How to Pre-poo 4C Hair in 6 Easy Steps

Learn how to pre-poo 4c hair in this blog post.

Pree-pooing is the act of applying a hair treatment to your strands before shampooing. This can be done with anything from oils to leave-in conditioners, but the goal is always the same: to protect your hair from the harsh realities of shampooing. Shampoo can strip away natural oils, leaving your hair feeling dry and brittle. But by prepping your strands with a little moisture beforehand, you can help minimize the damage. Pree-pooing is especially beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair, but it can be helpful for all hair types. Thus, if you have 4c hair, pre-pooing is definitely something you should add to your hair care routine.

More: How to Stop Shrinkage on Natural 4C Hair W/ 6 Tips

How to Pre-poo 4C Hair in 6 Easy Steps thevenusface

How to pre-poo 4c hair in 6 steps

There are a few steps you can take to pre-poo your 4c hair:

1. Choose a pre-poo product

Pre-poo products are designed to help prevent damage to the hair before shampooing. Because 4c hair is especially susceptible to breakage and dryness, pre-poo products can be extremely beneficial. Pre-poo products typically include oils and other moisturizing ingredients that help to coat and protect the hair shaft. This can help to reduce the amount of friction when shampooing, preventing breakage. In addition, pre-poo products can help to hydrate the hair and scalp, preventing dryness. When used regularly, pre-poo products can help to keep 4c hair healthy and damage-free.

Below are some of the best pre-poo products for 4c hair:

2. Apply pre-poo product on your hair

After you’ve chosen a pre-poo product, it’s time to apply it to your hair. The key is to apply it in small sections, working it into the hair from root to tip. Use your hands to apply each strand from root to tip by fondling each section. This act will also help detangle your hair in the process.

3. Twist each section after it’s been pre-pooed

Once you’ve gone through each section of your hair, it’s time to twist it. This helps to seal in the product and lets you remember where you’ve already applied it. It also helps to stretch the hair, making it less likely to break when shampooing.

4. (Optional) Massage your scalp

You can also give yourself a scalp massage while pre-pooing. This helps to increase circulation and promote healthy hair growth. It also feels pretty darn good.

5. Wear a shower cap once you’re done

After you’ve applied the pre-poo product and twisted each section to your entire head, it’s time to cover your hair with a shower cap. This helps to keep the product in place and prevent it from getting on your clothes. This will also prevent moisture loss, allowing the product to work its magic.

6. Wait for 30 minutes to an hour

Ideally, you should wait for at least 30 minutes before shampooing your hair. This allows the product to penetrate the hair shaft and do its job. If you have time, you can leave it in for up to an hour. Just be sure to rinse it out before shampooing to avoid any buildup.

Once you’ve waited the appropriate amount of time, it’s time to shampoo your hair as usual. Follow up with a conditioner, and you’re good to go!

More: How to Moisturize 4C Hair: The Complete Guide

Best oils for a pre-poo

Instead of using a pre-poo product, you can also pre-poo your hair with oils. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more natural approach. Oils help to protect the hair shaft and prevent damage while shampooing. They can also help to add moisture and shine. When used regularly, oils can help to keep 4c hair healthy and strong.

There are a variety of oils you can use for pre-pooing, but some of the best include:

There are also aloe vera and rice water, which are not oils but can be used for pre-pooing.

How to pre-poo 4c hair with oils

To pre-poo with oils, start by wetting your hair with warm water. This will help the oils to penetrate the hair shaft. Next, apply a generous amount of oil to your hair, focusing on the ends and strands that are the most damaged. Once your hair is fully coated, cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. After the allotted time has passed, shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

When pre-pooing with oils, be sure to use a light hand. Oils can weigh down the hair if used in excess. If your hair feels greasy after pre-pooing, you’ve used too much oil. Start with a small amount and increase as needed.

More: How to Co-wash 4C Hair in 5 Steps

Final thoughts

Pre-pooing is a simple yet effective way to care for your 4c hair. By adding it to your hair care routine, you can help to reduce breakage, dryness, and damage. Now you know how to pre-poo 4c hair. Give it a try today!

More: How to Take Care of 4C Hair: The Complete Guide

Nala Hale
Nala Hale
Hi there! I'm Nala Hale, an African American woman who wears many hats. I'm a hair stylist, blogger, and proud mother of three amazing kids. In addition to my work as a stylist, I'm also the owner and content writer for Thevenusface.com, where I share my passion for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle with the world.