How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 2021
Sweety KarlakIn 2021, women’s hair care continued to embrace natural, health-focused routines, with added emphasis on self-care, scalp wellness, and eco-conscious products. The year also saw a rise in at-home treatments due to lingering pandemic restrictions, along with smarter product choices and minimalist routines.
This blog explores the top hair care habits, popular treatments, and trends women followed in 2021.
1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency
Gentle washing routines remained the standard.
45% washed hair every 2–3 days
30% washed daily (mainly for oily scalps)
20% used dry shampoo between washes
Sulfate-free shampoos and gentle cleansing formulas stayed highly popular, reflecting the ongoing trend toward preserving natural oils and scalp health.
2. Conditioners & Hair Masks
Deep conditioning and weekly masks were more integrated into hair care routines:
70% used conditioner regularly
40% applied hair masks weekly
Hair masks containing natural oils, keratin, or shea butter were popular for hydration, repair, and shine. Multi-purpose masks combining nourishment and styling benefits gained traction.
3. Oils & Serums — Nourish & Protect
Hair oils and serums were essential for shine and frizz control.
55% used oils 1–2 times per week
Top oils: argan, coconut, jojoba, marula
Serums helped with split ends, frizz, and heat protection
Women increasingly paired oils with scalp massages for added wellness benefits.
4. Heat Styling — Smarter Usage
Heat styling declined as women favored natural looks:
50% reduced blow-drying frequency
35% used straighteners or curling irons sparingly
Heat protectants used by 95% of heat users
Low-heat tools and air-drying techniques became more mainstream.
5. Haircuts & Trims
Maintaining healthy ends was a priority:
72% got trims every 8–12 weeks
Short, manageable cuts (bobs, lobs) remained trendy
Long-haired women favored layered cuts to improve volume and movement
6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles
Natural texture and protective styling gained more attention:
35–40% wore braids, buns, or twists
Curly and wavy hair routines emphasized hydration, curl definition, and minimal manipulation
Protective hairstyles reduced breakage and environmental damage
7. Scalp Care
Scalp health became an even bigger focus in 2021:
45% used scalp exfoliating scrubs
60% performed oil massages for growth and circulation
Treatments targeted dryness, dandruff, and irritation
Women integrated scalp care into both morning and nighttime routines
8. DIY & At-Home Treatments
At-home hair care surged as salon visits were limited:
35% used DIY treatments weekly
Popular DIY ingredients: eggs, yogurt, aloe vera, honey, avocado
Women blended DIY masks with commercial products for added nutrition
9. Hair Coloring & Maintenance
Color care remained important, with an increase in at-home coloring:
40% colored their hair at home
25% visited salons for professional coloring
Color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and serums were standard
Highlights, balayage, and pastel tones gained popularity, often paired with protective routines to reduce damage.
10. Nighttime Hair Routines
Nighttime hair care was emphasized for maintaining hair health:
50% tied hair in loose braids or buns
35% used silk or satin pillowcases
Protective routines minimized breakage, frizz, and tangling
11. Minimal & Multi-Purpose Products
Minimalism continued to dominate:
Multi-purpose shampoos, masks, and serums were trending
Women focused on quality over quantity, preferring clean, natural ingredients
In 2021, women’s hair care trends emphasized:
Gentle, personalized washing routines
Deep conditioning and hydration
Reduced heat styling
Embracing natural textures and protective styles
Scalp health and wellness
Nighttime protection
Minimal, effective, and multi-purpose products
Women prioritized healthy, shiny, and manageable hair with simple yet effective routines, blending professional treatments, DIY care, and mindful product choices.
Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (2021)
45% washed hair every 2–3 days
70% used conditioner regularly
40% applied hair masks weekly
55% used oils/serums
50% reduced heat styling
72% got trims every 8–12 weeks
35–40% wore protective hairstyles
45–60% cared for scalp actively
35% used DIY treatments
40–65% colored hair at home or salon
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often did women wash their hair in 2021?
Most women washed hair every 2–3 days (45%), while daily washing was more common for oily scalps (30%). Dry shampoo was used by 20% to extend the time between washes.
2. Were hair masks widely used in 2021?
Yes, 40% of women applied hair masks weekly. Masks with natural oils, keratin, or shea butter were popular for hydration, repair, and added shine.
3. Which hair oils and serums were trending?
Top oils included argan, coconut, jojoba, and marula. About 55% of women used oils 1–2 times per week, often combined with serums to manage frizz and split ends.
4. Did heat styling decrease in 2021?
Yes, 50% of women reduced blow-drying, and 35% used curling or flat irons sparingly. Heat protectants remained essential for 95% of those using heat tools.
5. How often did women get hair trims?
Regular trims were a priority: 72% got haircuts every 8–12 weeks to maintain healthy ends and prevent split ends.
6. Were protective hairstyles popular?
Yes, 35–40% of women wore braids, buns, or twists to reduce damage. Curly and wavy hair routines focused on moisturizing and curl definition.
7. Did scalp care gain more attention in 2021?
Absolutely. Around 45% used exfoliating scrubs, and 60% performed oil massages to stimulate growth, reduce dryness, and control dandruff.
8. How common were DIY hair treatments?
DIY treatments became popular: 35% of women used at-home masks weekly, including eggs, yogurt, aloe vera, honey, and avocado, often combined with commercial products.
9. How did women care for colored hair?
About 40% colored their hair at home, and 25% visited salons. Color-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and serums helped maintain shine and reduce chemical damage.
10. What nighttime routines were effective for hair health?
Protective sleep routines were common: 50% tied hair in loose braids or buns, and 35% used silk or satin pillowcases to minimize breakage, frizz, and tangling.
