First came skin cycling, a TikTok trend that encourages people to cycle through skincare products over the course of a few days. Then hair cycling arrived on the scene. This new trend follows the same principle of using a selection of carefully selected products over the course of a set number of days to give your hair exactly what it needs at exactly the right time. So, does hair cycling work, or is it just another flash in the pan like so many other social media crazes?
What Is Hair Cycling?
Hair is naturally cycling all the time, moving between the anagen phase, or growth phase, when your hair begins to grow from the root; the catagen phase, when hair growth slows down and follicles shrink; and finally, the telogen phase, when old hair falls out and new hair begins to grow from the same hair follicle. However, most people don’t cycle through their hair care products in the same way, which is where a hair cycling routine comes in. The idea is to work with your hair to give it exactly what it needs at the right time. Depending on the day, you’ll be removing product buildup or adding moisture to restore your hair back to its brilliant best.
The Benefits of Hair Cycling
Hair cycling looks like it could be here to stay. Spacing out the products you use on your hair means there’s less chance of a harmful reaction that may lead to dry hair, damaged hair, or other issues. It can also cut down on product buildup that can affect your scalp and hair follicles, preserve your natural hair oils, and give you the chance to get back to healthy hair. Not only might it save your mane but introducing hair cycling may also save your bank balance, as you'll use different products with less frequency.
Hair Cycling with Lu
Hair cycling is all about timing and giving your hair vital nutrients at the right time. It can work for any hair type, as long as you're using the right stuff. For example, many products claim to contain natural ingredients, but not all botanicals are made equal. Lu’s shampoos, conditioners, and styling creams contain a variety of natural ingredients that have been used to boost hair health for generations of people around the world. Here’s how to switch up your hair care routine with your favorite Lu products.
First Wash
- Start your cycle with a detox or exfoliation like this cleansing purifying scrub with sea salt from Cristophe Robin. This initial wash is supposed to remove any unwanted product buildup from your hair, break down oil, and give you a thorough scalp scrub. Remember, you don’t want to scrub too hard as the sea salt or other exfoliant may cause micro tears on your scalp.
- Then, rejuvenate and hydrate your hair by doing a double wash with a sulfate-free shampoo from Lu. Every Lu product uses Impossible Keratin™️, which improves moisture retention, reduces frizz caused by humidity, and strengthens every hair strand three times more than regular keratin treatments. Washing your hair twice will remove the last specks of product buildup, then refine the scalp.
- Next, scrunch one or two quarter-sized gobs of Lu’s Freedom Conditioner, made using natural ingredients like moringa seed oil, onto the tips of your fingers, and work it into the ends of your hair. If you have long hair, a good place to start is from chin-level down.
- Finish your first wash of the cycle with a serum or oil like GRO from Vegamour, which will lock in moisture and help repair damaged hair before the next cycle.
Second Wash
- The second wash of the cycle should begin when you would usually wash your hair again anyway. Although there’s no steadfast rule for how often you should wash, try to wait until you feel your hair is dirty. Skip the exfoliating round this time and start with a double wash with your chosen shampoo.
- Next, apply a nourishing hair mask like this popular one from Olaplex, which should leave your hair moisturized and feeling smooth and silky.
- Finish up the cycle with Lu’s "Lock the Look" Styling Cream. This leave-in cream is the perfect way to end your cycle, adding an extra layer of protection for your hair and keeping your ‘do styled just the way you want it, all day long.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict on hair cycling? If you have multiple hair concerns, it's a great way to tackle them all by using products that specialize in each one. Your hair can get different nutrients that work their individual magic on your hair. And with Lu, you can cycle between Rescue, which is built to repair damaged hair, Freedom, which is designed for curly hair, and Control, which helps you manage your hair. Pair them with your favorite exfoliants, masks and other products and see what hair cycling can do for you!
