8 Best Pre Shampoo Treatments for Curly Hair: Oils, Masks & Easy Wash Day

Curly hair is gorgeous but, it can be somewhat difficult to manage. Wash day can sometimes feel arduous and time consuming particularly when it comes to curls which need a bit of extra love in order to stay soft shiny and full of bounce. One of the easiest ways to ease wash day is through pre shampoo treatments.

Here we have the products or natural oils you apply on your hair before washing to create perfect curls and generally make cleansing a lot easier.

Pre shampoo treatments coat your hair strands, reduce dryness and stop breakage. They also help detangle so that you don’t lose too much hair in the shower. The best part is that they make shampoo work better without stripping all the natural oils from your scalp.

Every curl type can use pre shampoo treatments no matter if your hair is tight, loose, frizzy, or very dry. With the right pre wash care your curls will look healthier and stay soft for a longer time.



Think of pre shampoo like a shield for your hair. Curly hair is often thirsty and fragile because its natural oils don’t travel easily down the curl pattern. By adding a treatment before shampoo you are giving your curls a head start to stay hydrated. It also makes detangling much easier which saves time and reduces stress on wash day.

Another reason pre shampoo is so useful is because it helps balance your scalp. A healthy scalp means healthy curls. The treatment stops your shampoo from over cleaning and leaving your hair feeling rough or frizzy.

Many people with curly hair say that once they started using pre shampoo care their wash days became faster and less painful. Their curls stayed defined and strong even after styling.



Coconut oil is a favorite for curly hair because it penetrates deep into the strands. It keeps curls soft and prevents protein loss. Apply warm coconut oil all over your curls and scalp before wash day. Leave it for at least 30 minutes or overnight if your hair is very dry.

Aloe vera gel is great for moisture and soothing the scalp. It helps calm frizz and makes detangling easier. Apply fresh aloe gel or a pure aloe product to your hair focusing on the ends before you shampoo.



Shea butter is also a thick creamy substance that is very good for thicker curls. It coats the strands and locks in moisture even after you shampoo. Warm shea butter with some light oil that spreads easily and leave it in for an hour before washing.

Olive oil We use it in the kitchen but this inexpensive item is also a pre shampoo for curly hair. It makes your hair shiny and smooths out rough strands. On wash day a warming olive oil massage is all you need to make your curls soft and bouncy.


Honey draws in moisture and yogurt lends protein. Together, they make curls stronger and shinier. And mix them into a mask and under coat your curls before you shampoo. Your hair will be refreshed and your hair fibers thickened after rinsing.


If you want longer curls castor oil is a thick pre shampoo that can help with growth. It strengthens roots and reduces shedding. Because it is heavy mix it with a lighter oil before applying.


You can even use your regular conditioner as a pre shampoo step. Apply it before showering to make detangling fast and pain-free. This method is perfect when you don’t have time for an oil treatment.


Banana is full of natural vitamins that soften curls. Blend a ripe banana with a little oil and apply it to your hair before shampoo. It not only smooths curls but also fights dryness.


To get the best results, always apply pre shampoo treatments on dry hair. Cover your hair with a cap to let the treatment sink in deeply. Wash with a gentle shampoo and follow with a conditioner. Use pre shampoo once a week or before every wash day if your curls are very dry or processed.

Pre shampoo care is the secret to making curly hair easier to manage. It adds shine, helps with growth and makes every wash day much less stressful. With these 8 options you can try different treatments and see which works best for your curl pattern.



If wash day feels heavy and hard adding a pre shampoo step can make all the difference. Your curls will be smoother shinier and easier to style. From oils to simple kitchen mixes there is a pre shampoo for every curly girl. Stick to what your hair loves and wash day will no longer be a tough job.

1. Which oil and shampoo are best for curly hair ?
   Coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil are best for moisturizing your hair.
2. How to prep your hair for curls?
   Curl your hair on the second or the third day after shampooing.
3. How to avoid frizzy curls?
   Focus on moisture and gentle handling.