What is ‘hair cycling’? Amp up your dull haircare routine

Benefits of Hair Cycling: Once you have your products, establish a rotation schedule. You can cycle your products weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly, depending on your hair’s response (Image: Canva)

In the ever-evolving world of hair care, new trends and techniques continually emerge, each promising healthier, more lustrous locks. One such trend gaining traction is ‘hair cycling’. This method, which has captivated the attention of beauty enthusiasts, revolves around the concept of rotating hair care products to maintain optimal hair health. But what exactly is hair cycling, and how can you incorporate it into your routine?

What does Hair Cycling mean?

Hair cycling is a strategic approach to hair care that involves alternating between different types of products and treatments based on your hair’s specific needs at any given time. Unlike a one-size-fits-all routine, hair cycling is tailored to address the changing conditions of your hair and scalp, such as moisture levels, damage, or build-up.

The concept borrows from the skincare technique of product rotation, where individuals alternate between active ingredients to target different skin concerns. Similarly, in hair cycling, you switch up your shampoos, conditioners, masks, and treatments to ensure your hair receives balanced care. This practice helps to prevent over-reliance on a single product, which can sometimes lead to diminished effectiveness or build-up on the scalp and hair strands.

Benefits of Hair Cycling

Prevents product build-up: Continuously using the same products can lead to build-up on the scalp and hair, making them appear dull and lifeless. Hair cycling helps mitigate this issue by rotating products, ensuring your hair stays fresh and vibrant.

Targets multiple hair concerns: Your hair’s needs can vary depending on factors like weather, styling habits, and overall health. By cycling products, you can address these varying concerns more effectively, whether it’s adding moisture, repairing damage, or enhancing volume.

Promotes healthier hair: Regularly changing your hair care routine can keep your hair more balanced and healthy. For example, alternating between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturising one can help maintain both scalp health and hair hydration.

Steps to start Hair Cycling

Assess your hair’s needs: The first step in hair cycling is to assess your hair’s current condition. Is it dry and brittle, or oily and limp? Do you struggle with frizz, breakage, or colour fading? Understanding your hair’s needs will help you determine which products to include in your rotation.

Choose your products: Once you’ve assessed your hair, select a few core products that address your primary concerns. For instance, if your hair is dry, you might choose a hydrating shampoo, a moisturising conditioner, and a nourishing hair mask. If your hair is prone to oiliness, you could opt for a clarifying shampoo, a lightweight conditioner, and a balancing treatment. In addition to your core products, introduce a secondary set of products that address other aspects of hair health. For example, if your main focus is moisture, consider adding a protein-rich treatment to your routine to strengthen your hair.

Establish a rotation schedule: Once you have your products, establish a rotation schedule. You can cycle your products weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly, depending on your hair’s response. For example, you might use your core products for three washes and then switch to your secondary set for the next wash. Keep in mind that hair cycling is flexible, so you can adjust the schedule based on how your hair feels.

Monitor and adjust: Hair cycling is not a rigid system. It’s essential to monitor your hair’s response to the routine and make adjustments as needed. If you notice your hair becoming too dry, you might reduce the frequency of clarifying treatments. Conversely, if your hair feels weighed down, you might need to scale back on heavy moisturising products.