If you are on Instagram, you’ve likely come across reels about skin cycling. In case you haven’t heard of skin cycling, here’s a quick summary: You use active ingredients on certain days, followed by ‘rest’ days. The trend had Instagram raving with good reviews. But now, its second cousin, hair cycling is here to hog the beauty spotlight. While getting luscious, Beyoncé-like locks is no easy feat, Instagram’s new #haircycling movement could help you achieve just that. The trend is receiving lots of love in the social media sphere right now, and we think it might just land itself in the #HereToStay category. Intrigued? Scroll on to know how to cycle your hair routine for max results.
What Is Hair Cycling?
Hair cycling is all about alternating hair products in your hair care routine to pave the way for your healthiest, strongest hair yet. Just like skin cycling, hair cycling involves following a haircare routine that incorporates rest or recovery days during the week. This gives the hair time to repair itself after using certain products. For example, rather than using a clarifying shampoo that can be potentially harsh every time you wash your hair, it’s best to space out your uses and give your locks time to rest. The same goes for hair masks. Likewise, using an uber-hydrating hair mask every time you shampoo your hair can lead to product build-up so it’s best to alternate. This helps address various hair concerns like overproduction of oil, dandruff, or dryness. It also prevents the stripping of natural oils present in the hair and scalp.
The Benefits Of Hair Cycling
Hair cycling offers a myriad of hair benefits. It helps improve the health of your scalp and hair. As hair cycling involves giving the hair much-needed rest time, it also reduces the potential risk of inflammation. ICYDK, our scalp skin ages six times faster than anywhere else, so it’s important to give it the required TLC. Using too many products on your scalp or over-exfoliating can imbalance the scalp biome and harm the hair follicles. This increases the risk of inflammation and scalp irritation. If you’re dealing with more than one hair concern such as dehydration and frizz, you can use hair cycling by dedicating one day to hydrating products and one to centre around using products that address frizz.
How To Try Hair Cycling?
Your hair cycling routine will depend on your specific hair type, how often you wash your hair, and your lifestyle, among other things. The best thing about hair cycling is that it can be tailored to suit your hair type and concerns. Here’s a sample hair cycling routine:
First Wash Of The Hair Cycle
You can start by using a gentle detoxifying and clarifying product to give your scalp a cleanse. Follow it up with a sulfate-free shampoo. This not only helps in getting rid of product buildup but also helps in cleansing the scalp. Complete your wash routine by using a nourishing conditioner. The final step involves treating your scalp with a growth-promoting scalp serum or shine-inducing hair oil.
Second Wash Of The Hair Cycle
Since the first wash of the cycle was all about clarifying and detoxifying the scalp, we’re going to focus just on double cleansing the hair in the second wash of the cycle. Start by using a hydrating shampoo to restore shine and moisture. Follow it up with a nourishing hair mask. Look out for a mask with star ingredients such as vitamins, fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants to provide long-lasting hydration to locks. Then, use a leave-in conditioner to strengthen the hair, eliminate frizz, and prevent breakage. Just keep in mind, your hair cycling routine will depend on your hair goals, hair type, as well as washing routine.
Haircare made simple, with cycling. Are you gonna try this?
Featured Image: Pexels
