How to Use Pre-Shampoo Oil, Conditioner, or Primer to Prevent Damage | Pre-Poo 101

[@GenaMarie]

Do you use a pre-shampoo treatment? Check out my notes from this video and more product recs here: genamarie.co/2023/12/why-you-should-be-using-a-pre-shampoo-oil-conditioner-or-primer-pre-poo-101/

[@ceystal]

A lighter option for coconut oil that has the same properties is babassu oil. It's great for low porosity hair or those whose hair cannot tolerate coconut oil. I also love using a seperate scalp oil when I prepoo.

[@lorainemcgillivray77]

Hi Gena I use conditioner with decent slip that I don’t love as a normal conditioner to do this pre poo step. It’s a great way to use up product that might otherwise sit unused. I have super dry hair naturally with an eczema prone scalp so my hair soaks up oil extremely quickly and I don’t get as much slip for detangling with oil. I have used the conditioner method for at least a year and it works well for my course textured high porosity curly hair. I don’t need a specialty product like a primer tbh, although I have no doubt they work well. Just a normal conditioner with good slip works great and I use more affordable products for this step. A decently affordable option if you need to buy one is the twist by Ouidad conditioner for coils as it has a ton of slip and isn’t too expensive. Best wishes x

[@OddinaryOne]

I do the same!

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, this is a great idea and something I also mentioned in the video within the conditioner section. Any conditioner will do!

[@MyriamDiJi]

Thanks Gena!!! I wash my hair twice a week, and I only put oil treatment one of those days. I feel my hair healthier using it only one day. If I abuse of oil, my hair looks messy. In this video you told us that one of the main mistakes is putting a lot of oil on our hair, I will try to put less amount of oil. Maybe this is the reason. I am looking forward to use curl smith products. When I finish the products I already have, I will try them. As I always tell you, your videos are so useful for me.

[@livdelima6132]

I appreciate this video and the in-depth details. This encouraged me to dry detangle more before shampooing since my hair gets really tangled during washing. Thank you

[@karenkeith4606]

I have been using the Curlsmith bond repair oil for this step. Such a difference! I may try the shine oil next.

[@hauntedbelle]

Oh my goodness. I'm Gena Marie too ( looking at you I think I was Gena Marie first) I have curly hair too so I guess I'll subscribe.

[@juliaw.3063]

Glad to see I kinda got that step right 😅 I rarely do pre-shampoo treatment since my hair has medium density, medium porosity, no bleach, no hair dye, but I do diffuse it quite often (same day as wash days, which are twice a week) So I only do pre-poo when I use a stronger shampoo, which happens to be once every 2 to 3 weeks. Sometimes even once a month, since I do use hair treatment masks often.

[@GenaMarie]

That's great!

[@juliaw.3063]

@@GenaMarie Gena, I do have a question: do I have to pre-poo my hair if I'm using a solid shampoo? I'm going to travel for the holidays and I got a solid shampoo since it lasts quite long, but it is an exfoliating shampoo. Even though it's not as aggressive because it has hydrating components, it's still a bit rough on the scalp

[@irmaradinson2320]

I’ve used the CS oil and The Ouidad and is great for dry detangle. I learned this from another tutorial you gave. It made a big difference. As a budget friendly OGX Nourishing +Coconut milk Antibreakage serum or for extreme damage the OGX Extra strength remedy is good too. Didn’t know about conditioner. Tanks for tips and tricks . My hair is low density, high porosity .

[@Glamdeb1167]

I use coconut oil the day before wash day. My high porosity hair which is prone to tangles appreciates that step. 😊

[@positive647]

Gena, Good presentation! Although it is an extra step, I agree with the method of pre-pooing simply because I believe it will help with the integrity of your hair in keeping it in good condition and preventing additional damage. Thank you for sharing.

[@GenaMarie]

Thank you!

[@StormyDay]

She is a marketing professional! Wouldn’t expect anything less! Her videos are always professional.

[@Michelle-ks3vo]

Your hair looks so good!!

[@k.a.1.a]

i love the OGX coconut miracle penetrating oil for my high porosity curls as a pre shampoo !

[@nbusser]

Great video. I have the Curlsmith oil so I will give this a try.

[@thearb2003]

Trying this now. :) such great tips

[@flurryisland6882]

Should i do this before i do a clarifying shampoo?

[@Dwynfal]

I've been trying different methods and products as pre-shampoo but haven't really found one combination that makes much of a difference. One thing that I can't quite understand logically is how can a pre-shampoo penetrate my hair when it is dirty and already coated with the styling products I used on my prior wash day? 🤔 My hair is pretty healthy and undamaged, medium to fine, low density, low porosity with a looser curl pattern mixed with waves.

[@GenaMarie]

If it contains coconut oil, it can penetrate. Even when you have products on your hair ,it's not completely sealed. This is why our hair still absorbs humidity and steam even with products in our hair because it's not waterproof. Even if your pre-wash oil was not absorbing, it's still beneficial to use because it's going to soften and lubricate the hair, reducing friction during washing. I hope this makes sense 😊

[@Dwynfal]

@@GenaMarie thanks for answering Gena! Yes, your explanation does make sense I hadn't really thought of it that way before. Reviewing the products I regularly use, I'm now wondering if the reason I don't see much of a difference with a pre-wash is because most are moisturising with little to no protein. I only wash/style once every 7-10 days (my scalp does not get greasy) and refresh only with water. As long as my hair is healthy and has a shine, I'm happy!

[@dennissems]

Hi Gena. Another great video as always. Quick question how would you incorporate a hair detox mask like Bread Mud Mask? Do you even do that? Just curious to know your opinion.

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, I have it I just haven’t tried it yet. I’m hesitant with mud masks since my hair tangles and sheds so much when I rough up the scalp too much when washing. I would still use the oil first then the mud mask, then shampoo and deep condition

[@christinaburton497]

Hi Gena, How do you feel about using a rice or vinegar rinse? And when should it be used?

[@GenaMarie]

I don’t recommend overall

[@betsysloan4619]

I like Vo 5 hot oil treatment from the drugstore or supermarket.

[@audreyso1201]

Thank you Gena😄😄😄

[@suttondawnmariemazar4680]

That was very interesting! Thanks again! What's the difference between the Curlsmith Shine oil & the Bonding oil? Not sure which would be better for me. I'm 58 with highlights, but I'm trying to grow them out. I want my healthy hair back!! I do color my new growth. I'm not ready to go gray😢 yet. But I'm stopping the bleaching. So which oil do you think would be best for me? Your hair looked amazing BTW Stunning!!

[@annettespeidel5831]

lol I asked the same question basically! I am almost identical to your description but I’m 65 and still not ready to go gray!! 😁

[@suttondawnmariemazar4680]

@@annettespeidel5831 my curls decided to pop out after I turned 50. I've had straight hair all my life. Got spiral perms a lot! So I'm learning all this now. Gena has been a wonderful teacher! Love her videos!! Well good luck with your journey lol

[@GenaMarie]

I would go with the Shine Oil because it has more coconut oil which is one of the only oils that has been studied to help as a pre-treatment. The bonding oil is great as a final step because it has bond-repairing ingredients.

[@annettespeidel5831]

What is the Curlsmith Bonding Oil? I use that as my last step to scrunch out my curls and soften the gel cast. It’s kind of pricey so not sure I’d want to waste it on the pre step. What do you think?!😊

[@GenaMarie]

That will work! It's not wasting it when it's absorbing and preventing breakage and keeping your hair healthy 😊

[@Little_piggie_on_ice]

Would the Trader Joe’s coconut oil hair serum be a good pre shampoo? What do y’all recommend I don’t want anything super intense or expensive

[@GenaMarie]

Yep, that would work fine

[@Little_piggie_on_ice]

@@GenaMarie thx

[@StormyDay]

I have used all 3, I prefer jojoba oil. Have you watched any of the historical hair care videos? A KZbinr named Katherine Sewing, I don’t necessarily follow everything she does for herself, but I got a lot of very useful tips from her. Check her out. (She is a curly girl.)

[@ashkeniasims1840]

Is the oil used to prepoo is that the same as doing a “hot” oil treatment?

[@GenaMarie]

Sort of, yes! I would say to use less oil though so it’s not drenched

[@cal_stinkums]

does rosemary oil work for this?

[@GenaMarie]

No, that’s an essential oil. You need a hair serum or a hair oil that contains coconut oil 😊

[@jessg.829]

Would the Curlsmith Bonding Oil work for this?

[@GenaMarie]

Yes, it has coconut in it. It’s mainly olive oil

[@jessg.829]

@@GenaMarie Thanks!