If you’re someone with curls, you know the struggle—dryness, frizz, breakage, and the never-ending battle to retain moisture. While conditioners and leave-ins help, there’s one step in the curly hair care routine that often goes overlooked but makes a world of difference: pre-wash oil.

A pre-wash oil treatment works like a protective shield for your curls. It nourishes, strengthens, and protects your hair before you even step into the shower. 

The pre-wash oil from XO curls is made especially for curls, with a blend of onion seed, avocado oil, curry leaves, argan oil, and eucalyptus, all selected to give your hair the extra love it deserves.

Let’s dive into why adding a pre-wash oil to your routine is a total game-changer for curly hair.

Why skipping pre-wash oil leads to trouble

Many curlies don’t realize that skipping the pre-wash step is often the root cause of their hair concerns. Here's what tends to happen without pre-wash oil:

• Hair gets stripped of natural oils during shampooing, leaving it brittle and dry

• Increased breakage while detangling due to a lack of slip

• Frizz explosion, especially in humid weather

• Weakened strands, making curls more prone to split ends

• Unbalanced scalp, leading to itchiness or buildup

If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And the solution is surprisingly simple: bring in a good pre-wash oil.

Top benefits of using pre-wash oil

1. Protects your curls from shampoo damage

Shampoos are meant to cleanse your scalp and hair, but in the process, they can also strip your hair of its natural oils. Using a pre-wash oil forms a light barrier that protects your strands without blocking the cleansing process. 

XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil is light enough to rinse out easily but rich enough to shield your curls from harshness.

2. Deeply nourishes and conditions

XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil is loaded with ingredients that offer deep nourishment:

Flax Seeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to improve hair elasticity

Avocado Oil: Penetrates deep to hydrate dry hair

Curry Leaves: Help strengthen roots and reduce hair fall

Argan Oil: Seals in moisture and smooths the cuticle

Eucalyptus: Refreshes and soothes the scalp

These ingredients work together to restore moisture, softness, and strength to your curls, even before you apply conditioner.

3. Reduces breakage and split ends

When your hair is dry, it becomes more fragile. Combing, styling, or even shampooing can cause unnecessary breakage. A pre-wash oil softens the hair, making it easier to detangle and reducing breakage and split ends over time.

4. Boosts scalp health

Your scalp is the foundation of healthy curls. The XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil doesn’t just care for your hair, it also nourishes the scalp.

Eucalyptus helps clear buildup and soothe itchiness, while avocado and argan oils keep the scalp hydrated and balanced. A happy scalp means better hair growth and stronger strands.

5. Makes detangling a breeze

There’s nothing worse than knots and tangles that refuse to come out. Applying a generous amount of pre-wash oil helps soften your strands, giving you slip while you gently detangle using the XO Curls Shower Detangling Comb. Less tugging = less breakage.

6. Enhances curl definition

When your curls are well-moisturized and protected, they naturally form better. Pre-wash oil helps preserve the natural curl pattern and sets your hair up for great definition once you follow through with the rest of your curly hair routine.

How to use XO curls pre-wash oil

Using a pre-wash oil is super simple. Here’s how to do it:

Section your dry hair for easier application.

Take a generous amount of XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil and massage it into your scalp using circular motions.

Work the oil down your strands, coating your hair evenly.

Leave it on for at least 20 minutes or overnight. For deeper nourishment, wrap your hair in a warm towel or use the XO Curls Flax Seed Heat Cap.

Wash it out and follow it with XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner.

How often should you use pre-wash oil?

For most curl types, once or twice a week is enough to see results. If your hair is extremely dry or damaged, you can start with twice a week and then adjust as your curls become healthier.

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FAQs: Common Concerns About Pre-Wash Oil

1. Will pre-wash oil make my hair greasy even after washing?

No, not if you use it in moderation and follow with a gentle cleanser.

2. Can pre-wash oil weigh down my curls?

XO Curls Pre-Wash Oil is lightweight and curl-friendly, so it hydrates without flattening.

3. Is it safe for oily scalps?

Yes! It actually helps balance oil production and soothe the scalp.

4. Will it cause a buildup over time?

Not if you cleanse properly. Stick to 1–2 times a week and use XO Curls Hydrating Shampoo to rinse clean.

5. Do I still need conditioner if I use pre-wash oil?

Yes, pre-wash oil protects and nourishes before shampooing, while conditioner adds moisture and softness after.