What it is: Pre-poo, short for, “pre-shampoo,” is generally a mix of hair-hydrating oils along with aloe, butters, creams, or conditioners to moisturize and protect your hair from the drying effects of shampoo.
Who should use it: Whether you’re relaxed or natural, a pre-poo may be a good look for your strands if your hair is feeling really dry before shampooing, or feels stripped of moisture, rough, or even “too clean” after shampooing.
How to do it: Section and dampen your hair with water. Gently detangle, then apply your pre-poo to your hair and scalp, section by section. Twist each section before covering your hair with a plastic cap. Leave on for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. If you’re in a time crunch, sit under a hooded dryer for 15 minutes, then move on to the shampoo.
Products to consider: Olive, avocado, and coconut oils are popular and simple DIY pre-poo ingredients. It may take a little trial and error to figure out what keeps your hair hydrated; here are a few good brands to get you started: Mielle Organics, Burt’s Bees, The Mane Choice. Do you have a pre-poo you swear by? Hit reply and tell us!