Does Your Hair Need A Recovery Day? What A Stylist Says 

While the idea of "skin cycling" has been around for quite a while (even before it had a buzzy name), the easy-to-follow routine has helped many people plan out their most effective skin care routine and reduce irritation.

"If you live blowout to blowout, especially if you have naturally textured hair, try a recovery wash day between blowouts," professional hairstylist Matt Newman says in a recent TikTok video. 

Even if you aren't fashioning a fluffy, high-heat blowout, any kind of regular hot tool use calls for a recovery day. In fact, even those refraining from heat on their hair can benefit from the extra nourishment every once in a while. 

To do so, Newman recommends washing your hair and using the "deep conditioner" method: "By that, I mean applying your conditioner from root to tip and letting it sit for at least five minutes," he notes.

For those with super-dry strands, consider using a thicker hair mask for this step. You may hesitate to apply it all the way toward the roots in fear your strands will look greasy after the wash, but for a recovery day, it doesn't matter! (More on that in a moment.) 

After you step out of the shower, you'll want to apply your favorite hair oil. Newman suggests leaving any styling products and leave-in conditioner behind for now and focusing on just the oil. "Hair oiling is a super-important part of many cultures from across the globe, going back thousands of years as a way to nourish and protect their hair," Newman says about the ancient practice. 

Let your hair air dry and then style it however you like—a slicked-back bun, a long braid, a quick ponytail, etc. Or, you can simply leave your hair down and embrace the shiny locks for the day. 

Remember: "This is not a routine for your best-looking style; this is a routine for recovery," Newman explains. So if your hair begins to look a little meh as it dries, don't worry—it's all in the name of recovery.