Should I Be Hair Cycling?

Social media has an almost uncanny ability to make long-held beauty practices seem new and buzzworthy. Hair cycling — a practice that involves regularly switching up the hair care products you use — is one recent example of many. Proponents claim that cycling your hair products can help prevent buildup, improve hair health, and even promote hair growth. And while not all of those claims are backed by science, experts say that hair cycling can be beneficial for your mane. 

“Some shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that are hard to rinse out and can accumulate on the scalp and strands over time,” trichologist Shab Caspara explains. This buildup, she adds, can make the hair unmanageable or lead to scalp concerns such as itching and flaking. To help combat buildup and keep your hair (and scalp) feeling healthy, she recommends swapping out your usual shampoo for a clarifying option once weekly or as needed. She’s a fan of the JooY Clarify Shampoo, which contains fermented superfoods and gently removes buildup to help balance the scalp. 

Hair cycling can also mean switching up the products you use based on your hair’s condition — and this is likely something you already do. In the wintertime, for example, you may find yourself reaching for heavier, more nourishing products to keep your scalp and hair feeling hydrated. In the summer, you may opt for lighter products that won’t leave your mane feeling greasy. Or perhaps you add a weekly exfoliating step to your hair care routine. Anything that involves deviating from your usual regimen falls under the umbrella of hair cycling. 

As for whether it’s worth trying, it really depends on your hair. “If your hair and scalp are thriving with your current routine, stick with what works,” Caspara says. Otherwise, try experimenting with different products and techniques until you find a system that works for you.