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Are you looking for a new hair-care routine that can give your locks the love and attention they deserve? Look no further than hair cycling, the latest trend taking TikTok by storm. But what exactly is hair cycling, and how can you get started? In this post, I’ll share some tips for hair cycling, based on expert advice, to help you achieve healthier, more vibrant hair.
What is hair cycling?
Hair cycling is a method of rotating hair care products in order to account for the changing needs of your hair. This practice isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s generally smart to change up the products you’re using depending on the circumstances.
There are many factors that can impact the state of your scalp and hair, both external and internal. Climate and weather, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, physical and emotional stress, as well as how you style your hair and its natural texture are some of the factors that can affect your hair. By changing out your products, you can make sure your hair and scalp are healthy year-round.
Do hair stylists recommend hair cycling?
According to hairstylists, hair cycling is a method that checks out. Jenn Lynton, a hairstylist and colorist at Neil Moodie Studio, has been doing it for years and believes that it can lead to optimal hair and scalp health. Jay Dharamshi, a hair specialist and the co-founder of SKY Clinic, agrees that there are lots of benefits to hair cycling, as it involves using different products to target different hair concerns. For example, one day your hair might be super oily and require a clarifying shampoo, while on another day, the ends could feel dry and need something more moisturizing. Dharamshi adds that hair cycling is beneficial for all hair types and textures, whether straight or curly, thick or fine, and oily or dry. However, since everyone’s hair is different, Lynton recommends consulting with your hairstylist if you don’t know where to start.
Hair Cycling Tips
Keep it simple: You don’t need a ton of different products to hair cycle. A trio of shampoo, conditioner, and some type of hydrating leave-in, like a serum, cream, detangler, or oil, is a great basic protocol that can be easily adjusted as needed.
Consider working in a scalp treatment: Keep your shampoo and conditioner as constants in your hair-care regimen and rotate in a scalp product at least once per week if you notice that your scalp needs some extra care. For example, you can try an exfoliating formula if you have an oily scalp with lots of build-up or a soothing, moisturizing treatment if your scalp feels dry or itchy.
Swap seasonally: If the idea of making weekly changes feels overwhelming, you can simply rotate products seasonally. For instance, during the summer, you might want to choose clarifying or frizz-fighting shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to combat issues like excess oil, chlorine build-up, and humidity-induced poofiness. During the colder months, opt for thicker, richer versions of the products you use, labeled as “hydrating” or “reparative” to address seasonal dryness.
The Products I Use In My Cycling Routine
I have naturally straight and fine hair, with a very oily scalp. I also color my hair and need to be careful not to strip my color. Because I have an oily scalp, I wash my hair 3-4 times a week.
An Everyday Shampoo: My go-to shampoo is the R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo. This is just a does it all shampoo. It gets my hair clean without stripping it of its color or moisture.
A Gentle Shampoo: Sometimes I need my hair to look clean on a day that I wouldn’t typically wash my hair. On those days I reach for a very gentle shampoo. Currently, I am using the R+Co Gemstone Shampoo.
Clarifying Shampoo: Because I have an oily scalp, I have to have a clarifying shampoo in my rotation. Because I don’t want to strip my color, I only reach for a clarifying shampoo 1-2 a month. My favorite clarifying shampoo for color-treated hair is the Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance™ Clarifying Shampoo. The Ouai Detox Shampoo is a close second.
Conditioner: I typically only use a lightweight conditioner on my fine hair. I make sure to only work the shampoo into the bottom lengths of my hair. When it comes to conditioner I prefer to save instead of splurge. My favorite lightweight conditioner is the Pantene Nutrient Blends Silicone Free Bamboo Conditioner.
Hair Mask: While I don’t have very damaged hair, I do like to have a hair mask in my rotation. My current mask is the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.
