Have you ever found yourself in the bathroom, staring at the mountain of hair products you’ve collected, wondering if your shampoo and conditioner are actually pulling their weight? You’ve probably fallen for the siren call of the latest hair treatment or styling cream that promises to turn your locks into something out of a shampoo commercial. But our hair might be craving something even better, a bit of variety in our routine. I’m talking about hair cycling, the latest trend that could be your path to the kind of hair days you’ve only dreamed of.
What Is Hair Cycling?
If you’re picturing a tiny bike pedalling through your hair, let’s put that image aside for now. Hair cycling is all about rotating your hair care products to match the changing needs of your hair. It’s a simple concept, but one that could completely change the way you treat your hair.
Hair, like skin, goes through phases. One day, it might be screaming for moisture, the next it’s all about damage repair. Hair cycling acknowledges this changing state by suggesting a routine where you swap out products every few washes to give your hair exactly what it needs at the moment. It’s like cross-training for your strands, ensuring they get a balanced “diet” of nutrients and care.
Why You Should Give Hair Cycling a Try
You’ve probably experienced the dreaded product buildup that can leave your hair feeling dull, greasy, or lifeless no matter how often you wash it. That favourite shampoo you once swore by? It might not be as effective as it used to be because your hair has become too accustomed to it. Hair cycling helps to prevent this by regularly switching up your routine, allowing your hair to benefit from a variety of ingredients without becoming too dependent on any one formula.
How to Hair Cycle
Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Assess Your Hair’s Needs
Before you start switching up your products, take a moment to evaluate your hair’s current condition. Is it feeling dry or brittle? Are you noticing more breakage than usual? Or maybe your scalp is flaky and irritated? Identifying these concerns will help you choose the right products for each phase of your hair cycling routine.
Step 2: Choose Your Products
This is the fun part, shopping (or digging through your existing stash)! Aim to select a few different types of products based on the needs you’ve identified. Typically, you’ll want at least three types of shampoos and conditioners in your rotation. Moisturising products for hydration and for days when your hair feels dry or frizzy. Strengthening or repairing products for addressing weak or damaged hair, often contain proteins like keratin to help rebuild your hair’s structure. Finally, clarifying or scalp-focused products for when your scalp needs a reset or when you’re dealing with product buildup. Just be careful not to overuse them, as they can be drying.
Step 3: Create Your Routine
With your products ready, it’s time to map out your routine.
Week 1: Start with your moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Focus on replenishing lost moisture and giving your hair a hydration boost.
Week 2: Switch to your strengthening or repairing products. This phase will help fortify your hair, especially if you’re dealing with damage from heat styling or colouring.
Week 3: Use a clarifying shampoo followed by a light conditioner. This week is all about detoxing your scalp and clearing away any lingering product buildup.
Step 4: Listen to Your Hair
Pay attention to how your hair responds to each phase and adjust your routine as needed. If you find your hair thrives on hydration, spend a little more time in that phase. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a lot of breakage, you might want to prioritize strengthening products.
By rotating your products and giving your hair what it needs when it needs it, you can achieve healthier, more vibrant locks without the frustration of product buildup or flat hair days.
