GrowthCastor & Jojoba Conditioner
Soft, strong, tangle-free hair.
250 mlIn stock
€16.99
Expert guide · Ozentya since 2011
Pre-poo and oil treatments: preparing afro hair before shampoo
On coily hair, shampoo can leave the lengths rough and tangled. The pre-poo is an old, simple step that prepares hair for washing. It does not replace a mask or moisture, but makes the whole routine easier.
By Pascal Chaubo, founder of Ozentya (afro hair care since 2011) · updated
In short
A pre-poo means applying an oil or conditioner to the lengths before shampooing, for 15 to 30 minutes. It makes hair more slippery, eases detangling and limits the rough feel after washing. Apply it mainly to the lengths and ends, not as a thick layer on the scalp.
This is cosmetic and hair-care advice. It does not replace the opinion of a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Every head of hair is different and results vary from person to person.
What a pre-poo does
By coating the lengths before washing, oil or conditioner limits the drying effect of shampoo and makes knots easier to undo. It is especially useful on very dry or high-porosity hair, or before a clarifying shampoo.
Which oil to choose
The plant oils most used on afro hair are coconut, olive, castor, jojoba and avocado. Lighter oils suit fine or low-porosity hair, richer ones coarse, dry hair. Your usual conditioner also makes a very effective pre-poo for detangling.
How to do it
Once a week or every other wash: divide dry or slightly damp hair into four to six sections, apply oil or conditioner to the lengths and ends, roughly finger-detangle, leave 15 to 30 minutes under a plastic cap (a warm towel helps low-porosity hair), then shampoo the scalp, rinse well and condition as usual.
Oil on the scalp: in moderation
A thick, repeated oil layer on the scalp can clog it and add discomfort or flakes for some people. For the scalp, prefer a light massage with a dedicated product and a shampoo that rinses well.
Ozentya products for this routine
Prices in euros with an approximate amount in your currency; shipping to your country is shown in the cart.
Growth
LocsLocks Oil 250 ml
Nourishment and natural radiance for beautiful locks.
250 mlIn stock
€16.99
Cult favouriteGrowthSuprême Mask
Hydrate, repair, shine – all in one step.
300 mlIn stock
€16.99
GrowthNat'yrel Shampoo
Gentle, natural cleansing, free from sulphates, petrolatum and silicones.
250 mlIn stock
€16.99
Verified customer reviews
4.9/5 from 1,170 reviews
Read all reviews- 10 January 2026
“Very fast delivery of the package, it was well packed and secure. And the creator's thoughtful gesture touched me. Thanks again.”
DALILA L. Verified reviewTranslated from French
- 4 January 2026
“Delivery 📦 always super fast and very carefully done. Quality products and a super responsive, attentive customer service.”
MARJORIE C. Verified reviewTranslated from French
- 30 December 2025
“Delivery time respected, goods received in good condition. Good welcome and phone conversation.”
Christine T. Verified reviewTranslated from French
Reviews left after ordering on ozentya.com, collected by Shopping Satisfaction. Original reviews in French, translated faithfully.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-poo necessary?
No. It is mostly useful if your hair feels very dry after shampoo or is hard to detangle.
Oil or conditioner for a pre-poo?
Both work. Conditioner helps detangling more, oil limits the rough feel more.
Does an oil treatment make hair grow?
Nothing proves it. It adds comfort and softness to the lengths, which helps limit breakage.