Move over skincare routines…haircare is the latest craze.
Recently hair care has become wildly popular, overtaking the skincare movement by storm. We can thank TikTok and other social media platforms for this. Influencers are bringing us all kinds of hair care hacks and new products.
But it turns out how you care for your hair has a lot to do with when you were born.
How does each generation approach hair care? Keep reading.
Gen Z
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If you’re Gen Z, you were born between 1997 and 2012 (ages 12-27). You’re most likely socially conscious, addicted to your phone, and extremely busy changing the world. By the time you were born, the internet was up and running, you survived the pandemic as a teen or a 20-something, and social media is now everywhere.
When it comes to haircare, you:
Prefer products that fit your specific hair type- This makes a lot of sense considering Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations, with a variety of hair types and textures. Thanks to social media, Gen Zs can now learn exactly what their hair type is.
Know the importance of scalp care- Gen Zs all over TikTok are showing more love to
the scalp- with scalp massage techniques, oils and bonnets, scalp care is growing in popularity on #hairtok.
Want the healthiest hair- At-home conditioner treatments, heat protectants, and chemical-free, ethically-produced products are what Gen Zs are adding to their [most likely online] shopping carts.
Millennial
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If you’re a Millennial, you were born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 28-43). You’re also the largest living generation, most likely an optimistic, and a hater of labels and institutions.
When it comes to haircare, you:
Care a lot more about ingredients than your Mom did- you prefer vegan, chemical tree and environmentally conscious products.
Care more about enhancing beauty than covering up imperfections- Millennials are known for being bold and creative when it comes to hair, choosing bright colors and dramatic cuts to show off a little personality. Millennials don’t mind a longer beauty routine and spend more time engaging in DIY Tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube.
Are more aware of heat damage- you’re still asking your hair to forgive you for all those times you straightened it while it was wet in the 90s…
Gen X
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If you’re born between 1965 and 1980 you’re part of Gen X (ages 44-59). A smaller generation, you paved the way for women, becoming the first generation to have more educated women than men. You’re known for being a bit pessimistic or skeptical. Known as the MTV generation, you teased your hair and listened to 80s pop, hip hop, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
When it comes to haircare, you:
Began the natural hair movement- Gen X Black women were the first generation to begin embracing their natural hair. They challenged Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrated Black identity by stopping the use of chemical straighteners and choosing more authentic hairstyles that honored their natural coil.
Don’t have time to waste- research shows Gen Xs prefer hair care routines and products that are effective but aren’t overly time consuming - makes sense considering they’re one of the busiest generations with thriving careers, families, and aging parents. When it comes to products, Gen X keeps it simple and natural.
Embrace aging- unlike previous generations, Gen X celebrate aging as a normal part of life and desire products that do too.
Final Thoughts
Each generation has redefined the standards of hair care. Gen Xs began the natural hair movement, and millennials took that a step further, opting for products with better ingredients and less environmental impact. They choose hairstyles that complement their bold and bright personalities rather than conceal them. And Gen Z is taking to social media to optimize hair health, including showing some love to the scalp.
Gone are the days of dangerous hairsprays and harsh chemicals. Women are being kinder to their hair and using hair to express their identities- embracing its natural type and textures and opting for both products and philosophies that are nourishing, not damaging.