Why switching up your hair care products regularly is more beneficial than you think

The merit of this beauty trend goes beyond its virality on social media—it lets you customise your hair care regime with every wash

We have always been told to refrain from mixing and matching our hair care products by self-acclaimed beauty experts in the family or at the local salon. Using permutations of shampoos and conditioners—think a clarifying shampoo with a nourishing hair mask—hasn’t quite been par for the course. This partially explains why a particular ‘range’ from a hair care brand is sold as one—shampoo, conditioner and hair mask included. However, rotating your hair care products, based on the differing needs of your hair, has been trending across TikTok and Instagram, where the term ‘hair cycling’ was coined. Much like its famous predecessor, skin cycling, hair cycling involves using certain products based on how your hair feels on a given day, which is subject to change from time to time. The bonus? Hair care experts approve of hair cycling to cop a healthier mane. We asked a trichologist, dermatologist and hair stylist to sound off their thoughts on this trend.

Understanding hair cycling

Several factors—both external and internal—influence the health and appearance of your hair. Moreover, different factors can trigger disturbance in different parts of your hair (scalp, roots, lengths and mid-lengths). So, with over 1.8 billion views that #haircycling has amassed on TikTok in the last few months, hair cycling is a trend that beauty enthusiasts are talking about. According to Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, hair cycling involves regularly switching between hair care products to prevent buildup of debris and product on the scalp, address varying hair and scalp needs, and avoid overexposure to specific ingredients. 

“This approach can help maintain the health of your hair and scalp, customise the care provided each time, and experiment with different product combinations for optimal results,” explains Sharad. By alternating between different products, you can give your hair and scalp the different nutrients and ingredients they need to stay healthy, adds Dr Sravya Tipirneni, consultant dermatologist, cosmetologist & trichologist at Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru. 

“Hair care needs can change with the seasons. For example, you might require more moisturising products during the dry winter months and lighter, clarifying products during the summer. Hair cycling allows you to adjust your routine based on these seasonal changes,” adds Sharad.

Is it okay to commingle hair wash products?

Contrary to popular perception, there is zilch defacement associated with firstly—using a shampoo and conditioner from different ranges across brands, and secondly—switching up products every time you head for a hair wash. “Ranges are usually created to target a particular group of related concerns and they work most effectively when used as a regime. However, if a consumer is struggling with multiple concerns, professionals usually advise using products from different ranges,” says celebrity hairstylist and Redken pro ambassador, Florian Hurel.

Tipirneni is of the opinion that alternating hair care products, especially shampoo and conditioner/hair mask is recommended “in order to prevent product build-up and address specific concerns.” As long as the products are compatible with each other and align your concerns, they are good to go. “As a professional, my job is to recommend an effective duo for my client from the products that are available,” begins Hurel. “The key really lies in a detailed diagnosis. Everyone knows to check scalp and hair; however, we go a step further and divide the hair into three zones—roots, mid-lengths, and ends as sometimes, different zones have different needs,” he says.

What are the benefits of hair cycling?

Customising a beauty routine, be it for your skin or hair, allows you to address the pressing concerns you might be facing at that time. “Hair cycling offers several benefits; it prevents product buildup, reducing the risk of dull, limp hair or scalp issues. By catering to varying hair needs, such as moisture, strength and volume, you can optimise the results and maintain the health of your hair and scalp,” says Sharad, who believes that hair cycling also prevents overexposure to specific ingredients, thereby, reducing the risk of sensitivities or allergies.

“Experimentation with different products helps you understand what works best for your unique hair type. Furthermore, it prevents your hair from becoming too accustomed to a single product, ensuring continued effectiveness and adaptability in your routine, ultimately promoting overall hair vitality and health.” Additionally, Tipirneni mentions that by supplying your hair with diverse nutrients that it could need from time to time, you will end up promoting better and quality hair growth. “This is because it not only nourishes the scalp but also helps to reduce the incidence of dandruff, dryness, breakage and other hair problems.” 

Is there a right way to follow hair cycling?

When it comes to hair cycling, a one-size-fits-all approach is not an option, as its premise is customisation, not once, but every time you wash your hair. “There is a lot of merit in hair cycling. In fact, this is where professionals come in with their expertise. We don’t just look at the problems that consumers face but also the zone in which a particular problem is occurring,” shares Hurel.

To indulge in hair cycling effectively, start by identifying your hair type and specific concerns, recommends Sharad. “Next, select a range of good quality products that cater to your needs, including shampoos, conditioners and treatment-led products. Use each product for a few weeks before switching to another. Pay attention to how your hair responds; avoid abrupt changes to prevent scalp irritation. Regularly clarify your hair to remove any buildup.”

“Be mindful of the ingredients in the products you use as some ingredients may not be compatible with others. For example, using a clarifying shampoo alongside a heavily moisturising conditioner may help balance out your routine,” suggests Sharad. “If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, be cautious when trying new products. Patch-testing new products on a small area of your skin can help you identify any adverse reactions before applying them to your entire scalp and hair,” advises Hurel. 

It is normal for your hair and scalp to take some time to adjust to new products, says Sharad. “During a transition period, you might notice differences in how your hair looks and feels. Give your hair a few weeks to adapt before making a final judgement on a product,” she concludes.

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