you’re looking for Protection and Shine, Natural Oils are your go to:
Coconut oil: great for protein retention and penetrating the hair shaft
Olive oil: softens and smooths the hair
Avocado oil: rich in nutrients and great for dry ends
Castor oil: strengthens and seals in moisture
Tip: use oils if your goal is protection and detangling with minimal buildup.
2- Conditioner-Based Pre-Poo
When you have to detangle your hair a Conditioner-Based Pre-Poo may be your best alternative:
Mix your favorite silicone-free conditioner with oils, aloe vera gel or honey for hydration and easy detangling.
3- DIY Natural Pre-Poo Mixes
Aloe vera gel + coconut oil
Banana + olive oil + honey
Fenugreek tea + avocado oil (for shedding and scalp health)
How to Pre-Poo Correctly: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into 4–6 manageable sections using clips or scrunchies. This will not only make the application easier, but also prevents tangling.
Step 2: Apply Your Pre-Poo Treatment
Work your chosen oil or conditioner into each section, focusing on the ends (the oldest and driest part) and any tangles.
Step 3: Finger Detangle or Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Gently work through knots and shed hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This reduces breakage during the shampoo phase.
Step 4: Let It Sit
With oil only: Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For deeper penetration, use a heat cap or wrap with a warm towel.
With conditioner or mask: Leave on for 20–30 minutes before shampooing.
Step 5: Rinse or Go Straight to Shampoo
Some pre-poos can be rinsed before shampooing, while others (especially oil-based ones) can stay in during shampooing to protect the hair shaft.
Tips Based on Hair Porosity
The different types of hair porosity
Low Porosity Hair:
Use lightweight oils (like grapeseed or argan oil) and apply warmth to help open the cuticle (you can pre-heat the oil - check the temperature before applying to your hair - or you can use a cap to retain the heat from your scalp).
Avoid too much protein - look for moisture-based ingredients like aloe vera or slippery elm.
High Porosity Hair:
Opt for heavier oils (castor, avocado, olive) to help seal moisture.
Consider adding honey or a protein treatment to reinforce the strand.
When and How Often to Pre-Poo
How often: Every wash day (usually once a week or biweekly), especially if you shampoo regularly or use clarifying products.
When to skip: If you’re co-washing only or using very moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoos, you may pre-poo less often.
Benefits You’ll See Over Time
Softer, more manageable hair on wash days
Less breakage and shedding
Improved moisture retention
Easier detangling and styling
Healthier-looking curls and coils
Final Thoughts: Pre-Poo is the Wash Day Upgrade You Need
If you’ve been skipping pre-poo, now’s the time to give it a try. For natural hair, this step can make all the difference between a stressful wash day and one that feels like self-care. Whether you’re rocking 4C kinks, 3B curls, or anything in between, a well-done pre-poo can protect your hair, reduce breakage and leave your strands thriving.
