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3 Reasons Why You Need To Add a “Pre-Poo” To Your Natural Hair Routine

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Howard chapter.

Would you believe me if I told you that you could reduce your hair wash day by incorporating one simple step into your hair routine? Pre-shampoo or “pre-poo” for short is a treatment, usually made from oils, aloe vera, or other conditioning agents, that is applied to your hair before shampooing. Typically, individuals with curly and coily hair can spend hours washing their hair trying to remove all the knots and tangles. For me, detangling my hair takes up most of my time during wash day. However, since using a pre-poo washing my hair has been easier and faster. Pre-shampoo treatments work wonders because they are great detanglers and provide protection and moisture to the hair which makes it more manageable. Below are three reasons why you need to pre-poo your hair at the beginning of your wash day routine. 

  1. Helps Retain Moisture: Oftentimes, shampoos can strip away necessary oils that condition the hair, and using a regular conditioner might not be enough to restore moisture. However, pre-shampoo provides a protective layer on the hair strand that helps retain moisture and prevents over-cleansing. 
  2. Amazing Detangler: As mentioned before, pre-shampoo can cut your wash day in half because of its effective detangling abilities. Your hair will be easier to manage because of the slip and softness that pre-poo adds to your hair. Also, using a pre-poo treatment will prevent your hair from tangling up again throughout your wash day process.
  3. Reduces Breakage and Split Ends: Pre-shampoo’s ability to protect the hair strand and provide moisture also aids in strengthening your hair. Also, pre-shampoo prevents friction and tangles in the hair, therefore, reducing damage like breakage and split ends. 

If you do not know which pre-poo treatment to start using, I recommend trying the African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo. The aloe vera and coconut in this pre-poo work as a very effective conditioning agent for the hair. I use it myself and I love it! Also, you can DIY a pre-poo using oils that you might already have such as olive oil, caster oil, jojoba oil, etc. Remember to leave the pre-shampoo on your hair for 15-30 minutes before shampooing to get the best results!

Hi, my name is Briana and I am from Philadelphia P.A. I am a senior Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Spanish studying at Howard University. My interests include writing, dancing, and natural hair and skin care.