Scalp care is having a serious moment! Premium-level treatments for the scalp started gaining popularity in Japan about ten years ago, and now they’ve gone global. Scalp care has evolved way beyond just fighting flakes and is starting to look a lot like skincare. Think “facials for your scalp”, because head Spa treatments are on the rise, and one method in particular is standing out: hair cycling. So what is it exactly, and why are dermatologists, hair pros and beauty influencers on TikTok all buzzing about it?
From trend to routine
The scalp care aisle is growing fast: we’re seeing more serums, scrubs, oils and essences than ever. On TikTok, hashtags like #scalpcare and #scalphealth rack up hundreds of thousands of views. People are looking for answers to everything from dryness and oiliness to flaking, inflammation and hair loss.
Planned variety = happy scalp
Hair cycling means ditching the same old shampoo-conditioner combo and embracing a rotating routine of phases – detox, hydration, and strengthening.
The idea is simple: give your scalp what it needs, when it needs it. Sometimes it’s about getting rid of buildup and impurities. Other times, you need moisture and calm. And when your hair’s feeling fragile from heat styling or other stressors, it’s time to rebuild and strengthen.
Where it all began
The roots (pun intended) of this trend lie in skincare. Skinification is the biggest beauty megatrend right now, meaning skincare-grade ingredients, technologies and approaches are making their way into haircare – just like choosing your face cream based on your skin type.
Skin cycling routines have already gone viral, and now that same logic is being applied to the scalp. More and more people see the scalp as an extension of the skin – something that deserves balance, care and targeted ingredients. Post-pandemic, many of us have become more invested in our well-being, and scalp care feels like a tangible, everyday form of self-care that actually makes a difference.
Hair cycling: the phases, rhythm and product picks
- Detox
Use a detox or clarifying shampoo to deep-clean your scalp and remove product buildup. Try Four Reasons Professional Pure Detox Shampoo and conditioner, or go with the Four Reasons Professional Deep Cleanse Shampoo. - Hydrate
Hydrating products help rebalance the scalp and hair. Go for Four Reasons Professional Moisture Dose Shampoo to lock in all the hydration benefits – and don’t forget a few spritzes of Professional Moisture Dose Mist straight onto your scalp when needed! - Strengthen
Products with proteins and reparative ingredients support hair health and resilience. Our go-to for strengthening is the award-winning Four Reasons Professional Bio-Molecule Repair line. Use the shampoo and treatment whenever your hair needs a power-up.
And when your hair starts to feel heavy or greasy again, just start the cycle over.
What are the benefits?
Hair cycling and regularly switching up your products helps prevent oiliness and buildup – a common side effect of washing with the same formulas over and over (plus all that dry shampoo, mousse, and hairspray we love). When buildup lingers on the scalp, only a deep cleanse can truly reset it.
Giving each wash a purpose helps maintain balance and keeps your routine more interesting. It’s easy to customize based on your needs – you might not need every step every time. If your scalp is super dry, lean into hydration. If it’s irritated, you might want to support your scalp’s microbiome.
Is it worth trying?
If your hair gets greasy fast, feels limp, or your routine is just getting a bit… meh – hair cycling could be exactly the refresh you need. Plus, it’s a great excuse to try new products and build a personalized routine where every product plays a role.
