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Hair-care guide

Pre-Poo for Curly Hair: What It Is and How to Do It

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · From the American Academy of Dermatology · How we compare

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A pre-poo (pre-shampoo treatment) is oil or conditioner put on dry hair before you shampoo. It softens knots so detangling is easier and helps the lengths feel less stripped after washing. It helps most on tightly curled, coily, dry or color-treated hair; fine waves that get weighed down can usually skip it.

The steps

  1. Section dry hair
  2. Coat the lengths
  3. Shampoo the scalp
Diagram. Section dry hair, coat the lengths and ends with conditioner or a light oil, then shampoo only the scalp. The numbered steps below say the same in full.
  1. Section dry hair into four or more parts.
  2. Coat the lengths and ends, not the scalp, with conditioner or a light oil.
  3. Finger-detangle each section gently and twist or clip it.
  4. Leave it on while you get ready; there’s no set time, but if you use a conditioner, stay within any time its label gives.
  5. Shampoo the scalp as usual and let the suds rinse through the lengths, then condition.

Who it helps

Coils and tight curls that knot easily, hair that feels rough after shampoo, and colored or bleached lengths. If your hair is fine and falls flat, try it on the ends only, or skip it.

Caring for coily hair Dry, rough curls

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How to detangle curly hair →

How to co-wash →