This Low-Maintenance Treatment Is the Secret to Ultra-Soft Curls
Curls (especially tighter ones) can be somewhat of a needy hair type. They dry out easier than other hair types (curse that winter weather) so regularly scheduled deep-conditioning treatments are a requirement—not an option.
But there may be something else you can do to keep curls soft, hydrated, and full of luster. I've used plenty of deep conditioning treatments in my life that claim to moisturize like nobody's business and stop breakage in its tracks, but I'd notice a few days after using it, my hair would feel as dry as the Sahara again. That's why I decided to do some digging. I knew there had to be a solution that didn't require a full-on salon visit.
Behold, the pre-shampoo treatment. No, it's not a new hair care item by any means, but it's often overlooked (and skipped) in a wash routine. Consider this your friendly reminder to make it a regular occurance—trust me, your curls will thank you. A pre-poo is essentially a treatment that you apply to your curls before shampooing that helps detangle, strengthen, and deeply hydrate them. The best thing about a treatment like this is that it requires very little extra time, but delivers incredible results. Take a look below at the pre-shampoo treatments I know and love, plus a few other highly-rated options for every curl type.
1. African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
2. Shaz Kiks Scalp + Hair Prewash for Curly Hair
This pre-wash was formulated specifically for those with tighter, thicker curls—so basically, yours truly. It's plant-based with a high dose of essential vitamins to support healthy hair growth. It also contains anti-bacterial ingredients like neem and turmeric oil to help clarify the scalp. It's hands-down one of the most nourishing treatments I've ever used.
3. Nessa's Crowning Glory Hair + Scalp Oil
4. Dr. Miracle's Strong Healthy Detangling Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Realistically, thicker curls need some extra help in the detangling department. Dr. Miracle's Strong Healthy Detangling Treatment does all that and then some. It also features marshmallow root and aloe vera to help prevent future breakage and split ends.
5. Curlsmith Super Slip Pre-Biotic Primer
6. Nexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatment
7. Not Your Mother's Activated Charcoal Purple Moonstone Restore Reclaim Scalp Scrub
8. Prose Custom Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask
Everyone's curls are unique. That's why it could also be a good idea to invest in your own custom pre-shampoo treatment. Prose helps you out with this by allowing you to take a quiz that narrows down your hair type. They then create a formula to match your specific needs.
9. René Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate
10. Olaplex No. 0 Intense Bond Building Hair Treatment
11. Aquis Prime Water Defense Pre-Wash
If an oil or mask isn't really your thing, this pre-wash spray is a great option. It helps protect from moisture loss during the wash process (switch to sulfate-free products, please) and restores luster to damaged curls.
12. Virtue Healing Oil
I truly can't get enough of this oil. I recently started using it to help keep winter dryness at bay and it works like a charm. I also used it as a pre-wash treatment and left it on for about 10 minutes before shampooing and loved the results. It provided just the right amount of extra moisture I was looking for without being too greasy (which can happen when you have super thick hair).
13. Pattern Beauty Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Packs
14. Amika Fadeblock Pre-Shampoo Color Seal
15. Bread Beauty Supply Mud-Mask: Hair Scalp Detoxifying Pre-Wash Clay Treatment
This new offering from curl care heroes, Bread Beauty Supply, is a detox treatment that got added to my cart the minute it hit the market. I basically can't live without the brand's Gentle Milky Hair Wash ($20) and Creamy Hair Mask ($28) so I knew its clay pre-wash would fit right into my current routine.
16. Fable Mane Holiroots Pre-wash Hair Treatment Oil
I can't even tell you how many people told me I needed to get my hands on this treatment oil before I took the plunge and bought it. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It contains the powerful adaptogen ashwagandha which is beneficial for your overall health, but also works its magic on extremely dry strands.
17. JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp Hair Treatment Oil
As discussed earlier, curls can become brittle real quick, especially during the winter. But if your scalp also gets pretty dry, it's truly an undesired double whammy. Luckily, this JVN pre-wash oil is formulated to soothe the scalp and rejuvenate even the tightest of curls.
18. Phyto Phytoelixir Subtle Oil Intense Nutrition
19. Davines The Restless Circle
This is my absolute favorite pre-wash treatment that was recommended to me by my stylist. A little goes a long way and it works wonders for my thick, dry curls. My hair always feels incredibly soft, even after rinsing it out and shampooing like normal. Not to mention the crazy low price tag—I'll take five, please.
20. Kérastase Resistance Pre-Shampoo Conditioner
21. Leonor Greyl L'Huile De Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment
A protective pre-shampoo oil treatment that also makes you feel incredibly French is always a good idea in my book. Chemically damaged hair will benefit nicely from its potent blend of nourishing botanical oils including jojoba, coconut, sunflower, and sesame seed.
Up Next: We Asked so You Don't Have to—These Are the Best Sulfate-Free Hair Products
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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