What Is A Pre-Shampoo Treatment And Why Do I Need One?

If you have naturally curly or kinky hair or are searching to grow long and healthy hair, you might have come across the term pre-poo or pre-shampoo treatment. But what exactly is a pre-poo treatment and why do you need one as part of your natural hair care routine?

Related: 8 Reason Your Natural Hair Isn't Getting Any Longer

What is a pre-shampoo treatment?

A pre-shampoo treatment aka a pre-poo is a treatment, usually made from oils and butters, which is applied to the hair and/ or scalp hours (or even days) before shampooing. Applying oils and butters to your natural hair and scalp will seal in moisture, act as a nourishing mask, and protect your hair from moisture-stripping shampoos. The method actually started in the natural hair community and is a strong favourite for us naturals with curly or kinky hair. 

Why use a pre-shampoo/scalp treatment? And What does a pre-shampoo mask do?

Using a pre-shampoo treatment like an oil or a butter can have many benefits for your hair and scalp, even if you have an oily scalp. Ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and argan oil nourish the hair and scalp whilst also sealing in moisture into the hair and protecting it from shampoos, which can strip the hair of its natural oils.

Essential oils like Lavender oil, Peppermint oil and Rosemary oil are some of the best oils for stimulating hair growth. Lavender oil has been found to work better than hair growth treatment on people suffering from hair loss. 

A pre-poo, can also tackle scalp issues like a dry, flaky, and itchy slap and improve the symptoms of eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis. Like the our Growth Oil Stimulating Scalp Treatment. Its a 100% natural blend of rich natural oils and enriched with stimulating and nourishing botanical extracts. Formulated to: Increase hair growth, strengthen hair, soften hair & nourish the scalp. 

• Nourishes & Stimulates Scalp 
• Strengthens hair & reduce shedding breakage 
• Restores moisture 
• Helps dry and brittle hair regain elasticity 
• Makes hair more flexible and softer 
• Helps detangling 

How do you use a pre-shampoo treatment? 

It couldn’t be more straight-forward. The day or night before you plan to shampoo your hair, section your hair into manageable sections and apply a few drops of your Favourite Pre-Shampoo Treatment to your scalp and hair and massage in.  Comb through hair for even distribution. Twist or braid sections and cover with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. Allow to penetrate overnight. Wash your hair as usual and fee & see the difference. 

Can you pre-poo on dirty hair?

Yes. You should actually. Shampoos can strip your hair of its natural moisture and the protective layer which can cause it to become dry and brittle. A pre-shampoo treatment is designed to protect from that. And as the name suggests it’s intended to be used prior to shampooing. 

Do you wet your hair before pre-poo?

You don’t need to. But you can. Oils and butters work great on dry hair and a pre-shampoo treatment should create a protective layer so the hair isn’t stripped of too much moisture when washing. So you don’t need to wet your hair prior to that. But if you pre-detangle your hair before washing you might find it easier to dampen your hair. This will lock in all the hydration from the water and create a seal. 

Related: 12 Natural Hair Myths You Need To Stop Believing

Who should use a pre-shampoo treatment? 

Pre-shampoo treatment can be beneficial to everyone whether you want to protect your dry and damaged hair to reduce breakage and retain length or are looking for a natural way to help with scalp issues like dry, itchy and flaky or oily scalp and dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.  

This 100% Natural Stimulating Scalp Treatment is a super potent blend of healing and deeply moisturising ingredients like Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and simulating infusions like Peppermint Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Sage Essential Oil and Rosemary Essential oil and is formulated to

• Increase Hair Growth
• Strengthen Hair & Reduce Breakage
• Balance Natural Sebum Production
• Moisturise & Nourish Scalp
• Treat Dry, Itch & Flaky Scalp
• Stop Dandruff 

An all-natural blend of super-rich butters and oils, a 5 in 1 treatment for dry and damaged hair with Shea, Mango and Kokum Butter and Avocado Argan and Castor Oil. 

• Deeply Moisturises & Nourishes Hair From Within 
• Repairs and Restores Damage from Heat & Styling
• Seals Moisture Into The Hair And Protects From Damage
• Adds Softness And Shine
• Controls Frizz & Makes Hair More Manageable

Pre-Shampoo Treatment For Low Porosity Hair 

A super light-weight and fast-absorbing multi-use oil blend which deeply hydrates hair without feeling heavy or greasy with Baobab Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil & Jojoba Oil. 

• Lightweight Fast-Absorbing Formula 
• Deeply Penetrates To Deliver Hydration and Nutrients 
• Seals In Moisture And Protects 
• Add Softness And Shine 
• Controls Frizz And Makes Hair More Manageable