How to Pre-Shampoo African American Hair

Pre-shampoo is a conditioning treatment that is placed on the hair before you shampoo. African-American hair is drier than most, therefore performing a pre-shampoo is very beneficial. The treatment coats the strands and forms a protective barrier over the cuticles to keep the hair smooth. It also keeps the harsh detergents in the shampoo from stripping the hair of moisture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair conditioner
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, coconut, grape seed or castor)
• Shower cap
• Towel
• Comb
• Bowl

1. Take a small bowl and pour in some of your favorite conditioner, either the deep or rinse-out kind. Add an oil of choice; coconut oil absorbs into the hair faster, olive oil is ultra moisturizing, grape seed oil is known to encourage hair growth and castor oil can make hair thicker. Mix your oil of choice in the bowl with the conditioner, and make sure it has a smooth, creamy consistency.

2. Part your hair into four to eight sections, depending on length and thickness. Apply the mix to each part, concentrating on the ends of the hair. Once the pre-shampoo has been applied, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to make sure it is evenly distributed.

3. Place a shower cap on your head and allow the treatment to sit for 30 minutes to and hour. You can also wrap your head with a warm towel, to make sure the conditioner really penetrates the hair shaft.

4. Remove your cap or towel, and finger comb your hair again. You should notice a difference immediately. Rinse and shampoo your hair as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Before applying your pre-shampoo mix, make sure that if you use a protein based conditioner, after you shampoo follow it up with a deep moisturizing conditioner (protein makes the hair hard).

Resources

• Healthy Textures

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