8 Pre-Shampoo Treatments for Curly Hair to Make Wash Day a Breeze

21.08.2025, 21:23 allure.com

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

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.

Amika

Amazon

Revolve

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.

Shanna Shipin applying the Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil

Shipin after applying the Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil

Tester feedback from Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin

“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

Expert feedback from New York City-based cosmetologist Cataanda James

“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

More to know

Briogeo

Amazon

Nordstrom

Dermstore

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.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using Briogeo's Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil

Pai after using Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using Briogeo's Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil

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

More to know

Design Essentials

Ulta Beauty

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.

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor using the Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detox Tonic

Taylor after using the Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detox Tonic

Tester feedback from Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor

“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

Expert feedback from San Antonio-based hairstylist Ebony Everette

“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

More to know

Color Wow

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Revolve

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

More to know

Mizani

Amazon

Sephora

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 E