Getting your hair to reach great lengths is quite the feat so if you have Rapunzel-esque locks, cheers to you! If you’ve gotten to this point then you’re probably well versed in caring for and maintaining your hair. However, if you aren’t quite sure that you’re doing the correct things or if your hair isn’t the healthiest you may want to take a look at a few of these tips and tricks to preserve your luscious locks.
Get a Good Trim
The first step in maintaining long hair is incredibly counterintuitive. Ready? The first step is trimming it. It’s strange, sure but it makes a lot of sense and here’s why: damaged ends are eerily like a disease that can spread through some length of your hair and cause more damage along the shaft which results in inches of unhealthy hair and ends. Split ends can start at the bottom but will move their way up, weakening the hair and causing breakage. The breakage ultimately results in the weak brittle ends falling off as you brush, wash and style your hair so it just makes more sense to nip this problem in the bud. In addition getting regular trims will help your hair look fuller and healthier.
Turn Down the Heat
Secondly (and most women are not going to like this) don’t use heated styling tools. No matter how many safeguards you use against damage curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons and hot rolls will cause ruin to your hair over time. If you can, avoid them at all costs. That being said, it’s unrealistic to expect this from everyone. If you’re going to use these tools just pay a little more attention to how you care for your hair in the process. Always, always, always use a heat protectant. There’s absolutely no way around it and they are easy to get your hands on. When blow drying your hair let your hair air dry first and wait until it is at least 50% dry before you use the dryer. If you use flat irons or curling irons invest in ones that allow you more control over the temperature settings. Ranges from 1-25 are good but tools that tell you the exact temperature are the best. If you have fine hair you will be able to style with low heat, thicker hair requires a little more heat. Find out the lowest temperature you can use to achieve the style you want and stick with it.
Select the Right Products
Brushing and detangling your hair is also something that seems straight forward but deserves a little more attention. When detangling start at the bottom and work your way to the top. This causes the least amount of damage and discomfort. The last things you’ll want to consider are hair products. Select brands that cater specifically to those with long hair. Use deep conditioners once a week and avoid any styling products that list alcohol as an ingredient. Finally, be patient. The hair growing process does take a while but if you really invest in caring for your hair then the end result will be more than worth it.
