If you’ve been natural for any amount of time, you’ve probably already realized the need for something to strengthen and condition your hair. You may have tried various hot oil treatments and other conditioning regimens before shampooing your hair. Depending on your hair type, these can actually cause more damage than simply doing without. However, you can make your own pre-poo recipes and get exactly what you need for your hair!
EVOO My!
Since those tiny packets of hot oil treatments only provide so much oil and force you to come back buying more, consider making your own. In addition to using better oil, your homemade version can be much more cost effective! For this treatment, you can use either some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil”> or coconut oil, which will liquefy when warmed. To warm the oil, you can either microwave it (but watch closely to be sure it doesn’t boil”> or heat it up in a double boiler. Then begin massaging the oil into your scalp, working your way down so that all of your hair receives the treatment. You can use wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil if your hair tends to break off when finger combing like mine does!
Next, cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap. You can also wrap this with a towel to keep it extra warm. You can periodically comb through your hair while it’s under wraps, but this isn’t necessary. After about an hour, remove the towel (if you used one”> and the cap, then shampoo and condition as usual. You should notice a remarkable difference in the softness of your hair!
Co-Washing Pre-Poo
If you’re a fan of co-washing, you’re gonna love this pre-poo treatment from Curly Bronzed! She’s combined conditioning ingredients with pre-poo methods for an all-in-one mixture you can use for co-washing. Boil1/2 cup purified water and then stir in 1 tbsp organic flax seeds. After it simmers for about a half hour, let it cool. In a double boiler, combine 3 tbsps melted shea butter, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp castor oil and 2 tbsp glycerin. Melt 1/2 tbsp raw honey (still in the double boiler”>. At this point, you’ll combine the two mixtures you’ve created, let the mixture cool and you’ll be good to go!
The neat thing about Curly Bronzed’s method is that, while it does take a little longer to put together than some other more simple pre-poo treatments, it works as both a pre-poo treatment and a conditioner — which is perfect for you no-poo curlies!
Want More?
Final Thoughts
Pre-poo treatments are great for softening your hair before you shampoo it. What has your experience been with using conventional hot oil treatments and other pre-poo concoctions?
Have you ever tried making your own pre-poo recipes? If so, how did it turn out and more importantly, would you do it again? Do you have any tips to add to the recipes we found? If so, tell us about it!
