Hello my loves I am back with a post on the benefits of a pre-shampoo (pre-poo) treatment and how to properly do a pre-poo.  A pre-shampoo treatment is one where you apply a treatment to dry hair prior to washing it (such as oils, rinse out conditioners and so on), to enable the hair withstand the effects of the shampoo process. It is not to be confused with hot oil treatment or oil rinses(I have covered both of them in previous posts).

If you pre-poo wrongly you would not be able to enjoy its benefits. I used to always do a pre-shampoo treatment before shampooing my hair but after some time I decided that it was one extra step I did not need because of the time involved. However very recently in light of my hair growth challengeI decided to explore pre-poo treatments again and tried using a different pre-poo, the benefits are enormous and my hair is doing much better than before. So for pre-poos it is important to switch it up until you find something that works for you.

I have to say that the benefits of pre-shampoo treatments are amazing. Even though it seems like it prolongs the whole wash day process. The reward is hair that is less tangled which leads to less breakage during wash day and so it is a win win situation. You know the saying that you have to give to get, pre-pooing is something like that (you give extra time to get awesome results). Anyway let me go ahead to mention the benefits so that I can convince you that pre-shampoo treatments promote hair health and improve length retention.
  • It removes tangles from your hair which leads to less breakage: A major reason why there is a lot of hair breakage during wash days is because the hair is tangled and dry when it is being washed. When you pre-poo it is important that when you are applying the pre-poo you detangle as you go along either with your fingers or a wide tooth comb. This means that the right pre poo treatment for you should be one which also aids in detangling your hair. When you are able to properly detangle your hair before shampooing it, there would be less tangles when your hair is being washed which will in turn lead to less breakage. We all know that one of the sources of hair breakage is the process of trying to detangle very tangled hair.
  • It moisturises the hair: When you use a proper pre-shampoo treatment you would notice that your hair feels more moisturised afterwards this is because the treatment will work as a moisturiser and will enable your hair withstand the harsh effects of the shampoo. After the shampoo has been rinsed out your hair should feel moisturised and not dry. Also after deep conditioning and drying your hair you will find that your hair feels softer and more moisturised.
  • It conditions the hair: One of the main reasons for pre-shampoo treatments is that it is meant to act as a conditioner to your hair prior to washing it. This means it is supposed to condition, strengthen and fortify the hair to enable it withstand the effects of shampoo. If you do not feel like your pre-poo is conditioning your hair you need to experiment with different types till you find one which works for you.
  • The hair becomes softer and more manageable: The effects of pre-poo treatments should be felt long after the wash day is over, as a pre-poo shields your hair from the harsh, drying effects of shampoo. It should make your hair feel softer and more manageable.

Now let us get into how to do a pre-shampoo treatment:

Before we get started however let me list the various pre-poo treatments. You can use a rinse off conditioner such as Tresemme conditioner, Alberto Balsam Conditioner, V05 Conditioner, Suave Conditioner and so on. You can also use oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and so on. You can use food such as honey, blended banana or avocado, yoghurt, coconut milk or you can use a combination of some or all of the above. For example my pre-poo treatment is usually V05 Conditioner sealed in with Wura’s Secret Hair Growth Oil, however there are loads of variations you can try. You can even use a deep conditioner to pre-poo however I do not recommend this since after shampooing you would still deep condition the hair. You can however use a deep conditioner if that is your preference. For example you deep condition on dry hair before shampooing.

To do a pre-poo simply take your pre-poo treatment of choice and apply to your hair, if you are using an oil you can decide to apply it on your scalp as well. Please note that the only pre-shampoo treatment that should be applied to your scalp is an oil.

When applying it in your hair it is important to work in sections. Take a section apply the pre-poo until you have coated the entire hair concentrate your efforts on the entire hair, particularly the roots and ends. Lightly detangle with fingers or a wide tooth comb and repeat on the remaining sections until you are through. If you use a rinse off conditioner or honey you can decide to seal with an oil.

Cover hair with a plastic cap or like me use a nylon bag and then a plastic cap for better retention of heat. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, some people also pre poo overnight. You can also use heat to minimise the treatment time.

When you want to shampoo do not rinse out the pre-poo simply wet your hair and proceed to wash your hair as normal. It is very important not to rinse out the pre-poo before washing the hair as this reduces the benefits of the pre-poo.

I would love to know if you have ever tried a pre-poo and if you have what combination did you find that works for you? Or if you are yet to try it out, please share what you intend to use. Also if you have any topics you would like me to address or any general suggestions do share.

TONKABELLE, xoxo


“Shoot for the moon, even if you fail, you’ll land among the stars” – Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You