WHAT IS HAIR CYCLING AND SHOULD YOU TRY IT?
Hair cycling is a growing trend in the world of hair care, and many people are curious about its benefits and whether they should give it a try. Hair cycling involves adjusting your hair care routine to better align with the natural growth cycle of your hair. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind hair cycling and explore whether it’s something you should consider adding to your hair care routine.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before we dive into hair cycling, it’s essential to understand the hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle consists of three distinct phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
The anagen phase is the growth phase, during which hair follicles are actively producing new hair. The length of this phase varies by individual and can range from two to six years.
The catagen phase is a transitional phase that lasts around two weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle begins to shrink, and hair growth slows down.
Finally, during the telogen phase, the hair follicle is in a resting state. This phase lasts for about three months, and then the hair falls out, making way for new hair growth.
What is Hair Cycling?
Hair cycling is a hair care technique that takes advantage of the natural growth cycle of your hair. The idea is to adjust your hair care routine based on which phase of the hair growth cycle your hair is in.
During the anagen phase, hair is in its strongest and healthiest state. Therefore, the goal during this phase is to nourish and protect the hair to promote healthy growth. This may involve using protein-rich products to strengthen the hair or avoiding excessive heat styling to prevent damage.
During the catagen phase, hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Therefore, the goal during this phase is to protect the hair from damage and promote hair growth. This may involve using gentle hair care products and avoiding chemical treatments.
Finally, during the telogen phase, hair is in its weakest state, and the goal is to encourage healthy new hair growth. This may involve using scalp-stimulating products or massaging the scalp to promote blood flow.
However, there are some general hair care practices that align with the principles of hair cycling and can promote healthy hair growth. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health
- Using gentle hair care products that don’t strip the hair of its natural oils
- Avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments
- Massaging the scalp to promote blood flow
- Protecting the hair from damage by wearing protective styles or using protective products
Final Thoughts
Hair cycling is an intriguing concept that aligns with the natural growth cycle of hair. However, there is limited scientific research to support its effectiveness. Instead, focusing on general hair care practices that promote healthy hair growth may be more practical and effective.