Caring for long hair requires dedication, patience, and a consistent routine to maintain health and vitality. Long hair is particularly susceptible to tangling, breakage, and split ends, which, if neglected, can lead to dryness and damage.
Fortunately, an effective hair care routine doesn't need to be complication or reliant on a multitude of products. In truth, adopting a minimalist beauty regimen simplifies the task of nurturing long hair.
Whether you aspire to grow your hair super long or are seeking tips on maintaining hair health, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know, including product recommendations and care tips for long straight hair.
How to Care for Long Hair
Regular Scalp Care
Regularly using a scalp massager is a simple yet effective way to promote hair growth and maintain a healthy scalp. Using one can be beneficial for hair growth by increasing blood circulation, exfoliating the skin, stimulating the hair follicles, and improving product absorption and removing build-up.
Gentle Washing
Hair should be washed regularly, but not too often. Over-washing will strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. This can be prevented by using a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo should be massaged only the scalp, avoiding the ends, to cleanse away dirt and oil. The ends of the hair should be conditioned to keep them hydrated and nourished.
Patience with Detangling
Long hair is more prone to tangling, especially after washing. It's important to be patience and gentle when detangling to avoid breakage. Using a wide-tooth comb, work your way through the ends up to the roots, in small sections. Then use a detangling brush to fully brush out the hair. Applying a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray will help make the process smoother.
Deep Conditioning
For dry or damaged hair that needs some extra care, a deep conditioning treatment can be used. Apply a hydrating hair mask once or twice a week to replenish moisture and nourish the hair. This will help prevent further damage as well as keep the hair feeling smooth and looking shiny.
Protective Styling
Protective hairstyles are especially useful for super long hair. Buns and braids can help keep hair protected from environmental factors, and are especially useful while sleeping. Just remember not to style the hair too tightly, as this will cause tension and lead to breakage.
Heat Styling with Caution
Excessive heat can weaken the hair and cause breakage so try to limit the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, and even blow dryers. Whenever heat is used, always apply a heat protector beforehand and use the lowest heat setting possible. Air-drying your hair can help minimise damage but doesn't always work for every hair type.
Overnight Care
Mechanical damage is caused by friction, which often happens when long hair is left unprotected in bed. Protect your hair while you sleep by using a silk or satin pillowcase, which will reduce friction and prevent breakage. Hair can also be loosely tied up in a bun or braided to prevent tangling.
Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for maintaining long hair as it helps to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Trimming every 8-12 weeks, or when you start to notice split ends, will help keep your hair looking healthier and more manageable. This can be done at home using the Feye's method, making it easy to grow or maintain the length by taking off just a couple of centimetres every few weeks.
Long Hair Care Product Recommendations
Brushes
Products
- Faith in Nature Shampoo
- Faith in Nature Conditioner
- Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Growth Hair Oil
- Aveda Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair
- Tropic Hair Smooth Radiance Oil
- Lush Super Milk Conditioning Spray
Tools
My Long Hair Care Routine
For long hair to stay looking healthy, it requires long-term maintenance with a daily routine consisting of protective products, tools, and habits. I've had waist length hair for years and this is my long hair care routine with a step-by-step guide to daily hair care.
During Hair Washing
I wash my hair 1-2 times a week. Before washing, I apply oil to the ends of my hair and onto my scalp, massaging into the skin using a scalp care brush. I leave that to absorb for 10 minutes before brushing my hair through with a wide tooth comb.
I wash my hair with the Faith in Nature Coconut Shampoo, taking care only to lather it onto the roots of my hair. This is followed by the Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner, which I apply to mostly to the ends and the mid-length and leave for a few minutes before rinsing.
After Hair Washing
After washing my hair, I gently squeeze out the excess water using a microfibre towel. I apply Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair followed by the Topic Hair Radiance Oil to the mid-lengths and ends, then comb through to distribute the product.
I've found air drying my hair results in my frizz so I choose to blow dry my hair on the coolest setting. After it's dried, I apply a little more Topic Hair Radiance Oil to the ends and allow it to soak in before giving it one final brush through with the Tangle Teezer.
Daily Hair Care Habits
When I wake up I detangle my hair using a wide tooth comb before brushing through with a Tangle Teezer and applying Tropic Hair Radiance Oil to the ends.
Throughout the day I avoid brushing my hair unless it becomes tangled, and then I comb through to get out any knots. If I'm not wearing my hair loose, I use a hair claw or hair stick to secure it and only brush through at the end of the day. I tend to wear my hair loose for 1-2 days before wearing it up for another 1-2 days.
To keep my hair feeling fresh inbetween washes, I'll apply 2-3 sprays of LUSH Super Milk. I find this is best applied by spraying the palms of my hands and gently working it through the hair with my fingers. I'll then comb through to distribute the product more evenly.
When I notice split ends developing, I plan to trim it in the next few weeks depending on how severe they are. This is done at home using a pair of professional hairdressing scissors, taking off around 1-2cms. I cut my fringe whenever it needs it (usually around every 6 weeks) using hair clippers for a blunt cut.