What is Pre-Pooing, and Why Your Hair Needs It Now More Than Ever

Let’s clarify right away—this isn’t a conversation about bathroom habits. Pre-poo stands for pre-shampoo, which is the act of preparing your hair before you wash it. This process can involve various treatments such as masks, oils, scrubs, or treatments, all of which aim to hydrate and/or clarify your scalp and hair. While applying a product to your hair before washing it might feel unusual, this step can greatly enhance your hair’s texture, streamline your styling process, and even support hair loss prevention.

If you're unsure where to begin (or looking for ways to elevate your pre-poo routine), keep reading for the essential details about pre-poos—and how to maximize the benefits of your pre-poo treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Pre-Pooing?

While everyone wants their hair to feel fresh, 'squeaky clean' is too harsh. The purpose of pre-pooing is to protect and hydrate your hair during the wash process. "This is particularly helpful for those with kinky, curly, damaged, or unruly hair," explains celebrity hairstylist Ryan Richman. "Shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Pre-pooing creates a protective base that shields your hair from over-cleansing."

By protecting and sealing your hair, the pre-poo treatment helps reduce breakage (a.k.a. hair loss) during your shower routine. Richman also highlights that it assists in detangling your hair before you shampoo, meaning you won't have to use harsh brushing after you shower.

Another benefit? This extra step can simplify your styling process. Over-cleansing strips away natural oils, leaving hair follicles exposed and frizzy. By preserving these oils, pre-pooing helps maintain hair texture, shape, and sheen.

How Do You Pre-Poo?

The answer varies depending on your personal hair goals, but ultimately, Richman explains that pre-pooing falls into two categories: clarifying and hydrating.

If your goal is to refresh your scalp, a clarifying treatment, such as a scalp scrub, detoxifying hair serum, or ACV rinse, can be beneficial. These treatments help remove buildup, which is particularly useful since many shampoos and conditioners are packed with heavy cream- or oil-based ingredients.

If hydration is your primary goal, plant-based oils like hot oil treatments and hair masks will be your best friend. Richman suggests using coconut, argan, olive, and castor oils, all of which can protect your hair from dryness during the washing process.

As for how long to leave it on, Richman recommends keeping a clarifying pre-poo treatment on for no more than 20 minutes, while moisturizing treatments should be left on for up to half an hour. "For optimal results, apply your pre-poo treatment to dry hair before you get in the shower," he advises. "Once the product is evenly spread throughout your hair, cover it with a shower cap. The combination of heat and steam from the shower will help the product penetrate your hair follicles faster, and you can use this time to wash your body."

How Often Should You Pre-Poo?

The frequency of pre-pooing depends on your hair type and the treatment you're using. Clarifying treatments should be limited to once a month, while moisturizing masks and creams can be incorporated as often as you'd like. However, Richman cautions that over-moisturizing can be a concern. "People with fine to medium hair may find that daily pre-pooing isn't necessary, as it can weigh down volume. Only very dry or curly hair types should pre-poo every time they shower. Finer hair should stick to pre-pooing every other wash."

Are There Things You Should Avoid?

When pre-pooing, Richman advises against using the same treatment as your shampoo. For example, if you're using a clarifying shampoo, it’s best not to use a clarifying pre-poo treatment. Similarly, if your shampoo is loaded with moisturizing ingredients and silicones, avoid pairing it with a heavy, creamy hair mask.

Similar to skincare, pre-pooing offers a chance for customization—you can experiment with different methods until you discover what works best for you. If you're looking for some suggestions, check out our top picks for pre-poo treatments below.

1. Best Pre-Poo for Fine Hair: Ouai Treatment Masque

If your hair struggles to hold a style, tame it with this revitalizing mask. Artichoke leaf extract locks the cuticle to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and offer maximum protection against heat and color damage. Tamarind seed extract provides intense hydration and forms a shield to prevent further harm.

2. Best Pre-Poo for Dandruff: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Pre-Shampoo Scalp Scrub

African black soap, or black soap, is a traditional skin cleanser prized for its purifying and clarifying properties. While it’s fantastic for skin, it’s also suitable for all hair types. This SheaMoisture formula includes charcoal particles that draw out impurities, excess oil, and flaky buildup, making it ideal for dandruff-prone scalps.

3. Best Pre-Poo for Curly Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment

One application of Moroccanoil's renowned treatment tames even the most unruly curls, while its water-like texture ensures it won’t weigh down finer hair types.

4. Best Pre-Poo for Dull Hair: Aveeno Clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar In-Shower Hair Rinse

Infused with a fresh, farm-inspired blend of apple cider vinegar, this Aveeno rinse works wonders to clarify your hair, boosting its natural shine.

5. Best Pre-Poo for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

For tackling flyaways and split ends, this bonding oil smooths down stray hairs and strengthens the ends. Inspired by Korean fermented ingredients to enhance absorption, it’s packed with anti-aging nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamins D, C, E, and essential fatty acids to nourish and protect your hair.

6. Best Custom Pre-Poo: Prose Soothe & Balance Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask

Looking for the ultimate pre-poo experience? Prose allows you to personalize your treatment with a carefully selected blend of sustainable, natural ingredients tailored to your hair’s specific needs. Featuring eucalyptus oil, jojoba beads, kombucha tea, and kale extract, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and GMOs.