We’re sure you’ve heard of skin cycling, but have you heard of TikTok trend hair cycling? Here’s your hair cycle 101. 

What Is Hair Cycling?

 

 

@coco_and_eve Heard of skin cycling? Hair cycling is a haircare routine that allows for ‘rest days’ so your scalp & hair can repair after using products✨ #Hairtok #haircareroutine #cocoandeve #hairwash #hairwashtips #hairwashday #foryou ♬ Bejeweled sped up - backup account

 

Video sourced from @Coco and Eve

Basically it’s being more intentional with your hair products and assessing your hair’s needs on a case by case basis. Apparently using the same shampoo & conditioner every day could make your progress stagnate & slow down your hair growth. 

Just like for skin care cycling, hair cycle enthusiasts believe that you should change up your hair treatments based on your hair’s specific needs in that moment– which can change due to your styling routine, required recovery days, product build up & changes in temperature. 

According to Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris celebrity hairstylist and colorist, each hair cycling routine is based on each person’s lifestyle, hair type, and how often they clean their hair, but essentially, there are three cycles aka three washes which we will explain below.

What Are The Benefits Of Hair Cycling? 

 

@carolinestahl #stitch with @kelseygriffinn #greenscreen yes yes and yes!! I love this. IMO Haircare should always follow the same footsteps as skincare #haircycling #haircare #scalpcare #hairfyp ♬ original sound - Caroline Stahl

 

Video sourced from @carolinestahl

Experts say hair cycling can help improve your hair health, reduce scalp inflammation, reduce shedding, restore nutrients to your hair. It can also help heal your hair from environmental damage. 

In some circumstances, hair cycling can also promote hair growth & help with frizz, static, itchy scalp, breakage and hair loss.  

How do I add hair cycling to my routine? 

 

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Una publicación compartida por Davines North America (@davinesnorthamerica)

 

Photo sourced from @davinesnorthamerica

Firstly, in most cases you can rotate between two shampoos: one clarifying shampoo and one gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. 

• Clarifying shampoos: a deep clean created to remove excess build up on your hair and scalp
• Sulfate-free shampoos: gentle cleansing that helps prevent new build up from forming

Start by alternating products on wash days & style days. 

During recovery days, your hair care routine will involve using a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub for a deep cleanse, followed by a scalp massage to stimulate blood flow. 

Then, you will give your hair a comprehensive conditioning treatment, or a nourishing hair mask if necessary. 

Finally, you will apply a leave-in product to nourish and protect your hair.

This is your sample guide for your hair cycle timeline:

 

Cycle 1

 

• Start with a scalp scrub to wash off dirt
• Then use a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up
• Use a hydrating conditioner 
• Apply a leave-in overnight to moisturize your hair 

 

Cycle 2

 

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo
• Apply a hair mask to nourish and hydrate hair
• Use a hydrating conditioner
• Then apply a leave-in conditioner to protect hair 

Cycle 3

 

• Usually on styling days, no shampoo is necessary
• Apply a volumizing, smoothing, or hydrating leave-in conditioning spray to fight frizz and repair damages

 

Then you repeat the cycle when your hair feels like it needs a wash. Make sure to give yourself enough rest days in between! 

 

We want to see how your hair cycle! Tag us on Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook, and use the hashtag #INHBabe!