How should I use this burdock oil as a pre-shampoo step?

This oil is designed to be used before shampoo, not as a leave-in treatment. Start with dry, combed hair and part it in sections so you can reach the scalp along the partings. Warm the bottle slightly — for example in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes — because a warmer oil is easier to spread and feels more comfortable on the skin. Shake it gently before use if the bottle has been standing for a while.

Apply the oil mainly to the scalp, not the whole length. Use your fingertips to massage it in with small circular movements; this helps it cover the roots without tugging hair. A typical contact time is around 20-30 minutes before washing. If your scalp feels very dry or has heavy buildup, a slightly longer time may feel nicer, but there is no need to leave it on overnight.

Shampoo twice if needed to remove the oil completely. Because the oil is applied before washing, one shampoo may not be enough if you used a generous amount or have thick hair. Rinse thoroughly and continue with your usual conditioner or styling routine.

As a weekly step, this fits into a regular wash day. If your scalp feels dry after frequent washing, you can start with once a week and see how it responds before using it more often. On skin that is very reactive or damaged, patch-test on a small area behind the ear at least a day before first use.