Best Conditioners for Pre-Pooing Natural Hair

In the previous article, I covered the benefits of pre-pooing natural hair, the best methods for pre-pooing natural hair, pre-poo for hair growth, and FAQs about pre-pooing natural hair.

This is a three-part series. This article (part two) will go over the best conditioners for pre-pooing natural hair. Part three will share my best DIY pre-poo recipes for natural hair.

Before we get into it, have you signed up for access to the free resource library yet? The popular library includes informative resources such as:-

The resource library is free and continuously expanding with even more helpful information for natural hair care. Check it out HERE.

When it comes to using a conditioner for pre-pooing natural hair, you should use a daily conditioner that rinses out easily.

Using a deep conditioner to pre-poo is counterproductive since you will be deep conditioning after using a shampoo anyway.

If you don’t use shampoos in your regimen, then you should be co-washing, not pre-pooing. Read Is Co-Washing Good for Natural Hair?

The conditioner you choose for pre-pooing also doesn’t have to break the bank.

You could use a generic conditioner or a conditioner specifically created as a pre-poo.

In all cases, the conditioner should help with detangling, improve manageability and add moisture to dry hair.

For the many benefits of pre-pooing natural hair, have a look at part one of this article – What is a Pre-Poo and Benefits of Pre-Pooing Natural Hair.

10 Best Conditioners for a Pre-Poo

1. Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner

This conditioner contains a blend of goodies such as aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, coconut milk, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil to provide amazing slip and shine.

Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner can be used as a pre-poo, co-wash, and for everyday conditioning.

The conditioner is available in an 8 oz bottle with a price tag under $15. BUY HERE.

Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera Juice), Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut derived), Stearalkonium Chloride (Coconut derived), Vegetable Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk Powder, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Natural Detangling Agent), Fragrance (Parfum), Botanical Blend Ingredients.

2. Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner

I reviewed one of Aussie’s conditioners a few posts ago. This is one of their products that is quite popular. Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner provides loads of moisture for dry hair.

It features natural Australian ingredients such as aloe vera leaf juice and jojoba oil. The standard bottle is 13.5 oz and is available for under $10. BUY HERE.

Aussie Mega Moist Conditioner Ingredients

Water; Stearyl Alcohol; Cetyl Alcohol; Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine; Fragrance; Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract; Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil; Ecklonia Radiata Extract; Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone; Benzyl Alcohol; EDTA; Glutamic Acid; Methylchloroisothiazolinone; Methylisothiazolinone

Related Content: How to Eliminate Dry Hair and Scalp Issues with Jojoba Oil

3. Devacurl Wash Day Wonder™ Pre-Cleanse Slip Detangler

Devacurl is one of my favorite companies and I love their microfiber towel. This pre-poo conditioner promises to provide shine, strengthen hair, and detangle.

It contains pracaxi oil, which makes hair more manageable, as well as castor oil, an oil that softens hair.

The price tag is a slight whopper at over $20. However, the bottle is 12 oz so it should last for quite some time. BUY HERE.

DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Allantoin, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, Lactic Acid, Polyquaternium-37, Capryl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance.

4. Kerastase Resistance Pre-Shampoo Conditioner

This pre-poo conditioner is ideal for very dry and/or damaged hair. It’s formulated with 6 amino acids and SP94, a gluco-peptide that strengthens hair structure and resilience.

The standard tube is 6.8 oz and starts over $20. This is definitely one product you’ll be stingy with.

If you have longer hair, you may want to try a cheaper option. BUY HERE.

Kerastase Resistance Pre-Shampoo Conditioner Ingredients

Water, Amodimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-6, Trideceth-5, Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate, Steareth-20, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trideceth-10, Linalool, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Citronellol, Glycine, Arginine, Proline, Tyrosine, Glutamic Acid, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Geraniol, Serine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Benzyl Alcohol, Acetic Acid, Safflower Glucoside, Isoeugenol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydrated Silica, Polysorbate 60, Trehalose, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Bht, Sodium Citrate.

5. Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner

Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner combines soybean oil, aloe vera leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, and other certified organic extracts to deliver moisture and strength for tired and stressed out curls.

Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner standard bottle is 14 oz and is around $20. BUY HERE.

Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner Ingredients

Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyl Palmitrate, Behentrimonum Methosulfate, Certified Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearth-20, Certified Organic Ho Shu Wu Extract, Certified Organic Green Tea Extract, Certified Organic Chamomile Extract, Certified Organic Calendula Extract, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Panthenol, Soy Protein, Citric Acid, Quaternium-15.

Related Content: Tea Rinsing Secrets for Healthy Hair Growth

6. Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner

I’ve featured this conditioner several times on Healthy Natural Hair Products. It should be a staple in any naturalistas stash.

Among its great ingredients include aloe vera gel, hemp oil, coconut oil, honey, vegetable glycerine and hydrolyzed silk protein.

A little bit goes a long way too. The standard bottle is 8.4 oz and is available for under $15. BUY HERE.

Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner Ingredients

Purified Water, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Behentremonium Methosulfate (Emulsifier Derived From Colza Oil), Honey, Virgin Hemp Oil, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, Hydrolized Silk Protein, Citrus Essences, Fragrance, Optiphen (Preservative)… And Love!

Related Content: Hemp Seed Oil Benefits & Uses

7. Made Beautiful Pre Poo Detangling Conditioner

This pre-poo detangling conditioner contains a blend of shea butter, honey, and coconut.

It softens and gently conditions while preparing your hair for the rest of your regimen.

The standard jar is 12 oz and comes in at under $15. BUY HERE.

Made Beautiful Pre Poo Detangling Conditioner Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Cetrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Honey Extract, Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Milk, PEG-50 Shea Butter, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Powder, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid

8. Mielle Organics Pre-Shampoo Treatment with Mongongo Oil

Mongongo oil is great for softening hair and infusing moisture into dry hair. In addition to mongongo oil, Mielle Organics Pre-Shampoo Treatment also contains sweet almond oil, sacha inchi oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil and kukui nut oil.

The standard pre-shampoo treatment is available in a 5 oz tube and is under $15. BUY HERE.

Mielle Organics Pre-Shampoo Treatment with Mongongo Oil Ingredients

Water (Aqua, Eau), Polyquaternium-6, Propanediol, Silk Amino Acids, Cetrimonium Chloride, Oleth-20, *Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, *Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, *Argania Spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil, *Schinziophyton Rautanenii,(Mongongo) Kernel Oil, *Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Crylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ci60730 (Violet 2)

Related Content: Achieve Intense Hair Moisturisation with Mongongo Oil

9. Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner

Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner is one of my 2 favorite conditioners from Trader Joe’s.

Notable ingredients in Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner include argan oil, rosemary extract, ginkgo Biloba sea kelp extract, chamomile extra, lavender extract and soyabean oil.

Ideal for replenishing dry and brittle hair. Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner is available in a 16.9 oz bottle at under $15. BUY HERE.

Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Conditioner Ingredients

Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Dimethicone, Argan Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Furit Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, Ginkgo Bilboa Leaf Exract, Ecinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Acetamide Mea, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance

10. Keracare Pre-Poo Conditioner

Keracare Pre-Poo Conditioner is a 15-minute penetrating treatment that’s ideal if you also plan to use heat during your regimen.

The pre-poo conditioner contains coconut oil, aloe vera juice, moringa oil, camelia sinensis, shea butter, and biotin among other ingredients.

The standard bottle is available in 8 oz at under $15. BUY HERE.

Keracare Pre-Poo Conditioner Ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Panthenol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Lagenaria Sphaerica Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Royal Jelly, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Niacin, Biotin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance/Parfum, Menthol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-7, Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional.

11. Suave Essentials

Suave is a stable pre-poo in many stashes. It’s cheap, comes in a huge 30 oz bottle, and available in many different options. My favorite Suave conditioners for a pre-poo include:-

Some of these conditioners contain cones and one or two other ingredients I’m not crazy about.

However, since you’re only using them as a pre-poo and it will be shampooed out, they are ok for that purpose.

Share your favorite pre-poo conditioners in the comments section. 🙂

Curly Abi

Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies

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