Pre poo is short for pre shampooing. When you pre poo, you apply an oil before shampooing your hair. This may seem strange but it actually works wonders for most natural hair types. Although it may seem like a waste of money, many of us actually need this treatment to combat dry hair.
WHAT HAIR POROSITY HAS TO DO WITH IT
Yes, I know we are told there is no better moisturizer than good old H2O. However, unless you have very low porosity hair, water can actually be drying. This is because water enters the hair shaft too quickly. It drowns the hair, flushing out the proteins we need to maintain strong strands.
Water also causes hair to swell. Swelling raises the cuticles and allows additional water into the shaft. This causes frizz and dryness. Using a pre poo oil helps to waterproof the hair's core. It helps water penetrate the hair shaft slowly, making swelling less of an issue. This is how you achieve medium porosity hair. Medium porosity hair is the ideal hair type because it 1) allows in enough moisture and 2) retains the moisture brought in.
OILS TO USE AND OILS TO AVOID
Some oils will prevent penetration. Avoid Mineral Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Jojoba Oil as pre-poo treatments. These oils are best used as sealants. Instead, use penetrating oils such as Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil and Castor Oil. These oils are best for waterproofing the part of your hair that swells.
HOW TO PRE POO
Pre pooing is pretty simple: apply your oil of choice to dry hair. Try warming the oil to enhance its effects. The heat will help it penetrate the hair shaft. Leave on hair for up to 45 minutes. Continue with your usual shampoo and conditioner and reap the benefits!
THE BENEFITS
Pre pooing will result in stronger hair, allowing hair to retain all its natural goodness. It will also help with detangling and breakage. Not only is pre pooing great for our natural hair, it also works wonders for hair extensions. If you have older extensions pre pooing helps to bring them back to life, making it easier to detangle. It also gives dull hair moisture and shine. Use the same steps as on your natural hair.
If you don't fancy experimenting with natural oils to find your perfect pre poo treatment try Philip Kingsley Elasticizer or Burts Bees Avacado Pre Shampoo.
Yours in Beauty,
Lana & Gina