WTF Is Shampoo Cycling?

Despite the fact that “hair cycling” has blown up on TikTok recently, it’s actually not a new trend. Similar to “skin cycling” for the face, rotating your hair products based on your hair and scalp’s needs has been a recommended practice amongst dermatologists and hair care experts long before TikTok stole all of our screen time. 

Hair cycling is a fantastic way to keep your hair healthy and scalp in top shape—and one of the steps in this routine, called “shampoo cycling,” is what keeps your scalp balanced and happy. 

Below, we wrote a Complete Guide to Shampoo Cycling, including what the difference is between hair cycling and shampoo cycling, why you should implement this practice into your routine, how, exactly, to do it and which products are best to maintain a balanced scalp.  

TLDR - Hair Cycling is a Routine to Address Multiple Hair and Scalp Concerns

In case you haven’t quite caught up yet, here is the TLDR: Hair cycling is the broader trend that includes all aspects of rotating products to meet your hair’s changing needs, including shampoo, conditioner, masks, and more. Shampoo cycling, on the other hand, is a subset of hair cycling, which focuses specifically on switching between shampoos to maintain balance and keep your scalp healthy. 

Most folks have multiple hair conditions that need to be addressed at the same time. For example, you might have super dry hair strands but an annoyingly oily scalp. That's why different shampoo formulas are available to address various hair and scalp needs—think a moisturizing formula to nourish your hair, a dandruff formula to banish flakes or a clarifying formula to remove product buildup. 

And those are just examples of shampoos. If you’re hair cycling the right way, you most likely also have a set of conditioners and serums to address other concerns, too. But you can’t put them all in your hair at once, so you need to…you guessed it, cycle. 

Benefits Of Hair Cycling 

Your hair’s needs can change on a daily, monthly or seasonal basis, and hair cycling helps you meet those needs. Your hair may be drier in the winter months, so adding a deep conditioning mask to your strands would work wonders. Or, it might be the middle of the summer, and a heavy mask would weigh your hair down too much. In this case, a lightweight conditioner would be more beneficial. Hair cycling allows you to control what products you use to achieve a perfect hair day, every day. 

Benefits Of Shampoo Cycling

The benefits of shampoo cycling are similar to the benefits of hair cycling but with a focus on scalp health. Instead of focusing only on how hair looks, this method concentrates on nourishing the scalp using various types of shampoo.

An example of shampoo cycling would be to alternate a moisturizing shampoo and dandruff shampoo for great results. Exploring your hair type can help you make an informed decision about which products to use together to prevent buildup and protect scalp health while maintaining the effectiveness of all formulas.

Common Questions About Hair Cycling

Let’s answer two of the most common questions we see online about hair cycling and shampooing in general:

Can Your Hair and Scalp "Get Too Used To” the Same Product?

The latest hair cycling trend claims that your hair and scalp can "get too used to" active ingredients when only using one shampoo or hair product. Based on science, this is a myth, and there’s no evidence that your hair or scalp "gets too used to" the products you use frequently. 

That being said, your hair’s needs may change over time. Factors like seasonal shifts—dry winters or humid summers—can impact hair and scalp health, requiring adjustments in your routine.

 

Can You Use Shampoo Too Much?

Regardless of whether you’re using the same shampoo religiously or practicing a shampoo cycling routine, it’s still possible to be using too much shampoo. Because every scalp is different, the amount that you’ll need to wash your scalp to keep it healthy can vary from person to person.

Some people may need to wash their hair every day and should use a gentle cleansing shampoo, while others with dry hair may prefer to wash less. Types of shampoo that you might over-cleanse with include:

• A shampoo with strong surfactants (the ingredients that create foam and help clean your hair) can strip away the natural oils that your scalp produces. This can leave your hair feeling dry and frizzy with an irritated scalp.
• A moisturizing shampoo that’s used too frequently can leave a residue that weighs your hair down, creating a greasy, lifeless appearance.

Factors That May Affect Your Hair and Scalp

It's natural for your hair and scalp to change over time, not just because of the weather. There are many factors involved, like hormone changes and aging, but our environment and lifestyle also play a part, too. These factors include:

• Hormone changes during pregnancy or menopause affect your body chemistry, either thickening your hair or causing more frequent hair loss.
• Aging causes regular changes to hair texture and volume. 
  
• Environmental factors like weather changes, UV exposure and air pollution can weaken your hair and irritate your scalp. 
  
• Nutrition is crucial to hair and scalp health. A successful hair care routine includes a protein-rich diet, vitamins, and minerals.
  
• Hydration is as vital to your hair care routine as diet. Less water can make hair more brittle and increase scalp irritation.
  
• Specific scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, cause inflammation and a red, scaly scalp. 
  
• Stress often spikes the cortisol hormone, affecting the hair growth cycle. Weaker hair follicles can cause more shedding.

Shampoo Cycling

Shampoo Cycling Example

Shampoo cycling is easier than you might think. After determining your current hair and scalp issues, your monthly scalp-care routine can be as simple as this:

Week 1: Hydrate your hair with the right moisturizing shampoo for hair and scalp health. Softer, less frizzy strands are signs of improvement.

Week 2: Alternate with a clarifying shampoo that removes residue from your hair, as well as dirt and oils from your scalp. You might notice that your scalp feels less irritated.

Week 3: Introduce an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Zinc Pyrithione. This key ingredient is crucial for controlling flakes and is FDA-approved for treating dandruff.

Week 4: Track how shampoo cycling has benefited your hair over 21 days. Either repeat the cycle or adjust it based on your current needs.

Jupiter Pro Tip: Even when you find your perfect routine, you might need to adjust it according to the season or change in environment. 

Does Shampoo Cycling Control Dandruff?

When you're dealing with dandruff, hair cycling can be an excellent way to improve your scalp health. Scientifically formulated anti-dandruff products can significantly improve your shampoo cycling routine. Hair cycling products can help:

Control dandruff: Anti-dandruff shampoos vary in their key ingredients and effectiveness. Your challenge is to find the one that works best for your hair and scalp.

Prevent dryness: Shampoo cycling with moisturizing products can hydrate your hair and minimize brittleness and dryness.

Balance hair and scalp health: Hair cycling should address multiple issues. The right anti-dandruff shampoo improves your scalp health, while moisturizing or clarifying shampoos will hydrate hair and eliminate residue.

Shampoo Cycling Tips 

Check in with yourself: Tuning in with your body’s needs is the first step towards creating your perfect shampoo cycling routine. Get to know your scalp and assess when it needs extra moisture or more of a deep clean. 

Start with a clean slate: Use a clarifying shampoo at the start of your cycle to remove buildup and allow your other products to work more effectively.

Balance hydration and cleansing: Use a moisturizing shampoo to hydrate your hair and a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and impurities.

Rotate every few weeks: Alternate shampoos every 3-4 washes to address different scalp and hair needs, like hydration, clarifying, or dandruff control.

Don’t overdo it: Avoid using too many shampoos at once—stick to 2-3 core shampoos that suit your hair’s needs to prevent overwhelming your scalp.

Adjust to seasons: Adapt your shampoo rotation based on seasonal changes, such as adding a more hydrating formula during winter or a lighter formula during summer.

Be consistent: Stick to your routine for a few weeks to see the benefits of shampoo cycling, and adjust only as needed for long-term results.

Jupiter’s Lineup for Hair Cycling

Treat Flakes with Jupiter’s Balancing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Our feature-packed, award-winning anti-dandruff shampoo helps to control dandruff while noticeably improving the health of your hair and scalp.  
The secret weapon is the clinically proven, FDA-approved active ingredient Zinc Pyrithione. It's gentle enough to use daily and is an easy addition to your anti-dandruff shampoo cycling routine.

Here are the facts to back it up:

Zinc Pyrithione controls flakes and itching while balancing an oily scalp for greater comfort.

Jupiter’s formula reduces hair breakage by up to 75% and is safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair, unlike some harsher anti-dandruff shampoos.

Jupiter's Balancing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is made with a 100% natural fragrance, including notes of mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender to your hair smelling fresh and clean.

Treat Dry Scalp With Jupiter’s Dry Scalp Care System Using MoistuRestore™ Technology

 

The stratum corneum, or the scalp barrier, can sometimes get dry and irritated.
Our revolutionary Dry Scalp Care System features MoistuRestore™ Technology with clinically proven ingredients that soothe and protect, offering next-level hydration. These hero ingredients include:

Jackfruit: A rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, jackfruit is celebrated for its revitalizing and rejuvenating properties.

Tea Tree Oil: This ingredient hydrates the skin while offering natural antibacterial benefits.

Pre- & Probiotics: These are advanced regulators of the skin’s microbiome, promoting optimal skin health.

Glycerin: This locks in moisture and fortifies the skin’s natural protective barrier.

 

Shampoo Cycling FAQs

When do I switch shampoos?

Hair care is unique to each individual, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We recommend switching shampoos when you’re not satisfied with how your hair looks or feels. If it appears limp, dull or isn't responding well to your current routine, it might be time for a change. For more personalized advice, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist who can guide you based on your scalp’s specific needs.

What about my conditioner?

You don't have to switch conditioners when shampoo cycling. However, there are benefits to alternating conditioners in a hair cycling routine.

Do all hair types benefit from shampoo cycling?

Yes. You can benefit from shampoo cycling if you have multiple hair and scalp concerns.

What are the cons of shampoo cycling?

One of the challenges of shampoo cycling is finding the right product mix for your hair. However, using a professional lineup of products can make this process much easier by using formulas designed to work together for optimal results.

Why shouldn't I stick with my regular shampoo?

Our hair issues often change, and the same shampoo might not adapt. Additionally, overuse can cause residue buildup and affect scalp health.

What about my sensitive scalp?
Look for sulfate-free shampoos for your hair cycling routine.

It's Time to Up Your Hair Care Routine

Are you ready for hair cycling? Jupiter's high-quality product lines were developed to simplify shampoo cycling for every user. Jupiter’s scientifically formulated scalp care products will help promote a flake-free scalp and healthier-looking hair over time, too.
Not sure where to start? Take our quick, one-minute quiz to help make your purchasing process that much more simple. Explore our full product range with in-depth descriptions to find your best hair care routine.