Hair Cycling: How To Consistently Nourish Your Hair

Hair cycling came about when writing another post about hair. I thought I had coined a new term, but as with everything, TikTok seems to be way ahead! I’m not big on following or writing about trends but felt compelled to share this as it has changed and transformed my hair! It isn’t anything new, but if you’re like me, who’s constantly looking for “the one” product to rule them all, then this might get you to change your mind…

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What is Hair Cycling?

Similarly to skin cycling, you essentially are taking a scheduled approach to alternating products that depend on your hair needs. Hair cycling is also closely related to the capillary schedule, which is a 4-week haircare treatment technique that focuses on three key features: hydration (water), nutrition (lipids), and reconstruction (protein).

Unless you’re someone who sticks to a few products every washing routine, you are probably naturally doing this already. A hair cycling routine is just a more structured way of rotating products and treatments. Everyone’s hair cycling schedule will look different. For some, it will only stretch to shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks/treatments, while others may even rotate their styling products accordingly. In some cases, it’s about taking a recovery day from heat styling.

The common goal is to incorporate one or more “actives” that are usually not suitable for every wash-use. For example: a detox shampoo, a co-wash, or a deep protein treatment. These products, if used too frequently, may result in either a dry mess or a greasy head. But by rotating these deeper treatments you’re feeding your hair a varied diet that should result in healthier and nourished hair.

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My Experience With Hair Cycling

Skin cycling wasn’t really news to me, I was already doing something similar. But when it came to hair, my goal has always been to find that one shampoo and conditioner I like, that does it all, and stick to it. However, what I’ve found is that my hair looks and feels the best when I alternate between different products.

What made me start to think differently was when I tested out co-washing for the first time. My hair felt and looked greater than it had in a long time. However, it would take me a few years after that to reconsider co-washing to be a standard thing. It wasn’t until recently, I started using a deep hydrating shampoo, and realized the massive difference in frizz and shine. Meaning, my idea of the ideal washing routine was being challenged. My hair before that felt dry and unruly to the point that I thought doing another big chop was the only thing that would save it.

But washing my hair with hydrating products every wash resulted in greasy limb hair that needed more frequent washing. So I started applying the co-washing rule, using a deep hydrating washing routine every third wash or so. By alternating this way I saw a sustained positive difference. And I simply needed to accept that having two or more different shampoos instead of only one, was the way for me to find a happy balance. After adjusting and following a schedule my hair feels much more nourished and shinier than before.

Example of Hair Cycling Schedule

Short about my hair: it is waist length with issues like damaged and dry ends. It’s got a wavy texture (2B curl) with fine hair strands and medium density. I sometimes heat-style my hair, which results in more frizz, damage, and dryness. I live in a place where the humidity is either balanced or on the drier side.

Here’s an example of how my winter schedule would look like:

• Wash 1: Repairing/Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
• Wash 2: Repairing/Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
• Wash 3: Repairing Shampoo & Deep Repairing Mask or Bonding Treatment
• Wash 4: Deep Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner or Co-Wash
• Wash 5: Repeat Cycle

And after about two cycles I replace my regular wash with a detox shampoo on Wash day 1.

Another alternative routine that’s closer to the capillary schedule:

As I said in the beginning, everyone’s hair cycling routine will look different depending on their lifestyle and environment. These are just examples to help you build your own routine.

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Products To Use

What products to use is of course individual. For your regular wash days (days 1 and 2) you should stick with a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. It’s probably in your shower already. Then, for those days of extra care, you swap it for something more nourishing like a protein treatment, a co-wash, or a deep cleanse.

For my hair, my current favorite for regular use is the Bumble & Bumble Bond-Building shampoo and conditioner. Then on wash day 3, I like to use the Bond-Building treatment from the same line. Or something like Olaplex No3 or Kevin Murphy’s Restore (which is a protein-loaded co-wash) are other examples I’ve used.

Protein treatments can often leave my hair a bit crispy and dry. So for my next wash, I like to load up on moisture. For this I found co-washing to be a great recovery. Also, an ultra-hydrating shampoo can do the same trick. I’ve currently been alternating with the Bumble & Bumble Ultra Rich line, and the shampoo is closely resembling a co-wash in texture. The only difference is that it foams up a bit more, making it a bit easier to apply and spread out. But feels just as hydrating and gentle, nothing I could personally use every wash day without eventually getting a build-up and greasy hair. But for that once-in-a-while boost of hydration, it works really well for my hair!

Who is Hair Cycling For?

Hair cycling is great for people who have multiple hair concerns or live in a very changing environment. There’s usually no one product that will treat all your hair needs all year round. Believe me, even a customized shampoo can’t do it all. If you’re someone who sees great results initially when you swap out your products, to a few months later finding yourself back to square one, it can be an indication that you should rotate products more frequently.

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Are you Hair Cycling?
Ask me your questions and share your hair cycling routines in the comments below!