When it comes to rocking natural hair, pre-shampoo treatments for curly hair are a total game changer. Among hair types, natural hair is probably the most benefited from pre-poo products. Natural and curly hair textures are typically drier than others, making the hair more vulnerable to breakage, frizz, and other hair nightmares.
There are a lot of options when it comes to pre-poo products for natural hair, and we’re covering all of them. Those of us proudly displaying our natural hair may worry about whether a pre-poo sesh could damage our delicate tresses. Can you pre-poo natural hair? What are the best pre-poo products? We’re answering these common pre-poo questions and including our picks for the best pre-poo treatments and oils for natural hair, so keep reading.
What Is Pre-Poo?
As the name suggests, pre-poo is a hair conditioning treatment you apply to your hair before shampooing– so, a pre-poo. Get it? Pre-poo products come in all different varieties– oils, butters, masks, and treatments. The primary goal of pre-shampoo products is to help heal hair from damage, making it easier to style and overall healthier.
Our Favorite Pre-Shampoo Treatments for Curly and Natural Hair
There are literally hundreds (well, maybe not literally) of natural hair pre-poo oils, conditioners, and other products readily available for coily-maned consumers. But, with so many options, which should you choose? Here is a comprehensive list of some of our fave natural hair-friendly products.
Best Pre-Poo for Natural Hair
Here is a down-and-dirty lesson on the different pre-poo products and how to use them to get your healthiest hair.

1. Conditioning Treatments & Butters
Some of the most effective pre-poo products for natural hair are butters and deep conditioning treatments designed specifically for curly hair. Butters and other treatments designed specifically for pre-poo usage aim at combating the damage caused by over-processed, under-nourished hair.
Best pre-poo treatments
Our favorite pre-shampoo treatments for curly hair
- Bond Building Pre-Shampoo Treatment
- Burt’s Bee Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Treatment
- DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder
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2. Masks
Using a hair mask for natural hair is an excellent way to restore lost moisture, help detangle hair, and increase its strength. If your hair is recovering from a braided hairstyle, it’s especially important to treat your hair to a deep conditioning pre-poo treatment. After you apply your hair mask, you can use a hooded dryer (if you happen to have one) to lock in the hydration. You can also use a satin hair bonnet and let the mask work its magic overnight.
Best pre-poo masks
Must-have masks for natural hair (we’re a little partial to the first two)
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3. Oil
You can’t go wrong with an oil treatment when it comes to adding moisture to your natural tresses. You can buy yourself a hair oil to use as a pre-poo treatment or make your own using a hydrating oil like coconut or argan. You can add your pre-poo oil to your favorite conditioner– you just need a few drops. You can also massage a small amount directly into your hair and scalp. The optimal time to leave it on for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours. Wrapping your hair up in a tight bun or keeping it under a hair bonnet are your best bets for the most saturation (plus, it’ll keep your sofa oil-free).
Best pre-poo oils
Our favorite must-use oils for pre-poo fabulousness
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Things to Avoid When You Pre-Poo Natural Hair
Success from applying a pre-poo treatment to curly hair only comes when done correctly. Here are a few things to remember to get the most from your pre-poo routine:
- Try to avoid wetting your hair when applying your pre-poo products. If needed, you can use a little bit of water to your hair to make it more manageable.
- Don’t pre-poo natural hair with products designed for other hair types. You want to find those pre-poo oils and treatments created specifically for natural hair.
- Don’t leave a water-based product on your hair overnight, it can lead to oversaturation. Only oil-based products should be left on overnight.
There you have it; a crash course in pre-poo products for curly hair. You now know you definitely can and should pre-poo natural hair. You’re also equipped with knowing the best conditioners and the best oil for pre-poo and how to use them.
Need even more juicy tips to get your natural hair looking healthier than ever? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading our blog for the latest and greatest tricks to keep your mane gorgeous all year long.
Edited by: Iris
