Successful technique for doing a pre-poo on low porosity hair

I’ll preface this by saying: My hair was blown out and flat ironed when I did this treatment. While on vacation in the States, I decided to have my hair done by my hairdresser. I returned home a couple of weeks ago and life has been very busy. Alas, that flat ironed hair, lasted me 3 weeks– I know, I know, way too long without a wash, but I’ll admit, I did enjoy not bothering with my hair for such a long time– My hair was a bit dry and dirty, definitely in need of a cleanse. Since I’m always deep conditioning, I decided to pre-poo my hair, so I could skip stepping out of the shower, deep conditioning and going back into the shower to rinse.

My first pre-poo consisted of me applying oil to my hair and plopping on a plastic cap. I noticed a bit of sheen, but didn’t really notice a major different in my hair’s overall condition. This time, I decided to do a hot oil/ deep condition pre-poo.

1. I combined different oils that all have beneficial properties: coconut (70%), jojoba (10%), cupuaca (10%) butter, argan oil (10%).
2. I used about 1/4 cup of all combined. Placed the oil in my DIY pyrex dish double boiler and warmed them over medium heat.
3. I added a sprig of rosemary to the oils, as it has healing properties, invigorates the scalp, promotes growth and smells just heavenly. Once warmed, I applied this to my hair from root to tip, paying special attention to my ends. I also applied a small amount to my scalp and massaged my head.
4. I was generous with the amount applied to my ends and applied a light layer to the rest of my hair.
5. Next, I put conditioner on the ends of my hair on top of the oil. Sat under a hooded dryer, with a plastic cap on my head, for about 30 minutes. I then proceeded to shampoo with a gentle sulfate-free cleanser and then condition.
6. Finally, I moisturized with a leave-in and did my usual styling routine (i.e. twists and sat under the dryer to let the moisture seep in).

What I noticed:

• my hair didn’t feel stripped when I shampooed it.
• my hair melted into the conditioner and detangling was not difficult.
• my hair was shiny after washing, but the next day when it was completely dry it was even shinier.
• day three hair is still shiny and so soft. I need to keep my hands out of my head though, definite case of HIH (hands in hair) syndrome.
• My twist out is not as defined as usual, but I’m okay with that. I’ll trade anything for health and shine.

Moral of the story, low porosity hair needs, heat for products to absorb.

*** hair pinned back for my job interview, but I’m still loving the sheen!***

   
  

Pre-Poo Oil Treatment

Happy New Year Everyone!

The other day, I was skimming through a book a friend gifted me many years ago. The book is about all natural Indian beauty secrets. It also includes a section on healing from the inside, which I appreciate, as all beauty starts from within. The hair section discusses cures for dry hair. Some of the suggestions to combat this problem include: shampooing on an as needed basis, gentle brushing and combing, using creamy conditioners, reducing exposure to strong winds and sun, and overnight coconut oil treatments.

Honestly, nothing new here, but it helps to read about it and have it reiterated. As a lo-po natural, I obviously can’t go without an occasional shampoo. However, I typically cleanse with rhassoul clay, only using commercial shampoos every other month if I notice any product build-up. I’ve never prepped my hair with an oil treatment before cleansing. So I’m giving it a go for the first time today. Ideally, the book suggests doing this overnight. However, I can’t work this into my schedule. So here’s my approach to pre-poo oil treatments:

1. Divide hair into four sections and generously apply coconut oil to both scalp and hair, concentrating on the ends. You could treat yourself to a nice scalp massage at this point.
2. Cover hair in a plastic cap, wet a small towel with very hot water and carefully squeez out the excess water. *Place the damp, hot towel over the plastic cap, place a plastic bag (the kind you get at the grocery store in the fresh produce section) over the towel and cover with a scarf or bonnet.
3. Leave this in for as long as you like, but if you’re stressed for time like me, about 20-30 minutes should be fine.
4. I’ll follow this treatment with rhassoul and condition my hair if necessary.

*Remember heat is the key for effective moisturizing for lo-po hair.

My due date is rapidly approaching and I’m due in a little less than two weeks, but could go at any moment, so my goal today is to get my hair into some kind of protective style and forget about it until after the birth. If you’re a long time follower, you might remember when I was pregnant with my son, I had a fear of going into labor mid-styling. Same thing this time around. So some simple elegant two strand twists might be the way to go again.

I’ll report back with pictures and results after styling (if I’m not in labor— I’m that uncomfortable at this point, I wouldn’t actually mind!).

Do you pre-poo? What kind of results have you noticed?

XO

**UPDATE**

After washing with rhassoul clay, conditioning and applying my leave-in, grapeseed oil and gel, I twisted my hair. I then sat under the dryer for 15 and to let me leave-in absorb. My twists feel moisturized and soft and my hair is shiny and smooth. I think the pre-poo gave it more of a shine than my usual routine, but I’m not 100% sure, so I’ll have to give it a few more tries to test the results. In any case, I’m happy to have my hair twisted and out of the way for the next couple of weeks.