[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you tired of trying hair trends that promise miracles but deliver disappointment? There’s a
TikTok trend that might be worth a try. Hair cycling features an easy-to-follow routine that promises healthier, stronger and more vibrant hair. Spoiler alert — dermatologists think it’s worth the hype.
What Is Hair Cycling?
Hair cycling is a practice similar to
skin cycling, aimed at achieving optimal hair and scalp health by rotating the use of various products. Since there are plenty of factors to consider — your natural hair type, texture, the weather and how you style — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You can customize it depending on your hair and scalp needs.
According to certified trichologist and hair stylist Helen Reavey, hair cycling is
a four-to-five-day routine with rest days in between. This allows the hair to breathe and repair itself after absorbing the products.
Who Is It For?
This routine is for anyone wanting to improve their hair and scalp health. It’s more than just a social media trend, given the high praises sung by professionals and people who have tried it.
Benefits of Hair Cycling
There are advantages to hair cycling as it involves using different products to address various concerns.
1. Mindful use of hair products
There are plenty of hair care products on the market, and it can be easy to use them all at once. However, too much of anything can cause irritation or damage. For example, detoxifying shampoos are beneficial but shouldn’t be used daily, as they can cause dryness in the long run.
2. Shiny, healthy hair
Rotating the products based on your hair’s specific needs can help you meet your needs. One day, your hair might be dry and need something moisturizing. Another day, it may be super oily and need a
clarifying treatment. Identifying your concerns and learning how to address them can help you achieve healthy hair and scalp.
3. Helps achieve balance in the scalp
Your scalp produces sebum that has moisturizing properties. However, too much oil can build up,
causing greasy hair, increased risk for infection and unwanted odor. Incorporating detoxifying treatments into your regimen can help manage sebum production, leading to more manageable hair.
4. Addresses multiple hair issues
A routine that targets various concerns can help you achieve results faster than using the same products daily. For instance,
a shampoo with nourishing oils can weigh down your strands over time, resulting in another hair issue. Rotating the use of products ensures all concerns are equally targeted.
How to Start the Viral Regimen
Are you ready to try hair cycling? Bring your damaged hair back to life with this step-by-step guide.
1. Consider having a scalp treatment
Before starting the routine, consider addressing your scalp problems head-on. Some common scalp conditions include:
- Dry scalp
- Oily scalp
- Mild contact dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Buildup
- Psoriasis
- Folliculitis
If you have any of these conditions, ask your dermatologist if you can proceed with hair cycling. They can help you curate your list of products, which means you can skip the next step.
2. Simplify your routine
A hair cycling regimen will look different for everyone. A usual regimen has two types of washes and an optional third wash for people who style their hair regularly.
- Clarifying and detoxifying
- Repairing and strengthening
- Preparation for styling
You don’t have to buy many products to hair cycle. In fact, you can only use one per type of wash. Board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield
suggests a simple version of hair cycling, which only involves two products — a hydrating shampoo and a purifying shampoo.
A more comprehensive approach requires more products. For instance, if you like to rotate between smooth styling and wearing your hair naturally, consider adding a hydrating leave-in.
3. First Wash: Clarify and detox
The goal of the first wash is to detoxify the hair and scalp. This is an important step that helps eliminate product and oil buildup, priming the locks for the succeeding treatments.
A clarifying yet gentle shampoo is essential for this wash. The
Tree to Tub Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Sensitive Scalp helps restore your scalp’s pH balance while being gentle on the skin. If you have dandruff or an oily scalp, consider incorporating a scalp scrub or shampoo brush for exfoliation.
4. Second Wash: Strengthen and repair
The second goal is to repair and strengthen your locks, which is highly recommended if you had color treatment done. Products with bond-building ingredients can help replenish proteins in your strands — think about repairing shampoos, restorative conditioners, hair masks and nourishing serums.
The
Giovanni Biotin & Collagen Strengthening Shampoo is an excellent choice because it’s safe for colored hair and is free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates. It has collagen — a protein that helps stimulate hair growth and maintain structure. Massage the shampoo from the roots to the ends.
After shampooing, use the
Babe Original Glossy Rinse Hair Treatment to improve the appearance of split ends and achieve salon-like hair. Shake well before applying throughout your locks. Leave it for five to 10 seconds before rinsing. For best results, you can use a nourishing mask.
5. Third Wash: Pre-styling prep
This step is optional but highly recommended if you style your hair daily. The pre-styling prep involves products like volumizers and thickening creams. The
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse helps lock in moisture and enhance your natural curls for easier styling without the sticky residue.
6. Let your hair rest
Just as with skin cycling, avoid overloading your hair with various products. Give it time to breathe and adjust to the new routine. You can rotate the products seasonally if you’ve achieved your desired results. During colder days, you can opt for richer versions of your current products.
Does Hair Cycling Have Downsides?
While there are still no documented disadvantages, the only downside is that the routine requires multiple hair items, meaning you must spend more money. However, this balances out over time. Plus, hair products don’t have to be expensive.
However, social media platforms like TikTok can be a hub of misinformation, with influencers suggesting affordable items are not worth splurging on, so be careful.
Try Hair Cycling
Some TikTok trends are worth trying, and this is one of them. Hair cycling is suitable for all hair types and can address several issues. Try it today and experience the results yourself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="181041" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1735325938414{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/tree-to-tub-volumizing-hair-spray-rice-rosemary-water"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="181040" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1735325952509{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/sky-organics-organic-amla-rosemary-scalp-oil"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="181039" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1735326330152{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/petal-fresh-hair-resq-thickening-follicle-stimulator-serum-with-biotin"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
