How Women Took Care of Their Hair in 2022

In 2022, women’s hair care continued to focus on health, sustainability, and self-care, but with noticeable evolution from the previous year. The rise of “hair wellness” went beyond aesthetics, emphasizing scalp health, clean beauty products, and personalized routines. Women also embraced hybrid approaches—mixing salon treatments, at-home care, and protective styles for maximum results.

This blog explores the top hair care habits, treatments, and trends women followed in 2022. 

1. Shampooing & Washing Frequency

Gentle washing routines remained crucial, with more emphasis on scalp balance:

40% washed hair every 2–3 days

25% washed daily (mostly for oily scalps or active lifestyles)

30% used dry shampoo to extend time between washes

Sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoos gained wider adoption, reflecting growing awareness of scalp microbiome health. 

2. Conditioners & Hair Masks

Women doubled down on hydration and repair:

75% used conditioner regularly

45% applied hair masks weekly

Hair masks infused with natural oils, proteins, and adaptogenic herbs became popular. Multi-benefit masks for repair, shine, and heat protection were trending. 

3. Oils & Serums — Nourish & Protect

Hair oils and serums were staples for frizz control and scalp nourishment:

60% used oils 1–3 times per week

Popular oils: argan, marula, jojoba, avocado

Serums targeted split ends, frizz, UV protection, and color retention

Scalp massages paired with oils became a mainstream wellness practice. 

4. Heat Styling — Balanced Approach

2022 saw a continued reduction in heat styling:

55% reduced blow-drying frequency

40% used straighteners or curling irons sparingly

Heat protectants were used by 97% of heat users

Low-heat tools, air-drying, and embracing natural textures were key trends. 

5. Haircuts & Trims

Healthy ends remained a priority:

70% got trims every 8–12 weeks

Short and medium-length cuts stayed trendy, including layered lobs and textured bobs

Long hair routines favored trims combined with nourishing treatments for volume and shine

6. Natural Hair & Protective Styles

Protective and natural styles grew in popularity:

40–45% wore braids, buns, twists, or other protective styles

Curly and wavy hair routines emphasized hydration, curl definition, and minimal manipulation

Protective styles helped reduce breakage and environmental damage. 

7. Scalp Care & Hair Wellness

Scalp care became a central focus in 2022:

50% used scalp exfoliating scrubs or masks

65% performed oil massages for growth, circulation, and relaxation

Treatments addressed dryness, flakiness, irritation, and sensitivity

Products promoting a healthy scalp microbiome gained traction. 

8. DIY & At-Home Treatments

At-home care remained strong:

40% used DIY treatments weekly

Popular DIY ingredients: avocado, yogurt, aloe vera, coconut oil, honey

Women blended DIY masks with professional products for added hydration and repair. 

9. Hair Coloring & Maintenance

Hair coloring trends evolved toward natural-looking and pastel shades:

42% colored their hair at home

28% visited salons for professional coloring

Color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and serums were standard

Highlights, balayage, and soft pastel tones were common, often paired with treatments to maintain hair health.

10. Nighttime Hair Routines

Protective nighttime care remained important:

55% tied hair in loose braids, buns, or twists

38% used silk or satin pillowcases

Nighttime routines minimized breakage, frizz, and tangling

11. Minimal & Multi-Purpose Products

Minimalism continued to dominate:

Multi-purpose shampoos, masks, and leave-in treatments were preferred

Women focused on clean, natural, and effective ingredients over large product quantities

 

In 2022, women’s hair care emphasized:

Personalized washing routines with scalp focus

Hydration through conditioners, masks, and oils

Reduced heat styling and embracing natural textures

Protective hairstyles for damage prevention

Scalp wellness as part of holistic hair care

Minimal, effective, and multi-purpose products

Nighttime protection and repair

Women prioritized manageable, healthy, and shiny hair through simple, targeted routines combining professional, DIY, and mindful product use.

Estimated Hair Care Habits Percentages (2022)

40% washed hair every 2–3 days

75% used conditioner regularly

45% applied hair masks weekly

60% used oils/serums

55% reduced heat styling

70% got trims every 8–12 weeks

40–45% wore protective hairstyles

50–65% cared for scalp actively

40% used DIY treatments

42–70% colored hair at home or salon

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What were the most popular hair care routines for women in 2022?

In 2022, women favored gentle washing routines, regular conditioning, weekly hair masks, and reduced heat styling. Scalp care, protective hairstyles, and multi-purpose products became key parts of daily hair care.

2. How often did women wash their hair in 2022?

Most women washed their hair every 2–3 days, while around 25% washed daily due to oily scalps or active lifestyles. Dry shampoo helped extend time between washes for about 30% of women.

3. Which hair oils and serums were most used in 2022?

Popular hair oils included argan, marula, jojoba, and avocado oil. Serums were widely used to reduce frizz, protect color, prevent split ends, and provide UV protection. Many women also paired oils with scalp massages for extra wellness benefits.

4. Did women reduce heat styling in 2022?

Yes. About 55% of women reduced blow-drying frequency, and 40% used straighteners or curling irons sparingly. Heat protectants were used by nearly all heat-styling users to minimize damage.

5. What were the top hair mask ingredients in 2022?

Hair masks with natural oils, proteins, and adaptogenic herbs were popular. Ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, keratin, avocado, and aloe vera helped hydrate, repair, and strengthen hair. Multi-benefit masks gained popularity for their combined nourishment and styling benefits.

6. How important was scalp care in 2022?

Scalp care became a central focus. Around 50% of women used scalp exfoliating scrubs or masks, and 65% performed oil massages for growth, circulation, and relaxation. Healthy scalp routines targeted dryness, flakiness, and irritation.

7. What protective hairstyles were trending in 2022?

Braids, buns, twists, and other protective styles were worn by 40–45% of women. These styles helped reduce breakage, environmental damage, and supported curl definition for wavy and curly hair types.

8. How common were DIY hair treatments in 2022?

DIY hair care remained popular, with 40% of women using homemade treatments weekly. Ingredients like avocado, yogurt, aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey were commonly used. Many blended DIY masks with professional products for added hydration and repair.

9. How did women maintain colored hair in 2022?

Women maintained color with color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and serums. About 42% colored their hair at home, while 28% visited salons for professional coloring. Highlights, balayage, and pastel tones were especially popular, often paired with protective routines to prevent damage.

10. What minimal or multi-purpose products did women favor in 2022?

Minimalism continued to influence product choices. Women preferred multi-purpose shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums with clean, natural ingredients. Quality over quantity was the focus, helping streamline hair care routines while maintaining result