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Long hair requires some extra effort and attention to get it looking great, but when you do, it can give you a striking and elegant appearance. Over the years, I’ve learned quite a few long hair tips and tricks to get the sleekest, most luscious long hair possible. In this guide, I’m going to share my go-to long hair routine as well as some of my favorite products for styling long hair.
Daily Care Routine for Long Hair
Taking care of long hair starts with having a dependable daily routine to give you great-looking long hair even if you don’t have time to spend hours styling it. Here are some key steps to ensure your long hair stays healthy and strong:
- Gentle Brushing
Brushing is obviously part of every hair care routine, but it is particularly important for long hair. Longer hair is more likely to get tangled and to split. Use a brush with soft bristles to help detangle your hair. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up. This will help avoid breakage and prevent adding extra tension to your hair strands. You should always wait until your hair is dry before brushing it as hair is much more likely to split when it is wet. If your hair is wet and you are in a hurry, use a wide tooth comb or your own fingers to gently undo any tangles. - Hydration
Long hair can very easily become dry, which makes it even more prone to damage and split ends. I like to alternate between a leave-in conditioner and a nourishing hair oil to give my hair the best chance to recover from the various styles I’m always trying out. If you aren’t putting your hair through as much punishment as I am, you might not need to do a daily hydration treatment, but doing so a couple of times a week will still give you a lot of benefit.
Hydrating your hair helps to maintain the shininess and elasticity in the strands, which will prevent dryness and split ends, and also make your hair more manageable when you style it. - Protection
Your environment can have a big impact on how your hair looks and feels and the steps that you need to take to get it looking its best. If you spend a lot of time outside and you living in a warm climate, you need to protect your hair and your scalp from sun damage. I recommend using a UV-protection spray to help shield your hair from sun damage. Think of it like sunscreen for your hair – and please tell me you are wearing sunscreen, right?! If you have coloured hair, protecting your hair against sun damage will also help the colouring last longer.
If you live in a dry climate, you might also consider a portable hydrating hair mist spray to keep in your handbag. This will help you keep your hair hydrated throughout the day and prevent the ends of your long hair drying out in the warm weather.
Incorporating these products and tips into your haircare routine will help you keep your long hair looking natural and luscious.
Washing and Conditioning Tips
How you wash and condition your hair when it is long is very important if you want to get the best results. Here’s how I keep my long hair clean while trying to maintain its natural oils.
- Shampoo Sparingly
Shampoo can strip the natural oils from your hair so be careful to not shampoo your hair more than it needs. Unless your hair has a tendency to get very greasy, I would recommend shampooing two to three times a week using a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and don’t irritate the scalp as much as regular shampoos. They also strip less of the natural oils away from your hair. - Deep Conditioning
Long hair needs extra care to stay healthy and hydrated. Deep conditioning is an essential step. As I mentioned earlier, you should use a leave-in conditioners and/or hair oils to help lock in moisture and oils into your hair. I alternate between the two, but you might find that you prefer some or the other for your particular hair type.
Always leave your conditioner/oil in for at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to properly penetrate your hair. I sometimes leave mine in for even longer as I have very thick hair. After a few treatments, you should start to notice a difference in your hair’s softness and shine. - Cool Rinse
While we all enjoy a hot shower, hot water can actually damage your hair. I often use a shower cap so that I can enjoy a hot shower and then reduce the water temperature when it’s time for me to wash and rinse my hair. A cool rinse can make a big difference to how your hair looks and feels. This is because cool water helps to seal your hair cuticles, which will help to reduce frizz and add shine. It will also help to preserve the colour in your hair if you have dyed it.
How To Style Long Hair
Styling long hair can be fun but can also be a challenge, especially if you are short on time. These are some of my favorite styling tips and tricks for long hair.
- Heat Protection
Use a heat protectant spray before you use any heat-styling tools. This will help to prevent heat damage and avoid split ends. - Low Manipulation Styles
Hairstyles which don’t require a lot of handling, like a ponytail or a loose bun, can be great go-to easy styles for when you don’t have the time or effort for something more complex. If you have been looking after your hair’s heath, these simple styles can really help highlight your hair’s natural lustre. - Silk Accessories
Silk scrunchies and scarves can help to reduce friction against your hair. Which will help reduce breakage and frizz.
Nutritional Support
What you put on your hair is only part of the equation when it comes to having healthy hair. What you eat and drink also has a major impact. Here are some dietary tips to support your hair from the inside out:
- Protein-Rich Foods
Eggs, meat, fish, and nuts are all good sources of protein and can help to encourage hair growth and strength. - Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins A, C, and E and well as minerals like Zinc and Iron, can all help promote healthy hair. If you are not getting these in sufficient quantities from your diet already, consider using taking vitamin supplements for hair health. - Hydration
Drinking plenty of water will improve almost all aspects of your health, but it can be especially helpful for maintaining your hair and skin.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of long hair definitely takes a bit more effort than shorter hair, but there are also some upsides too. Not only can it look great but the ability to quickly throw your hair into a ponytail or bun is a luxury that those with a short bob don’t have. If you’ve ever gone to sleep with your short hair still damp, you’ll know that it can be pretty hard work to tame it back to something presentable in the morning – this isn’t the case with short hair – small miracles! Hopefully the tips in this article will help you make the most of your long hair, or if you’ve been considering growing your hair out, it will give you the confidence to try it. Remember, you can always go back to short hair with a single salon appointment. 😉