Somewhere around 1989 I abandoned the pre-shampoo treatment concept. Bye-bye V05 Hot Oil Treatment. But like all things 80’s it’s baaaaack! And just like certain things from the 80’s that never really left (Egad, like your auntie who still wears heavily contoured blush)….if you google the term “pre-poo” (which is short for “pre-shampoo”), you will stumble upon numerous hair bloggers and vloggers singing the praises of the pre-poo. So clearly, pre-poo has been around for quite some time. I however, have not included the pre-shampoo step in my routine for many years.
After a little chat with my hair homie, Kitiya of MischoBeauty, I decided to revive the ol’ pre-poo. Kitiya recommended many different oils. I decided to save myself a few bucks and go with a blended cocktail of oils currently taking up space under my sink…Jojoba and Coconut. In a rather unscientific manner, I applied generous portions of both to dry hair, massaged from root to ends, and then covered with a hot towel and plastic cap for an hour.
After one hour, I rinsed my hair then followed up with shampoo (Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo) and conditioner (Pantene Time Renewal Conditioning Mask). From there I applied PhytoSpecific PhytoGrowth Serum to my scalp, Macadamia Hair Treatment Oil and Nourishing Treatment Cream to my hair, and styled as usual.
The end result was shiny and more manageable. My hair appeared healthier and had lots of body. The finish was sleek yet not weighed down. In a nut shell, my hair was PERFECT! See for yourself:
So yea, the pre-poo is my new BFF!
Not one to leave well enough alone, I decided to investigate current pre-poo’s on the market and share the deets with you:
PhytoSpecific Revitalizing Oil is a light yet rich pre-shampoo treatment that hydrates both hair and scalp. The key ingredients include:
- Castor, Peanut, and Soybean oil to hydrate, nourish and fortify
- Vitamin E to protect hair against external stress (Antioxidant alert)
- Keratin Derivative to restructure and strengthen weak hair
PhytoSpecific Revitalizing Oil is recommended for hair that is dry due to chemical processes. It is also recommended for individuals with scalp irritation and/or flaky scalp.
In May Ojon will introduce its latest product, Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment. Featuring the brand’s signature Ojon oil, the treatment is designed to cater to dry, damaged hair types. The pre-poo contains a combination of ingredients rich in amino and essential fatty acids. Key ingredients include: passion fruit, babassu, macadamia, and crambe seed.
Do you pre-poo? If so, please share your recommendstions. I’d love to hear about the products YOU use. C’mon!…everyday I share with you…now share with me:)
I pre-poo. I am transition and my hair is just so dry so pre-poos tend to help. I normally use Coconu Oil, Grapeseed oil (my fav and use it on my body too) and Argon oil. I will often add a little honey to that mix which is a great moisturizer. Wrap my hair in saran wrap (i go through too many caps) and use heat cap for 45 minuts to 1 hour.
Nicole. Thank you for the tips!
Pre-poo! Hilarious! Phyto’s “huiles d’ales” Pre-shampoo Oil Treatment is our fave in-store, but JF Lazartigue also makes a wonderful Orange Essential Oil pre-poo…
@NewLondon – Orange sounds divine. I’d love to give it a try if you guys have a sample!
Yay! I love it! Girl, your hair looks so healthy- and of course you know I love the volume. I’m curious about the PhytoSpecific Revitalizing Oil & the Ojon Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment- if you decide to try them, please let us know your thoughts! 🙂
I have tried the PhytoSpecific Oil. From an “efficacy” stand point, I recommend it as a pre poo. From an “economical” stand point, custom blending your fav oils might be lighter on the wallet. For women not into mixing and experimenting, PhytoSpecific is a solid choice!
My hair has been having quite the moment for sometime now….perhaps I need to consider this approach….
@Leslie – Its def worth a try!
It looks fabulous! Just curious, did you blow dry and flat iron? Rollerset? I would LOVE to get some of that volume and body, and was wondering how you achieved it? Thanks!
Mel
p.s. I have been using the Burt’s Bees avocado pre-poo, and it has been excellent. You can find it at Whole Foods
Hi Melanie – I generally wash once a week. I blow dry and then a quick flat iron. After that, no heat for the rest of the week. I use T3 blow dryer and Sultra Slim Luxe 1/2 inch plate flat iron. I hope this helps! I’ll have to try your pre-poo reco when I run out of my current stash!
I haven’t but I am highly considering it. Thanks for sharing, I realized my hair is getting so dry and every day I’m adding product just for a touch of shine. I will be pre-poo-ing before my next wash! Thanks Felicia!! 😉
You’re welcome Celine! Let me know how it works out!