Take it from the girl who has had a boy cut or bob for most of her adolescent and young adult life, there is a different kind of appreciation and love that you have for long hair. Cutting an inch is like almost going bald. Exaggeration? Yes, it is. Anyway, for anyone who has just joined the long hair bandwagon or have been here from the beginning, you know that caring for long hair is also a little different and a little more complicated. While the routine and type of products differ from person to person and hair type to hair type, there are still some nonnegotiables in the mix.
So, if you’re in the process of growing out your hair here are a few things that women with long hair NEVER do.
1. Never use harsh shampoos
Shampoos that strip the scalp of its natural oils are a complete NO! You need to understand that the longer the hair, the drier the ends. You need to cleanse the dirt but you can’t strip your hair of its nutrients. Opt for a super mild shampoo and conditioner and see the difference.
2. Never skip haircare regimes
The thing is, the longer your hair the more it gets damaged by the heat, styling and sun damage of course. So make sure you take some time out to once a week to do a hair mask or give yourself an oil massage. Take yourself out to get a hair spa treatment once a month too.
3. Never ill-treat wet hair
Seriously, never ever start using the blow dryer on dripping wet hair. Make sure you towel dry hair thoroughly and maybe let it semi-air dry before you apply heat. Also, do yourself a favour and get a microfiber towel, trust me. You cannot skip hair serum and heat protectant either. Just be kind to wet hair, that’s when they’re most brittle.
4. Never backcomb your hair for volume
Teasing is the worst thing that you could do to your long hair. Your hair is already stressed by the weight. Instead, invest in a great texturising spray and scrunch your hair for volume.
5. Never douse your hair in chemicals
Steer clear of alcohol-laden hair sprays and paraben-laden products. Especially when those products need to be applied to your ends. Remember, the longer your hair the more nourishment your ends need!
6. Never cancel your trim appointments
You know when your hairstylist tells you to trim your hair regularly? It is imperative to do so when you have long hair.
7. Never tie your hair up the same way
This is a two-fold misdemeanour. One, do not tie your hair the same way every day. Give your hair a break, switch up the position of your ponytail/bun, let your hair down or braid it. Two, make sure your hair is not tied too tight and you don’t use a hair elastic that causes breakage.
8. Never use plastic hair brushes
Use a ceramic or wooden bristle brush. It affects your scalp a little less and also makes sure the natural oils get evenly distributed through the hair.
Follow these commandments ladies, especially number 6!