TIPS FOR LONG HAIR
Growing up I always had thick hair, but boy was she dry and frizzy.
It wasn’t until I was in my teen years that I realized my hair actually WASN’T frizzy, it was *curly*. I had been mistreating it all along.
It was in high school when I really started to take hair care seriously, so don’t think that my hair just grew overnight! It has been years of trial and error to get to where I am now, and it’s still not where I want to be!
After high school, I bleached my hair and went very blond. Imagine that mixture; dry, curly, frizzy and bleached. Yikes. I somehow managed to pull it off while maintaining at least some of my hairs integrity. However, now my main goal is to just get my hair back to the same level of health and thickness that it was in high school.
I know that if I’ve done it before, I can do it again. I’ve already started seeing tons of progress, so I thought that I would share my favourite tips!
1. No sulphates or silicones
I always say; any ingredient that ends with an “ate” or “cone” is a big NO. Really, anything that has a huge ingredient list is probably not great for your hair either. Silicones and sulphates are essentially what “masks” your hair, making it hard for essential oils and nutrients to absorb while also being difficult to rinse out. If you ever experience a “film” like texture on your hair even 1 day after washing…check the ingredient list on your products!
2. Avoid heat (obviously, but fr)
I always rinse my hair with cool water. It doesn’t have to be freezing, but just enough to make you feel a bit chilly. Cold water not only protects your hair from the heat but also stimulates the scalp, increasing blood flow and promoting hair growth! Aside from the showers, I try to avoid heated tools as much as possible throughout the week. Heatless waves/curls are my go-to, and I always let my hair airdry!
3. Silk pillow case and wide toothed combs
The friction from your pillow case can actually cause a lot of damage while you sleep! I’ve invested in a silk pillow case to prevent friction and split ends. Wide toothed combs are also a huge must for me. Anything that has bristles that are spikey or rough is not going to be good on your hair!
4. Regular trims
Listen. My mom is a hairdresser, and I’ve ALWAYS gotten regular trims (every 6 weeks) even when I’m trying to grow my hair. This is to prevent my hair from splitting up the shaft causing uneven length and breakage. It doesn’t mean you need to get a full blown cut, just ask for a light “dusting” to get the dead ends off!
Having long hair comes with its challenges, especially if it’s prone to dryness and frizz. One of the critical aspects of maintaining healthy long hair is choosing the right products. Always opt for sulfate and silicone-free options to prevent build-up and damage. Ingredients that claim to volumize without harsh chemicals can be very beneficial. Another vital step is incorporating a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Natural oils like coconut or argan oil can deeply hydrate and nourish hair. Applying these oils can reduce the appearance of frizz and improve overall texture. Don’t forget about hydration from the inside out—drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy hair. Additionally, while it is tempting to frequently style your hair with heat, try to embrace natural styling methods to avoid further damage. Heatless styling techniques paired with braiding or bun styles can help maintain your curls or waves without the risks associated with thermal tools. Finally, if you’re serious about hair growth, consider consulting a professional to check your hair health. They can offer personalized care tips tailored to your specific hair type and texture. The right steps and consistent care will help you achieve the luscious locks you desire.
