5 Reasons to Pre-Poo (Curly Hair)

For those with waves, coils, or super curls, the term “pre-poo” is no funny childhood joke — it’s an essential part of a haircare routine. Curly hair, with its unique texture, requires a different level of love, and pre-pooing offers several advantages. In this listicle, we’ll take a peek into the pre-poo ritual, a before-shampoo treatment that’s gaining traction.  Join us in reading 5 Reasons to Pre-Poo (Curly Hair).

Why Should You Pre-Poo Your Curls?

Pre-pooing is simply the prep step before you shampoo. It’s a time-honored practice that can revolutionize your hair game, especially if those locks are prone to dryness and tangles. The curly hair community swears by it, and here’s why you might want to jump on the pre-poo bandwagon.

1. Hydration Is Key: The first and foremost reason to pre-poo is to inject moisture into your hair. By using hydrating oils or masks before shampooing, you’re setting the stage for hair that’s less stripped of its natural oils, aka sebum.
2. Detangling Delight: Curls and knots are inseparable companions, but pre-pooing helps to loosen up those tangles, making the detangling process come shampoo time a whole lot smoother (pun intended).
3. Cleansing Sensitive Scalps: Many individuals with curly hair also have sensitive scalps. Pre-pooing with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil can offer gentle cleansing that won’t aggravate any scalp concerns.
4. Sealing the Shaft: Pre-poo treatments do more than just sit on your strands — they can add a thin protective layer to your hair, which can prevent excessive absorption of water and potential damage to the hair cuticle.
5. Nutrient Boost: Finally, pre-pooing with nutrient-rich ingredients such as coconut oil can introduce your curls to lots of vitamins and healthy fats that are beneficial for hair health.

Starting to see the allure of the pre-poo process? Here’s a deeper look at each benefit.

The Deep-Dive into Pre-Pooing

1. Deep Hydration for Your Curls

The main draw of the pre-poo step is the ability to deeply hydrate your hair. In the curly hair community, moisture is king, and pre-pooing is a surefire way to lock it in. Using a product rich in natural oils like avocado, jojoba, or olive oil can penetrate the hair shaft, nourishing it from the inside out. This moisture-rich base can also add ‘slip’ to the hair, which aids in detangling.

2. Battle the Tangle Menace

Tangles can turn what should be a simple hair care routine into an extended session of wrestling with your own mane. But with pre-pooing, those tangles don’t stand a chance. Oils and conditioners used in pre-poo treatments help to soften the hair, making it more pliable and much easier to comb through.

3. A Scalp-Saving Routine

Pre-poo treatments don’t only benefit your strands; they’re therapeutic for the scalp. Many curly-haired people have to battle dry, itchy, and flaky scalps, which can be exacerbated by harsh cleaning agents. Pre-poo with soothing ingredients like peppermint or lavender to calm and cleanse delicately.

4. The Protective Penthouse

Our hair cuticle is designed to protect the inner layers of the hair, but excessive absorption of water can cause it to ‘lift’, leading to frizz and potential damage. A pre-poo treatment coats the hair cuticle, helping to keep water at bay during shampoo, which in turn protects the hair and maintains shape and moisture balance.

Our hair needs nutrients, just like the rest of our body. Pre-poo treatments can be tailored to include ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can fortify hair strands, improve elasticity, and encourage growth.

Now, these five reasons should totally get you excited to try pre-pooing! Remember, every hair type is unique, so go ahead and experiment with different ingredients and timings to find what works best for you.

Summary…

Pre-pooing is a quintessential step in a curly hair routine. It hydrates, detangles, soothes and adds protective layers that can enhance the health and appearance of your curls. Give it a try — your hair will thank you!