Defining Hair Cycling

You’ve probably heard of skin cycling, where switching between various moisturizers, for example, can benefit your skin. Hair cycling is pretty much the same concept. It means regularly rotating your hair products to adapt to your changing needs and goals.

An example of when you might switch up your routine is with the start of a new season. "As the weather changes, so should your hair regimen," says Abbie Thompson, Sally Educator and Platform Artist. "Hair may need frizz control in humid, summer months and more moisture in dry, winter months."

For hair cycling, you also incorporate "rest days" where you skip cleansing and styling to let your natural oils do the work.

The great thing about hair cycling — and what sets it apart from a regular routine — is that you can target multiple concerns at the same time. So, let’s break it down:

Adapting To Changing Needs

Just as your skin may require different moisturizers depending on the weather, your hair's needs can shift with factors like climate, styling habits and hormonal changes. Hair cycling addresses this by having you adjust your products accordingly.

Preventing Product Buildup

Using the same shampoo and conditioner all the time can lead to product buildup. This can weigh down your locks and lead to other hair and scalp issues. By rotating products, you can help prevent product buildup and maintain optimal hair health.

Scalp Care

"Healthy scalps lead to heathier hair," says Thompson. "Make sure you are moisturizing — add a leave-in and exfoliate if your scalp is flaking or has buildup." Hair cycling prioritizes scalp care, as different products may target certain issues like dryness, oiliness or dandruff. Before you dive into creating a hair cycling regimen, make sure you know how to care for your scalp, especially if you have curly hair.

How To Start Hair Cycling

The thing about hair cycling is that it is totally customizable. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You have to consider your scalp, hair type, texture and styling habits. Thompson notes, "There is no rule when it comes to changing up hair products. Determine a solid starting point with a few products, like a shampoo, conditioner, styling product and hairspray. Use these for a few weeks, then start adding or substituting products like a leave-in conditioner or a mask."

Although hair cycling depends on individual type & texture, a clarifying shampoo is a great place to start. Before you begin your first cycle, it’s a good idea to cleanse your scalp of any previous product buildup.

Thompson’s pro tip: "Cleanse and clarify once a month. Then, use a clarifying deep treatment (like the ion® Crystal Clarifying Treatment) once every 3 months."

You’ll also want to outline your hair goals. Each cycle, you’ll select a product based on your needs, and that will inform your next selection. Let’s say you want more hydrated, fuller-looking hair. You may start with a deep scalp cleanse, then switch to moisturizing products at the next cycle, followed by volume-boosting treatments in the last phase.

While different shampoos and conditioners are vital for hair cycling routines, you can’t forget about pre-shampoo treatments and post-shampoo masks. We love the bondbar™ Bonding Pre-Shampoo because it primes hair for ultimate strengthening & bond building. For our curlfriends, we recommend the All About Curls Bye, Buildup! Pre-Shampoo Treatment. It pairs really well with a clarifying shampoo, and it’s great for giving your hair a fresh start (especially if you use a lot of styling products but don't wash it every day). Apply these before you hop in the shower.

On your weeks off from pre-shampoo treatments, you’ll want to try a post-shower mask. For ultimate hydration, we love the Sauce Beauty Guacamole Whip Deep Moisture Mask. For long-lasting smoothness, opt for the Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask. And if your curls need a little TLC, we recommend the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque (bonus points if you pair it with the oil!).

Establishing A Routine

Once you’ve assessed your hair needs and chosen your products, it’s time to start rotating. Switch things up on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on how frequently you wash your hair.

Also, don’t forget about the rest days we mentioned! Just as your skin benefits from makeup-free days, your hair can benefit from occasional breaks from styling products. Consider incorporating rest days into your hair cycling routine to allow your locks to breathe and rejuvenate.

Final Thoughts

In the realm of beauty, trends come and go, but the principles of healthy hair remain timeless. While hair cycling may have gained traction as the latest craze on TikTok, its underlying concepts hold merit in promoting hair health and addressing changing needs.

By embracing the flexibility of hair cycling and customizing your routine to suit your unique needs, you can embark on a journey towards better hair days.