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8 Best Pre-Shampoo Treatments for Curly Hair That Make Wash Day a Breeze
Curly-haired individuals, especially those with kinkier textures, know the number one rule of wash day: detangle before shampooing. This is why the best pre-shampoo treatments for curly hair are essential. These cleansers act as your first line of defense against matting, breakage, and unnecessary shedding. Whether you’re dealing with product buildup, dryness, or scalp irritation from a protective style, a good pre-poo treatment sets the stage for healthier, more manageable curls.
Pre-poo treatments are the unsung heroes that often fly under the radar, which is why I tapped curl-savvy pros to break down the benefits of pre-shampoo treatments and explain which formulas hydrate, detangle, and refresh depending on your specific hair needs. We also included editor-loved and tested picks to ensure our recommendations are thoroughly vetted. From detangling creams that melt knots to oil-to-foam treatments that unclog follicles, these are the eight best pre-shampoo treatments for curly hair that deserve a spot in your hair-care routine.
Our Top Pre-Shampoo Treatments for Curly Hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil
Why we love it: After protective or heavily gelled styles, your scalp may need a detox, and Amika’s Reset Pink Charcoal Pre-Cleansing Oil is just the product for a hard reset. At first glance, it looks like a lightweight scalp oil, but the second you add water, it transforms into a milky lather that deeply cleans without stripping your strands. The oil-to-foam formula breaks down product buildup, excess oil, and scalp sweat in one shot. Pink clay and charcoal do the heavy lifting by absorbing impurities and odors, while Indian cress stem extract and sea buckthorn deliver antioxidants and vitamins to mitigate scalp irritation.
The targeted nozzle makes it easy to apply directly to the roots and part lines, which is especially helpful for protective styles or dense curls. Plus, its signature scent of vanilla, rose, sandalwood, and grapefruit leaves the scalp feeling fresh and subtly fragrant.
“What did I do before I started using this cleansing oil? I do so much with my hair: I blow-dry it, straighten it, put all kinds of leave-ins and oils in it, and I have dandruff. When I need a wash day, I feel it at the roots (hint: the strands get heavy and painful). This instantly calms my inflamed follicles and irritated scalp, and feels cooling to apply. The precision applicator makes it incredibly easy to drench my head without needing to endlessly part my hair.
Once you’re in the shower, the oil turns into foam, so you can easily spread it around if you missed spots. The best part is that it’s significantly helped reduce the itchiness on my scalp; if you suffer from the dreaded itch as well, I’m begging you to try the product! I’m hoping it’ll help you stretch out time before you start clawing at your head, too. The only downside is that it’s so deeply cleansing that I can’t overuse it; I feel it start to dry out the rest of my strands if I over-apply or use it for too many washes in one week.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
“Amika’s Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil allows for direct application to the scalp for a detoxifying, deep cleanse result that starts at the root and spreads to the [ends]. The Amika brand says it’s perfect for all hair types, but in my professional opinion and experience, it performs best on curlier hair types and particularly those who use creams and butters and/or layer their stylers. The charcoal and clay work well in removing residual product without stripping natural moisture.” —Cataanda James, cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: pink clay, charcoal, Indian cress stem extract
- Who it’s for: oily scalp, all hair types
- Scent: vanilla, rose, sandalwood, grapefruit
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Flaky Scalps: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
Why we love it: Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil is for anyone prone to dry hair, flakiness, or buildup. This lightweight oil is formulated with rosemary, tea tree, and castor oils to soothe, stimulate, and moisturize (minus the tingling). The pointed nozzle makes it easy to part your hair and apply directly to the scalp and strands, while the fast-absorbing formula massages in cleanly and rinses out with no greasy residue. For best results, shake the bottle well, leave the oil on for 10 to 15 minutes before shampooing, or wear it overnight for a deeper conditioning session. Follow with your go-to shampoo and conditioner or as needed to keep your scalp balanced and buildup-free.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Is this what my routine has been missing this whole time? Unfortunately, that answer is yes. This oil did a bang-up job of controlling my flakes and itchiness without weighing down my 2C-3A curls, and in fact left a little more volume at my roots than I usually get when I air-dry. I loved that it was easy to apply, virtually imperceptible on my scalp, and simple to wash out despite being an oil.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Key ingredients: rosemary oil, castor oil, tea tree oil
- Who it’s for: dry, flaky, or sensitive scalps
- Scent: n/a
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Protective Styles: Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detox Tonic
Design Essentials
Scalp & Skin Care Detox Tonic
Why we love it: Wearing a protective style? Skipping wash day? Or just looking to clear up buildup at the hairline? Design Essentials’ Scalp & Skin Care Scalp Cleansing Serum is a quick, mess-free way to refresh your scalp—no water needed. The tonic uses a trio of natural astringents and antifungals, including lemon, eucalyptus, and witch hazel to clarify the scalp, balance pH, and calm irritation without over-drying. It’s especially ideal for braids, locs, or extensions when shampoo isn’t accessible but your scalp needs a reset. The lightweight liquid absorbs fast, leaving behind a clean, cooling sensation that’s soothing and invigorating. You can rinse it out or leave it in, depending on the amount of buildup.
“Having locs means buildup at the roots is inevitable, much like with other protective styles. Unlike loose hair, mine requires more precision to break up dirt and residue that can hide at the base of the loc, which is why I swear by Design Essentials’ Scalp & Skin Care Detox Tonic. I section my hair, apply the product along the part, and use my fingers to massage away flakes and gel. I reach for it before wash day for a deep clean, but it’s just as useful between washes to refresh my scalp after styling. The crisp scent even makes it smell like I’ve done a full wash day.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
“I love the Design Essentials Detoxifying Tonic because it delivers a deep, refreshing clean without stripping the scalp of moisture. It’s perfect for clients with protective styles like braids, twists, sew-ins, or locs—basically anyone who doesn’t wash their hair as frequently but still wants a clean, healthy scalp. It’s also great for clients with dry, itchy, or flaky scalp conditions who need a non-stripping, easy-to-apply solution. I typically use it between washes to cleanse and refresh the scalp, especially before styling or retightening locs. On clients, I apply it directly to the scalp using the nozzle, gently massage it in, and then wipe away any residue with a clean towel or cotton pad.” —Ebony Everette, hairstylist
- Key ingredients: lemon, eucalyptus, witch hazel
- Who it’s for: irritated or oily scalps, protective styles, locs
- Scent: n/a
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Damaged Curls: Color Wow Curl Wow Snag-Free Pre-Shampoo Detangler
Color Wow
Curl Wow Snag-Free Pre-Shampoo Detangler
Why we love it: Breakage-prone folks, listen up. The Curl Wow Snag-Free Detangler glides from root to tip through knots, thanks to a trio of heavy-hitters: pracaxi oil to defrizz and lubricate the curl surface, coconut oil to boost moisture and slip, and the brand’s proprietary Profaxil 18 Complex breaks down oils into micro-particles to help reduce friction along the hair shaft. The result? Softer, smoother curls that are easier to manage and ready to take on wash day without the usual tug-of-war. Just apply to wet hair, working in large sections and smoothing from root to end. Rake through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly, and then rinse lightly.
Expert feedback from James
“Color Wow’s Snag-Free Pre-Shampoo Detangler is best on 3A-4C curls susceptible to tangles and fairy knots. This also works for my clients who want to get in and out. The glycerin in the formula offers crazy slip, which is necessary when detangling on wet hair. Pro tip: I recommend releasing excess shed hair prior to wetting it. This prevents any unexpected tangling or pulling in case of uneven saturation, which is more likely to happen when the hair is wet prior to application.” —Cataanda James, cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: pracaxi oil, profaxil 18 complex, coconut oil
- Who it’s for: frizz-prone curls, color-treated or damaged hair
- Scent: n/a
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Dandruff Relief: Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Treatment
Mizani
Wonder Crown Scalp Treatment
Why we love it: We can’t emphasize this enough: A good wash day starts at the root, and Mizani’s Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanse ensures your scalp gets the head start it deserves. Designed to be used before shampoo or between protective styles, this liquid treatment emulsifies into a rich foam that lifts dirt, oil, and buildup without stripping moisture. Key ingredients like cannabis sativa seed oil, tea tree oil, and honey work together to soothe inflammation, hydrate the scalp, and visibly reduce flakes. Thanks to its direct-to-scalp nozzle, the application is precise and mess-free. Apply in sections, massage it in, add water to activate the foam, and let it sit before rinsing. Follow with your favorite shampoo, or skip straight to styling.
Expert feedback from Everette
“Anyone managing oily [hair] or product‑heavy scalps can use Mizani’s Wonder Crown Scalp Treatment [as] it helps with clearing away residue, oils, and flakes. [It’s also great for] individuals battling dry, flaky, or inflamed scalps, including dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. [And for] those wearing protective styles, braids, locs, twists, since it can be applied between parts without disturbing your style.” —Ebony Everette, hairstylist
- Key ingredients: cannabis sativa seed oil, tea tree oil, honey
- Who it’s for: oily scalps, protective style wearers
- Scent: citrus, freesia, basil, rosemary, musk
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Detangling: African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Detangle& Condition Pre-Shampoo
African Pride
Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Detangle & Condition Pre-Shampoo
Why we love it: Detangling before wash day is non-negotiable if you want to avoid matting, which is why the African Pride Moisture’s Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo is a staple for adding slip before cleansing. The formula stars aloe vera and coconut water, both known for their deep hydration and strand-smoothing properties, helping to melt through knots so shampooing and conditioning can go seamlessly. The slip is so good, you can finger-detangle even dense, coily hair prone to shrinkage and single-strand knots with ease. Leave it on for up to 30 minutes for a deep-conditioning boost or use it for a quick detangling session before cleansing.
Expert feedback from James
“African Pride’s Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo has nearly a five-star rating on all review sources for a reason! This is for curls, coils, and higher curl patterns, whether heat-styled or curly. The moisture factor also makes it the perfect pre-poo for high-porosity hair. I personally love it because it provides maximum moisture to soften the hair and encourage elasticity for an effortless detangle process. Prior to the rinse, I typically go back in with my detangle brush to ensure a smooth glide from root to tip, then rinse and proceed as instructed. African Pride Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo has proven miraculous results for my clients [who] generally face challenges when detangling their hair and dread the wash day process. [It’s also] perfect for new naturals that are still finding their groove.” —Cataanda James, cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: aloe vera, coconut water
- Who it’s for: dry, damaged, tightly coiled, or curly hair
- Scent: coconut
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Curl Reversion: Pattern Beauty Bounce Back Pre-Poo
Pattern Beauty
Bounce Back Pre-Poo
Why we love it: Pattern’s Bounce Back Pre-Poo is your curls’ comeback story. Designed to revive curls after heat or prolonged protective styles, this formula helps coils spring back into shape. It uses a trifecta of oat extract, hibiscus flower extract, and murumuru seed butter to reset curl memory, replenish moisture, and smooth frizzy hair without weighing hair down. Within just 10–15 minutes of application, strands start reverting to their natural shape. The experience is also sensorial thanks to the notes of neroli, rose, and patchouli, handpicked by founder Tracee Ellis Ross. Use it with a shower cap and towel wrap for a deeper treatment, then rinse.
Expert feedback from James
“I love Pattern Beauty’s Bounce Back Pre-Poo for its overall ability to bounce back curls. It is best on both hair that has been heat styled and curly hair that has been manipulated or free-flowing throughout wear. It’s important to fortify the hair after a blowout or silk press, so the curls bounce back, and Pattern Beauty’s [pre-poo] does exactly what is says in the name, even before the shampoo.” —Cataanda James, cosmetologist
- Key ingredients: oat extract, hibiscus flower extract, murumuru seed butter
- Who it’s for: dry or frizz-prone hair, type 3 and 4 textures
- Scent: neroli, rose, patchouli
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Curlsmith Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer
Curlsmith
Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer
Why we love it: Curlsmith’s Super Slip Pre-Wash Primer is a science-backed scalp reset that starts at the microbiome level. Formulated with prebiotics that nourish the scalp’s natural protective barrier, this primer helps create the ideal environment for strong follicles and healthy growth. It’s the first step in Curlsmith’s Scalp Transformation System and is meant to be applied directly to wet hair before clarifying, without rinsing. That layering method protects moisture levels and prevents the tangling and dryness often caused by deep-cleansing shampoos.
- Key ingredients: prebiotics, fermented rice water, guarana extract
- Who it’s for: all hair types
- Scent: n/a
- Sulfate-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do pre-shampoo treatments offer for curly hair?
“Pre-shampoo treatments, commonly known as pre-poo in the textured hair community, generate hydration prior to shampoo, offer slip for easier detangling before adding water, and break down residual buildup of product and excess sebum on the scalp and lengths of the hair,” James explains. She also emphasizes their protective qualities: “[They] wrap the strands in essential nutrients and conditioning aids that absorb into the cuticle layer before the shampoo process. As a result, it encourages maximum moisture retention from start to finish for smoother, healthier hair.”
Ebony Everette highlights both universal benefits and scalp health: “[Some] pre-shampoo treatments are designed to exfoliate the scalp, which will promote healthier hair growth and build up,” while others prioritize moisture. “Curly hair tends to be drier due to its structure, which can make it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shafts completely, so doing these treatments will allow you to lock in that extra moisture without stripping essential oils.”
Who would benefit most from pre-shampoo treatments?
James explains that those with denser, coarser textures see the most benefit: “Those with highly dense, thick hair, pre-poos provides ease in the detangling process. Beginning your wash day with a pre-shampoo treatment softens the hair, making it more pliable for enhanced elasticity and easier to reach the root for sufficient detangling.” She adds that “Elasticity is key to length retention in textured hair as it is responsible for that bounce back in healthy curls, reducing breakage while preserving the natural curl pattern.”
Everette highlights the broader protective benefits, particularly for chemically-treated hair: “Pre-shampoo treatments are gamechangers for anyone looking to boost their hair’s health and shine, especially if you’re dealing with dryness and buildup.” Another lesser-known benefit: “If you color or chemically treat your hair, pre-shampoo treatments can help protect your hair strands and extend the life of color,” Everette notes. Beyond hair protection and color preservation, she notes these treatments address scalp concerns like “flakiness or excessive buildup.”
Is there a right way to apply a pre-poo for maximum absorption? Should you detangle before or after applying?
“Start applying at the ends in a downward motion, working your way up to the root, for even distribution,” James emphasizes. “It is important to ensure that no curl or strand is left uncovered—thorough saturation is key to reap full benefits of the pre-poo!” Similarly, Everette recommends: “For the best results, apply your pre-shampoo treatments to dry or slightly damp hair, section by section, to ensure complete coverage,” and suggests “gently warming the product can also help it penetrate the scalp more efficiently.”
In terms of what to avoid, James strongly advises against detangling dry textured hair: “You should never detangle textured and high-curl patterns when your hair is dry unless you are using a product that has been tested to perform on [dry] hair.” The reason why? “Curly and textured hair needs hydration and a rich moisture foundation to prevent breakage and damage while detangling.” TL;DR Detangle your hair when it has some slip to it.
Meet the experts
- Cataanda James, a licensed cosmetologist and curly hair expert based in New York City
- Ebony Everette, a licensed hairstylist based in San Antonio
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our list of the pre-shampoo treatments for curly hair, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and seasoned estheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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