I have almost always had long hair. I have had a few years where I felt I desperately “needed a change” and did a serious chop, but almost always instantly regret it and grow it back out. Long hair is just… me. I love having long hair! I have always felt that short hair looks gorgeous on other people (which always tempts me to cut my own hair again) but whenever I’ve had short hair I just don’t feel my best. However, with long hair comes the importance of having it be healthy and strong. Today I’ve made a list of my top five tips for keeping your long hair healthy and strong.
1. No Heat
Okay, okay, I know this one is tough. My number one tip to healthy hair is no heat. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I have used heat to style my hair in the last five years. I have always found that whenever I have used heat on my hair it becomes (almost immediately) dry and brittle. There are so many amazing ways to style your hair without using heat! From different types of braids, up-do’s, and different hair accessories I find that the best is to always let my hair air dry after I wash it. Now, of course, there are times where you just need to style your hair. I get it. Events come up and it’s just necessary some times. But the key here is to change your lifestyle to make that the exception rather than the norm.
2. Fewer Trims
I have had this conversation with my sister time and time again. She is always asking me how my hair grows so long. My advice to her is always to stop using heat (refer to tip #1) and to just let it grow. A trim is good every now and then, of course, but I find that for my own hair getting a trim every year or so does the trick. It allows my hair to grow and really become long, and then I get a trim to clean up the edges and add a few layers.
I will say, this is definitely dependent on your natural style and texture of your hair. Some people just need more trims for their hair and that is totally fine! You have to find what is best for you and your hair. For me, I have naturally straight and fine textured hair, which allows me to take a relatively hands-off approach to it most days.
3. Coconut Oil Masks
Every so often when I feel my hair is getting dry, I will apply a coconut oil mask. This is often in the winter time for me as I live in an area that gets cold and dry in the winter. I use La Tourangelle Organic Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil which you can find on Amazon here. Any organic virgin coconut oil will do. I generally just make sure to get kinds that are specifically stated to be for beauty. I apply coconut oil to my entire head until all hair is coated and then put a shower cap on to keep the moisture in. You can find a four pack of shower caps here if you need those. I leave the oil in my hair for a few hours or overnight and then wash out as normal.
4. Hands Off
This is such a simple tip, but I notice that when I keep my hands off my hair it is so much healthier! I have a habit of playing with my hair and moving it frequently, so I have to definitely be aware and intentionally keep my hands out of my hair. It is so beneficial when I do. It becomes less greasy and keeps my hair stronger.
5. Hair Up When Sleeping
This is just another way to keep your hair protected. I find that sleeping with my hair up in a bun with a scrunch protects it throughout the night. I wake up with hair that has been protected from getting knotty. Sometimes this will even provide a beautiful wave in my hair for the next day!
What are some of your tips and tricks you use to keep your hair soft? I always love learning new methods, so let me know in the comments below!
