TikTok is always buzzing with viral beauty trends (looking at you, skin cycling, pearl skin, glass hair, old money blonde, latte makeup, the strawberry girl aesthetic and blueberry milk nails). The social network’s opinion doesn’t always align with that of experts, but hair cycling is as legit as the technique that’s already proved effective for skin. So, what’s all the fuss about? We answer this question and everything else you need to know about hair cycling.
What is hair cycling?
Hair cycling follows the less-is-more approach of skin cycling, but applies it to your hair and scalp. Essentially, this ritual means developing a hair care routine with a selection of products used alternately to achieve the healthiest, most optimal results. The idea is not to use the same products every time you wash your hair – the shampoo in particular – to address multiple hair concerns like dryness, dandruff or even an overproduction of oil without weighing your hair down or stripping its natural oils. For example, using a clarifying shampoo followed by a hydrating mask on a Monday, and a moisture-driven shampoo with an anti-frizz conditioner on a Wednesday. As you hair cycle, you can also incorporate ‘rest days’, where you skip cleansing and using products, allowing your hair to repair itself and letting your natural oils build up. This will help you avoid overusing certain products and find a sustainable hair care routine for your unique goals. There’s no set recovery period, but it’s crucial not to wash your hair every day, which is far too damaging. Instead, aim for two to three hair care routines per week at most.
Why ride the cycle?
Hair cycling or any type of rotation is a great option for anyone who wants to improve the health of their hair or scalp. Because even the perfect hair product can be overused. For example, repeated use of overly rich products can cause a buildup of oils and moisture, while using too many detoxifying products can cause annoying scalp issues. The skin on your scalp ages six times faster than anywhere else, so it’s vital to treat it with equal or greater care than your facial skin. Over-exfoliating or using too much product on your scalp can damage hair follicles and disrupt the scalp biome, leading to increased irritation and inflammation. Hair cycling actually has many benefits, including minimising product buildup, lowering the risk of inflammation, combating breakage, damage and irritation. The best part? No matter what your hair type or texture, you can give it a shot! Those with frizzy or dehydrated hair benefit from using different products that target both issues in two separate washes. It’s also an effective method for those dealing with pesky dandruff, as you can switch between medicated and hydrating shampoos.
How to hair cycle
First wash of the cycle: Detoxifying and clarifying
The first wash should focus on detoxifying and clarifying the hair before you start a new cycle of products. This is an important step that will help you get rid of any product or oil buildup that might be dulling your locks and causing scalp congestion. Clean scalps = happy hair! We recommend starting out with a clarifying shampoo like the Kevin Murphy MAXI.WASH (R575) to properly de-gunk your hair. Witch hazel, tea tree, thyme, rosemary and grapefruit make this detox shampoo a great once-a-week wash to cleanse away buildup for a squeaky-clean finish. If you have colour-treated hair, we suggest the Redken Amino-Mint Shampoo (R450) – the scent is truly energising. It gets hair really clean without stripping it of essential oils and nutrients, providing a cool, tingling sensation for the scalp. While one wash will suffice, to really cleanse and purify your scalp, you might opt for a double or even triple wash. This is also the best time to make use of that scalp scrub or shampoo brush to gently exfoliate the scalp. The Davines SOLU Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser (R570) is infused with sea salt for a seriously gritty feel and foams up well to sweep away all that grime. The texture is dense and paste-like, and a little goes a long way. Then, complete your wash routine by using a moisture-rich conditioner like the lightweight Pureology Hydrate Conditioner (R510). For some strengthening assistance, fold in the Growth Bomb Hair Rescue Tonic (R199.95). Its unique blend of white cypress, yerba mate and native snowflower strengthens hair follicles while soothing the scalp. The final step can focus on hair health by applying a good hair oil. A little bottle of liquid gold, the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil (R820) repairs, hydrates and protects hair from high heat.
Second wash of the cycle: Repairing and strengthening
Since the first wash of the cycle focused on detoxifying and clarifying the hair, the second wash should skip that step entirely. Your second wash is all about repairing and strengthening your hair – which is particularly important for anyone who’s had a colour treatment done. The best way to do this is with bond-building products. We love the Redken Extreme Shampoo (R450) and Conditioner (R490). This creamy, blueberry-scented shampoo and conditioner is a godsend for hair that feels like it’s in need of a repair. It uses pH-balancing formulas to fortify hair, with a bold claim of leaving strands three times stronger. Frizz and flyaways are a part of life, but if you’re not feeling yours, we’ve got you. The Moroccanoil Frizz Control Shampoo (R650) and Conditioner (R650) is specifically formulated to smooth and soften your hair. It’s spiked with argan oil, jackfruit extract, nori extract and amaranth oil to strengthen each strand so it’s more resistant to frizz and breakage. Next, you want to look for products that are packed with proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants to deliver long-lasting hydration back to damaged ends. We’re fans of the INOAR Hair Therapy Mask (R750) – three to five minutes is all you need to get the benefits of a deep treatment without the heavy product. By strengthening parched, fragile hair with amino acids, hydrolysed corn starch and camellia seed oil, it improves manageability as well as revives shines for healthier-looking hair. For the last step, we recommend using a leave-in conditioner. The Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray (R640) is a stylist favourite. This do-it-all spray provides 21 benefits (heat protection, colour care, detangling) and the fresh, floral scent happens to smell extra amazing.
Third wash of the cycle: Hydrating and preparation for styling
The third wash is all about styling your hair. It’s an optional wash that you might only add to your hair cycling routine if you’re about to do some heavy styling. The Kevin Murphy HYDRATE-ME.WASH (R575) and HYDRATE-ME.RINSE (R575) is our go-to for a standard wash – anyone can benefit from this shampoo and conditioner. This vegan formula is bursting with Kakadu plum, shea butter and evening primrose oil. The shampoo is like a facial for your hair every time you wash with it. It’s both hydrating and cleansing, and it doesn’t strip the hair. The conditioner drenches hair in humectants to help deeply soften and add a silky shine. It’s, quite frankly, magic. If you’re in a committed relationship with your hot tools, chances are your hair may be suffering from some heat damage. Enter: The Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist (R270). Heat protection spray truly doesn’t have to break the bank. Designed to speed up drying time, protect against heat damage, and leave you with enviable blowouts that boast heaps of body and shine, this mist is hard to beat. The Moroccanoil All in One Leave-In Conditioner (R695) is a must-have hair care product for weak strands that break and buckle easily. Protective and nourishing, it gives a hit of serious hydration for up to 72 hours – but the milky formula is still light enough that it won’t weigh down the hair. The third wash also involves any of your can’t-live-without pre-styling products, such as volumisers, texturising sprays and mousses. Take your style to new heights with the GHD Body Goals Total Volume Foam (R380), spritz this on the INOAR Liso com Ondas Texturising Spray (R510) to get tousled, sexy hair or depend on the Revlon Flex Mousse Ultra Strong Hold (R76.99) to keep your styles held in place.
