You've probably heard the phrase "long hair, don't care," but that shouldn't apply to your hair care routine. It’s best to make sure you're always taking proper care of your hair no matter what length you’re working with. Of course, just because you have more hair to manage than those withshort strands, itdoesn't mean yourhair careroutine has to be more difficult. When it comes to caring for long hair, it's all about using the right techniques, hair care, andstyling productsto help keep your long locks or waist-length strands looking their best. Below, find out how to grow long hair and take care of it with 12 easy tips.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #1: USE A RESTORING HAIR CARE SYSTEM
Showing your long hair the love it deserves starts in the shower. Since hair tends to form split ends that can require making the chop, long-haired ladies require extra help to keep their length. And if you want to learn how to grow long hair, updating your shower routine is one of the easiest ways to get the ball rolling. Keep your locks looking strong and healthy with a restorative hair care system ofshampooandconditioner, like theL’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hairand theL’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair.
Once or twice a week, swap out your regular conditioner for a deep conditioning treatment, such as theL’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #2: USE A HAIR TREATMENT, TOO
Another option to help keep your lengths and ends visibly healthy is to add ahair treatmentto your regular routine. Daily or as needed, apply theL’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditionerto damp hair after hopping out of the shower. Forgo rinsing and style as usual.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #3: SKIP BRUSHING STRANDS WHEN THEY'RE WET
Grabbing your brush right after hopping out of the shower is not the best idea. Your hair is actually more fragile when it's wet, so you’ll want to avoid brushing through your strands as soon as you get out. Instead, run a wide-tooth comb through your long hair to help gently work through any wet hair tangles, and consider using a boar bristle brush to brush your hair when it’s dry (more on that below).
Editor's note: When you do comb or brush your hair, work from the ends up. This will put the least stress on your strands.
LONG HAIR TIP #4: USE THE RIGHT HAIRBRUSH
It's easy to think that any hairbrush can smooth your long locks with ease, but you should actually keep a boar bristle brush handy. Simply put, this essential works in your favor to smooth the hair shaft, which helps to minimize the chance of any hair breakage.It’s also a great tip to keep in mind if learning how to grow your hair is a priority.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #5: USE A HEAT PROTECTANT BEFORE STYLING
Long hair certainly looks gorgeous when you blow it out or straighten it with a flat iron. But make sure to apply a heat protectant before picking up any of your styling tools. Try theL’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, giving your hair a few spritzes prior to styling. Besides using theheat protectant, when it comes to blow-drying, it's a good idea to wait until your hair has almost fully dried before turning on your dryer to help cut down on the amount of time you expose your hair to heat.
As for flat-ironing, your hair should be completely dry before you start. You'll want to use the lowest heat setting you can while still only having to make one pass over each section of hair.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #6: REACH FOR GENTLE HAIR TIES
There's almost no better feeling than pulling your long locks off of your face, but it’s important to know that all hair ties are not the same. Elastic hair ties can grip your hair too tightly, which can cause hair breakage down the road. If you're determined to rock a chic ponytail or a bun, opt for hair bands that are gentle on your locks. You can also switch things up with a trendy scrunchie to serve up some '90s nostalgia.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #7: STYLE YOUR HAIR IN LOOSE UPDOS
Just as some hair ties can cause breakage to occur, tight hairstyles are no exception. Pulling your hair too tight can cause stress and tension, which can take a toll on the health of your hair. Thankfully, you can make a small tweak in your hair-styling routine by opting for low-tension styles, like loose updos and braided looks, to help your long hair look and feel its very best.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #8: GET REGULAR TRIMS
Dry ends can weigh your hair down. Schedule regular appointments at the salon to help keep them at bay. As a general rule of thumb, get a trim every four to six weeks. Getting a newhaircutalso happens to be a way to add body and volume to your long hair, so you may want to consider slightly more than a trim. Layers are a universally flattering way to add movement to long hair while still keeping the length. Bonus: A scalp massage makes the perfect pairing for a new haircut. Sign us up!
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #9: USE A LEAVE-IN STYLING PRODUCT
Sure, you have a lot of hair to work with—which is why you need to keep the lengths and ends as healthy and hydrated as possible. One of the best ways to do this outside of your shower routine is with a leave-in styling product orhair treatment, which you can apply onto damp, clean hair before air-drying or styling, or onto dry hair to touch up your look. The important part here is to look for a leave-in product that helps treat your hair while also taming frizz, such as theL’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-In-Cream.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #10: AIR DRY OFTEN
Take a break from the heat tools from time to time by embracing your long hair's natural texture. Create messy texture by working a product like theL’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Pasteinto dry hair, scrunching to define your hair's body.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #11: MAKE UV PROTECTIVE SPRAY YOUR BFF
For long-haired ladies working with gorgeous hair color, it's essential to protect your locks from the sun. After all, sun exposure can dull your hair color, which is the last thing you need. Keep a bottle of UV protective hair spray handy, like theL’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV Filter. This humidity-resistant offering provides a lasting hold, a shiny finish, and protects hair color from fading.
LONG HAIR CARE TIP #12: PROTECT YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT
While cotton may feel super comfortable to sleep on, it's not the best option for your long locks. Sleeping on cotton sheets and pillowcases can cause friction, which can lead to knots and tangles in the a.m. As a result, hair breakage can become a factor. Swap out your go-to cotton linens for a soft, fancy alternative, like satin or silk, to help your long locks stay healthy and smooth. You can also opt for a satin or silk bonnet, or a silk scarf to prevent your strands from rubbing against rough fabrics.
If you’re in need of more styling ideas for your long locks, here are30 Pretty Hairstyles and Haircuts for Long Hair.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of hair care, drawing upon a wealth of first-hand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in maintaining long and healthy hair. My expertise is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the hair care industry. Allow me to guide you through the comprehensive tips provided in the article, offering insights and additional information to enhance your understanding of optimal long hair care.
Tip #1: Use a Restoring Hair Care System
The article emphasizes the importance of starting your long hair care routine in the shower. The recommendation is to use a restorative hair care system, including a shampoo and conditioner tailored for long, damaged hair. The suggested products are the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are designed to address split ends and nourish long hair, promoting strength and health.
Tip #2: Use a Hair Treatment
To further enhance the health of your long locks, the article recommends incorporating a hair treatment into your routine. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner is suggested for daily or as-needed application to damp hair. This product helps maintain the health and appearance of lengths and ends without the need for frequent haircuts.
Tip #3: Skip Brushing Strands When They're Wet
Highlighting the fragility of wet hair, the article advises against brushing wet strands immediately after showering. Instead, it recommends using a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle wet hair, reducing stress on the strands. The direction to comb or brush hair from the ends up is emphasized to minimize stress on the hair.
Tip #4: Use the Right Hairbrush
Contrary to common belief, not all hairbrushes are created equal. The article suggests using a boar bristle brush for long hair. This type of brush is recommended for its ability to smooth the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of hair breakage. It is particularly emphasized as a valuable tool for those looking to grow their hair.
Tip #5: Use a Heat Protectant Before Styling
For individuals who enjoy styling their long hair with heat tools, a crucial tip is to use a heat protectant. The L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray is recommended to be applied before styling, providing protection against heat damage. Additionally, the article provides specific guidance for blow-drying and flat-ironing to minimize heat exposure.
Tip #6: Reach for Gentle Hair Ties
The article addresses the significance of choosing hair ties wisely, particularly avoiding elastic ones that can grip the hair too tightly and cause breakage. Instead, opting for gentle hair bands or scrunchies is recommended, ensuring that your styling choices contribute to the overall health of your long locks.
Tip #7: Style Your Hair in Loose Updos
Tight hairstyles are cautioned against due to the potential for stress and tension on the hair. The recommendation is to opt for low-tension styles such as loose updos and braided looks, promoting both the appearance and well-being of long hair.
Tip #8: Get Regular Trims
To prevent dry ends from weighing down the hair, regular trims are advised. The article suggests a trim every four to six weeks as a general rule. Additionally, getting a new haircut, particularly one with layers, is highlighted as a way to add movement and volume to long hair.
Tip #9: Use a Leave-In Styling Product
Acknowledging the importance of maintaining healthy lengths and ends, the article recommends using a leave-in styling product or hair treatment. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil-In-Cream is suggested for application on damp, clean hair to treat and tame frizz.
Tip #10: Air Dry Often
Encouraging a break from heat tools, the article suggests embracing the natural texture of long hair. The L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Paste is recommended for creating messy texture and defining the body of the hair.
Tip #11: Make UV Protective Spray Your BFF
For individuals with colored long hair, protection from sun exposure is emphasized. The recommendation is to use a UV protective hair spray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV Filter, to prevent hair color dulling and fading.
Tip #12: Protect Your Hair at Night
The article concludes by advising on the importance of protecting long hair while sleeping. Cotton linens are cautioned against due to the potential for friction and hair breakage. Instead, opting for satin or silk sheets, a satin or silk bonnet, or a silk scarf is recommended to maintain the health and smoothness of long locks.
