Pre-pooing is an essential part of any low porosity hair care routine.
It can prevent breakage and increase the hair’s moisture levels.
Did you know that low porosity hair has a hard time absorbing moisture? In fact, it can take up to 4 hours for low porosity hair to absorb water.
This is why pre-pooing is so important for low porosity hair.
What Is Pre-Poo?
Pre-poo, short for pre-shampoo, is a hair treatment you apply before washing your hair. This process creates a protective barrier and opens up the hair cuticles. This is important for low porosity hair, as it doesn’t absorb moisture well.
Low porosity hair has cuticles that lay flat and tight. These prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. As a result, your hair may experience dryness and difficulty absorbing products.
When you apply a pre-poo treatment to your low porosity hair, it opens up the hair cuticles.
This allows moisture to enter and nourish your hair, essential steps to maintain and improve low porosity hair.
The pre-poo treatment can include a mix of oils, conditioners, or other natural ingredients.
Picking the right pre-poo for your hair type can help take care of your hair better. It’s useful if you have low porosity hair, as it can make your hair stronger and less likely to get damaged or break.
Benefits of Pre-Poo for Low Porosity Hair
Pre-pooing is a popular hair care practice for those with low porosity hair due to its many benefits:
- Adds Moisture to Your Hair: Low porosity hair doesn’t absorb moisture with ease. So, a pre-poo treatment helps your hair to better keep water. This keeps your hair hydrated throughout the day.
- Helps Retain Length: By keeping your hair moisturized, you reduce hair breakage and split ends. This helps your hair keep its length over time.
- Makes Hair Feel Soft: A pre-poo treatment softens low porosity hair. It allows the hair cuticle to open up. This makes it easier for hydration to enter. It also keeps your strands feeling healthy and smooth.
- Reduces Frizz: The added moisture from a pre-poo treatment can combat frizz. When you keep your hair hydrated, it’s less likely to be frizzy or hard to manage.
- Adds Luster and Shine: Pre-poo treatments moisturize your hair. They enhance your hair’s natural shine and make it look healthier and more vibrant.
- Prevents Hair Damage and Breakage: Pre-poo treatments prevent hair damage and breakage. They give your hair the moisture it needs.
- Reduces Hair Fall: When your hair is well-hydrated and healthy, it’s less likely to fall out or shed. This is important for people with low porosity hair.
- Restores Natural Oils on Your Scalp: Pre-poo treatments restore the balance of natural oils on your scalp. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp. This also leads to healthier hair growth.
- Makes Detangling Easier: The extra hydration and softness after a pre-poo treatment makes it simpler to detangle your hair. It can reduce the potential for damage by making knots easier to work through.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Pre-poo treatments can keep length and reduce hair fall. They contribute to an ideal environment for hair growth. So, you’ll likely notice an improvement in the health of your hair.
- Boosts Your Shampoo and Conditioner: Pre-poo treatment before regular shampoo and conditioner amplifies their benefits. The pre-poo opens up your hair. So, the shampoo and conditioner go inside. And they give your hair more nourishment and benefits. Having a pre-poo treatment before regular shampoo and conditioner can amplify their benefits.
How To Pre-Poo Low Porosity Hair
Here are the essential steps you need to follow to pre-poo your low porosity hair:
- Divide hair into sections
- Apply the pre-poo
- Detangle hair
- Let it sit
- Wash hair
1. Divide Your Hair into Sections
To make the pre-poo process easier and better, divide your hair into four to eight sections (depending on how long and thick your hair is).
This way, you can apply the pre-poo evenly and cover all parts of your hair.
2. Apply the Pre-Poo
Choose a pre-poo recipe that’s good for low porosity hair.
Put the mixture on each section of your hair, starting from the ends and going up to the roots.
Don’t forget to massage it into your scalp too, as this can help your hair grow and stay healthy.
3. Detangle Your Hair
After applying the pre-poo to your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
Be patient and start from the ends, working your way up to the roots. Detangling your hair will make it easier to wash later and reduce the risk of breakage.
4. Let It Sit
Once you have applied the pre-poo and detangled your hair, let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
This helps the pre-poo go deep into your hair. It then gives you the most advantages, like keeping your hair moisturized and making it easier to detangle.
To maximize the effectiveness of the pre-poo, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a warm towel.
5. Wash Your Hair
After giving the pre-poo ample time to work its magic, it’s time to wash your hair.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp.
This removes any leftover pre-poo, dirt, and buildup while preserving your hair’s natural oils. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and style your hair as usual.
When to Pre Poo Low Porosity Hair
Consider pre-pooing if you are experiencing any of the following situations:
- You have fine/thin hair
- Your scalp is dry
- Your hair tangles badly
- You have dry split ends that need a trim
- You experience excessive frizz after washing
- You want to save time
You Have Fine/Thin Hair
If you have fine or thin hair, pre-pooing protects and strengthens your hair strands.
It aids in moisture retention, making your hair less prone to breakage and damage.
Your Scalp Is Dry
Pre-pooing is great for a dry scalp because it brings back natural oils and gives hydration.
It also helps remove dirt and buildup from the scalp, ensuring a healthy and nourished scalp.
Your Hair Tangles Badly
Pre-pooing makes detangling your hair easier, as it adds moisture and enhances manageability.
This reduces the risk of hair breakage and ensures a smoother hair wash routine.
You Have Dry Split Ends That Need a Trim
If you are dealing with dry split ends, pre-pooing can help.
It provides moisture and nourishment to your hair. It also prepares your strands to better absorb hair care products. This reduces split ends and improves hair health.
You Experience Excessive Frizz After Washing
Experiencing frizz after washing your hair is a common issue of those with low porosity hair.
Pre-pooing helps reduce frizz. It locks in moisture and protects your hair follicles during the washing process.
You Want to Save Time
Pre-pooing can save you time by making your hair wash routine more efficient.
With better manageability and reduced tangles, your hair washing process will be smoother and faster.
How Often Should You Pre Poo Low Porosity Hair?
It’s good to pre poo your low porosity hair once a week, especially if your hair feels dry or tangled.
Adjust the frequency based on how your hair reacts to the treatment. Keep it simple, gentle, and friendly! That way, you’ll achieve the best results for your hair type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pre-Pooing Low Porosity Hair
Pre-pooing your low porosity hair can be a game-changer. But it’s essential to avoid common mistakes to reap the full benefits.
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong oils
- Applying treatments to dry hair
- Skipping the heat
Using the Wrong Oils
Not all oils are suitable for low porosity hair.
Lightweight oils like grapeseed, almond, and jojoba work better for this hair type.
Avoid using heavy oils like castor and coconut oil. They may weigh down your hair or cause product build-up.
Applying Treatments to Dry Hair
Start by dampening your hair. Low porosity hair can have a difficult time absorbing products.
Spritzing hair with water before applying the pre-poo treatment will boost the absorption process. It will also detangle and moisturize.
Skipping the Heat
Applying heat aids in the penetration of your pre-poo treatment.
After applying the oil or treatment to your hair, cover your head with a plastic cap. Sit under a hooded dryer or use a warm towel.
Allow the treatment to sit for at least 30 minutes.
When To Avoid The Pre Poo Treatment
There are certain situations when it’s best to skip this treatment.
You should consider avoiding pre-poo treatments under the following circumstances:
Greasy Hair
If your hair is already feeling greasy and heavy, skip the pre-poo treatment.
Adding oil or other ingredients might worsen the problem. Instead, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oils and buildup.
Co-Wash Days
On co-wash days, when you’re using a light conditioner instead of shampoo, it’s best to avoid pre-poo treatments.
Co-washing maintains your hair’s moisture balance. Adding a pre-poo might make it difficult to rinse out. This leaves your hair feeling greasy.
Different Types of Pre-Poo Treatments
Here are some of the different types of pre-poo treatments for low porosity hair:
- Pre-poo oils for low-porosity hair
- Pre-poo hair masks
- Pre-poo butters
Pre-Poo Oils for Low-Porosity Hair
Using oils as a pre-poo treatment can moisturize your hair. These oils penetrate the hair shaft, making it easier for your hair to absorb moisture.
To start, apply a small amount of oil to your hair and massage it in. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before washing.
| Oil | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Provides minerals that aid in sealing the hair cuticles |
| Castor | Offers lubrication to the hair shaft, promoting shinier hair |
| Jojoba | Contains vitamins B and C, copper, and zinc, contributing to thicker and stronger hair |
| Almond | Enriched with biotin, ensuring hair remains healthy and strong |
| Argan | Acts as a protective barrier against hair damage |
| Olive | Exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties beneficial for the scalp |
| Coconut | Offers moisturization for the scalp and hair, enhancing hair health |
Pre-Poo Hair Masks
Hair masks provide an excellent deep-conditioning treatment that you can add to your pre-poo routine.
They often combine various ingredients, such as honey, yogurt, and avocado. These give your hair an extra dose of moisture.
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Honey | Enhances hair follicle hydration |
| Yogurt | Contains probiotic bacteria, promoting hair density and improved scalp health |
| Bananas | Source of silica, enhancing hair elasticity |
| Mayonnaise | Contains vegetable oil and amino acids, boosting hair softness and strength |
| Aloe vera | Encourages hair growth and soothes dry, itchy scalp |
| Egg | Enriched in folate, vitamins A and E, and biotin, maintaining thick, healthy hair |
Pre-Poo Butters
Pre-poo butters lock in moisture and prevent hair breakage.
| Butter | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shea | Packed with fatty acids and vitamin E, providing moisture to the hair strands |
| Mango | Seals in moisture and strengthens hair follicles, reducing hair breakage |
| Cocoa | Contains polyphenols which can prevent hair loss |
| Hemp seed | Rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which can stimulate hair growth |
DIY Pre-Poo Recipes for Low Porosity Hair
If you prefer a more hands-on approach to hair care, consider these do-it-yourself pre-poo recipes for low porosity hair:
- Olive oil and egg yolk pre-poo
- Coconut oil and coconut milk pre-poo treatment
- Aloe vera and coconut oil pre-poo
- Honey, olive oil, and avocado pre-poo treatment
- Vitamin E and lavender essential oil for low porosity hair pre-poo
Olive Oil and Egg Yolk Pre-Poo
Combine one egg yolk and three tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mix to your hair, dividing it into sections.
This treatment is excellent for adding strength and nourishment to low porosity hair.
Coconut Oil and Coconut Milk Pre-Poo Treatment
Mix equal parts of coconut oil and coconut milk together. Apply the mixture to hair in sections.
This pre-poo treatment is very good for providing hydration and shine to your locks.
Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil Pre-Poo
Combine equal parts aloe vera gel and coconut oil. Spread the mixture onto your hair, focusing on divided sections.
Aloe vera and coconut oil provide hydration and reduce frizz.
Honey, Olive Oil, and Avocado Pre-Poo Treatment
Blend one ripe avocado with two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the blend onto your hair, concentrating on the sections.
This combination moisturizes and strengthens low porosity hair.
Vitamin E and Lavender Essential Oil for Low Porosity Hair Pre-Poo
Use a clean bowl. Whisk together two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, one tablespoon of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of argan oil.
Add four to six drops of vitamin E oil, and three drops of lavender essential oil.
Apply this treatment to your hair sections.
This recipe improves hair health and manageability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pre-poo for low porosity natural hair?
The best pre-poo for low porosity hair is a mixture of aloe vera and coconut oil. This combination moisturizes and nourishes your hair, making it easier to manage. You can also try other natural ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, or even honey.
Do you put pre-poo on dry hair?
Yes, you should put pre-poo to dry hair. It protects your hair from the harshness of shampoos and improves moisture retention. Apply pre-poo to your dry hair. Focus on the ends and avoid the roots. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.
Is no-poo good for low porosity hair?
No-poo, or using a conditioner instead of shampoo, might not be suitable for low porosity hair. This is because it can leave behind build-up on your hair and scalp, making it look greasy. It is better to do a pre-poo treatment. This unclogs dirt and nourishes your hair before shampooing.
What can be used as a pre-poo?
You can use natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil for a pre-poo treatment. You can also use other ingredients, such as aloe vera gel and honey. Consider purchasing a pre-made pre-poo treatment, like Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil.
Can I leave pre-poo overnight?
Yes, you can leave a pre-poo treatment on your hair overnight. This allows the treatment to work its magic for an extended period. It provides more nourishment and moisture for your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap or a satin bonnet to prevent staining your pillow.
Can you pre-poo dirty hair?
Yes, you can apply pre-poo to dirty hair. The purpose of pre-poo is to protect your hair from harsh shampoos and maintain a healthy balance in your hair and scalp. Applying pre-poo to dirty hair unclogs dirt and build-up. It also nourishes your hair.
