Keep It Simple, Sexy: Pre-Poo Treatment

Keep It Simple, Sexy

Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Last week I discussed the first steps of the K.I.S.S. Method: Section and Detangle. I hoped that article helped you get rid of those occasional stubborn knots and tangles. Gently detangling hair makes the other steps a breeze. Remember the K.I.S.S. Method is an easy way to approach healthy hair practices and build a simple hair care regimen.

Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo Treatment (Optional)

Cleanse Hair (Co-wash optional)

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair

The third step :

Pre-poo Treatment

Pre-poo or Pre-shampoo treatments are hair treatments applied before the cleansing step. These treatments are optional, but I find them beneficial because that add much-needed moisture and softness to my hair. If you have extremely dry hair or suffer from breakage, I recommend adding this step to your regimen. It can help your hair regain suppleness and elasticity. When I use a clarifying shampoo, pre-poo treatments help to retain my natural oils and my hair feels less stripped.

Pre-poo treatments can be done with natural emollients/oils or commercial conditioners, or a combination of both. You can choose to warm your treatment before the application. For simplicity, sometimes I warm coconut oil, then add a few drops of lavender and rosemary oil and apply it to my hair and sleep with it over night. For those who prefer a conditioner, I use a water-base conditioner such as Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner. When my hair feels a little fragile, I use Queen Helene Cholesterol. Make your selection based on the needs of your hair. Remember, experimentation is the key.

Pre-poo treatments are typically done 20-30 minutes to washing or you can use them as an overnight treatment. I prefer the overnight treatment, because I believe it works best for the treatment to fully penetrate my hair fibers.

If your hair is short, it should not take long to apply the treatment. If you have medium to thick hair with length, it make take about 10 minutes to apply. It helps if you have a mixing bowl for a oil/ conditioner combination, applicator bottle, and a plastic cap.

Applying the Pre-Poo Treatment:

1. Since you have already detangled your hair (from previous step), apply the pre-poo treatment to each section untwisting the twisted hair, smoothing the treatment onto hair in a downward motion from root to tip, and re-twisting the hair that was loosened. Apply to scalp also. Work one section at a time. Only use fingers  (can cover hands with gloves) during this step, no combs or brushes.
2. After the hair is covered with the pre-poo treatment, use the pads of your fingers to gently massage your scalp in a circular motion.
3. Next cover, your entire head with a plastic conditioning cap. If you plan to use an overnight treatment cover with a satin bonnet over the plastic cap, so you won't stain your pillow case with oil. The benefit of overnight treatments is it will help to insulate the treatment and your body heat will warm your hair for a deep conditioning effect. If you don't plan to use an overnight treatment, you can still cover with the plastic cap and wrap your hair with a warm towel from your dryer. Or you can sit under a dryer for 20-30 minutes. If you don't choose to apply heat, leave on for at least an hour or until your hair begins to soften to get the deep conditioning effect.
4. Remove plastic cap. Rinse the pre-poo treatment out of hair. If you use a sulfate shampoo, leave a small trace of oil in hair. Hair will feel less stripped. Hair should not feel oily or sticky. Shampoo and condition hair as normal.

This is an optional/personal choice to incorporate a pre-poo treatment. It is not meant to be too complex. If you decide to use this method and use an emollient, make sure you apply light. You don't want greasy hair, because it will make the cleansing phase more difficult. Don't create more work for yourself.

Good Oils/Butters for Pre-Poo Treatments

• Almond
• Argan
• Avocado butter (melted)
• Castor
• Coconut
• Grapeseed
• Jojoba
• Olive
• Shea butter (melted)

*Sometimes I add essential oils as stimulants (Cedarwood, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, or Tea Tree)

Good Water-based Conditioners for Pre-poo Treatments

• Aussie Moist Conditioner
• Dove Care Conditioner
• Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner
• Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Queen Helene Cholesterol
• Suave Moisturizing Conditioner
• VO5 Moisturizing Conditioner
• Trader Joe's Refresh Conditioner

Next, I will discuss the Cleansing Step...

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty