How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 2020

In 2020, women’s hair care shifted toward natural, healthy routines, minimal damage, and personalized habits. From scalp health to shine, women increasingly focused on what worked best for their hair type, climate, and lifestyle.

This blog explores the top hair care routines, popular treatments, and trends women followed in 2020.

1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency

Most women preferred gentle washing routines in 2020.

40–50% washed hair every 2–3 days

25% washed daily (more common for oily scalps)

15% used dry shampoo between washes

Trends focused on avoiding over-washing, which can strip natural oils and damage hair. Sulfate-free shampoos and mild formulas became highly popular.

2. Conditioners & Hair Masks

Deep conditioning and masks became a must-have for hair health.

65% used conditioner regularly

35% applied hair masks weekly

Hair masks containing natural oils like argan, coconut, or shea butter were trending. Women sought hydration, shine, and repair from these treatments.

3. Oils & Serums — The Natural Boost

Hair oils and serums were widely used to nourish and protect hair.

50% applied oils once or twice a week

Popular oils: coconut, argan, jojoba, almond

Serums helped with frizz control and shine

These became essential in both morning routines and nighttime hair care.

4. Heat Styling — Limited and Careful Use

Women in 2020 became more cautious with heat tools:

45% reduced blow-drying frequency

30% used flat irons or curling irons sparingly

Heat protectants became a staple for 95% of heat users

Minimal heat styling helped reduce split ends, breakage, and dryness.

5. Haircuts & Trims

Regular trims were key for healthy growth and split-end prevention:

70% got a trim every 8–12 weeks

Shorter styles (bob, lob) were trendy for low maintenance

Long hair enthusiasts focused on layered cuts for volume and manageability

6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles

Women increasingly embraced natural textures and protective styles:

30–35% wore braids, buns, or twists to reduce damage

Curly and wavy hair routines focused on moisturizing and defining curls

Protective hairstyles reduced breakage from styling and environmental factors

7. Scalp Care

Scalp health became a major focus in 2020:

40% used scalp exfoliating scrubs

55% used oil massages to stimulate growth

Treatments targeted dandruff, dryness, and oil control

Healthy scalp routines became part of overall hair wellness

8. DIY Hair Treatments

Many women turned to at-home remedies:

30% used egg masks for protein

25% used yogurt or aloe vera treatments

20% relied on honey or avocado hair masks

DIY treatments were popular due to cost-effectiveness and natural ingredients.

9. Color Care

Color care was a key trend in 2020:

35% colored their hair at home

25% visited salons for professional coloring

Color-protecting shampoos and conditioners were widely used

Women focused on preserving shine and reducing chemical damage. 

10. Nighttime Hair Routines

Nighttime routines became increasingly important:

45% tied hair in a loose braid or bun

30% slept with silk or satin pillowcases

Protective sleep routines minimized frizz and breakage

11. Minimal Product Trend

Women in 2020 preferred fewer but effective products:

Multi-purpose shampoos, masks, and serums gained popularity

Focus shifted from quantity to quality and natural ingredients

In 2020, women’s hair care emphasized:

Gentle washing

Regular conditioning

Limited heat styling

Protective hairstyles

Scalp care and hydration

Nighttime protection

Natural, simple, and personalized routines dominated over heavy styling or chemical treatments. Women prioritized healthy hair, shine, and manageable routines.

Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (2020)

40–50% washed hair every 2–3 days

65% used conditioner regularly

35% applied hair masks weekly

50% used oils/serums

45% reduced heat styling

70% got trims every 8–12 weeks

30–35% wore protective hairstyles

40–55% cared for scalp actively

30% used DIY treatments

35% colored hair at home or salon

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

1. How often did women wash their hair in 2020?

Most women washed their hair every 2–3 days (40–50%), while daily washing was more common for oily scalps (25%). Dry shampoo was used by 15% to extend time between washes.

2. Were hair masks popular in 2020?

Yes, 35% of women applied hair masks weekly. Masks with natural oils like argan, coconut, and shea butter were especially trending for hydration and repair.

3. What oils and serums were commonly used?

Coconut, argan, jojoba, and almond oils were the top choices. About 50% of women applied oils 1–2 times per week, often alongside serums to control frizz and add shine.

4. Did women use heat styling tools less?

Yes, 45% reduced blow-drying, and 30% used curling or flat irons sparingly. Heat protectants were essential for 95% of those who still styled with heat.

5. How frequently did women get trims?

Regular trims were a priority: 70% got haircuts every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends and maintain healthy growth.

6. Were protective hairstyles popular?

Yes, 30–35% wore braids, buns, or twists to reduce damage. Women with curly or wavy hair also focused on moisturizing and defining curls.

7. Did scalp care become a trend in 2020?

Absolutely. About 40% used exfoliating scrubs, while 55% used oil massages. Scalp treatments targeted dandruff, dryness, and oil balance.

8. How common were DIY hair treatments?

DIY treatments were used by 20–30% of women, including egg masks for protein, yogurt or aloe vera treatments, and honey or avocado masks for hydration.

9. How did women protect colored hair?

Around 35% colored their hair at home, and 25% visited salons. Color-protecting shampoos and conditioners helped maintain shine and reduce chemical damage.

10. What nighttime routines helped hair health?

Protective sleep routines were common: 45% tied hair in loose braids or buns, and 30% used silk or satin pillowcases to minimize frizz and breakage.