Hair trends come and go, but luxe, lustrous locks that undulate down the spine will never go out of style. If you have long hair, you’ll know that maintaining it doesn’t come without its practical difficulties. But don’t fret, for team GRAZIA is on hand to tell you everything you need to know about maintaining that longer ‘do, from how to prevent breakage to keeping things supple and avoiding the dreaded straggle.
BREAK UP WITH BREAKAGE
It might sound counter-intuitive, but the more you trim your hair, the stronger (and longer) it will be. If you see to it every six to eight weeks, you’ll prevent the cuticle from splitting at the end and travelling up the shaft, after which breakage is inevitable. Be guided by your hairstylist on how much needs to come off. Sometimes a cut will feel more drastic than you might want, but you’ll have your length back in no time – and it will be stronger and healthier than before. Try throwing in a product like Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector to help repair damaged bonds and strengthen the hair shaft. Also, consider buying a satin or silk pillowcase or using a satin hair wrap to reduce friction on your tresses while you sleep.
CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION
Need we say it again? Whatever your hair type, the key to stress-free lengths is to use a high-quality conditioner, every single time you wash your hair, to replenish natural oils that shampooing strips away. (Indeed, curly and textured hair may benefit from ditching the shampoo altogether and co-washing – or conditioner-only washing – as beloved by TikTok users far and wide.) Far more than just a detangler, conditioner is essential for maintaining our hair’s cuticle, or outer layer. It banishes frizz and combats dryness, brittleness, breakage and dullness. We love the Kérastase Resistance Fondant Extentioniste for its lightweight formula and delicious smell, or Oribe’s Hair Alchemy Resilience shampoo and conditioner.
oil up
If you find that your mid-lengths and down get dry a few days after washing, you’re in need of a deeper, more nourishing treatment. We swear by Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment, which is applied just before washing to protect locks during the shampooing process.
The longer your hair, the older and more fragile the ends, so treat them gently. Applying one or two drops of oil, such as olive or argan, or a product such as Moroccanoil – on a daily basis – can protect those lengths, boost shine and prevent the dreaded straggle. Try warming it between your palms before you apply – and don’t worry if it looks a little – well – oily at first, as it will soon be absorbed.
turn down the HEAT
As a rule of thumb, avoid heat wherever possible. Rather than tonging your hair, try plaiting it when damp and sleeping on it. Brush through the next morning to achieve a natural-looking wave without compromising your hair health. If you must use heat, use the lowest temperature possible (including when you shower – cool rinse anyone?) and invest in a high-quality heat-protecting product, such as Aveda’s heat relief.
COLOUR WISELY
As with heat, less is more when it comes to harsh chemicals. If you colour your hair, try and leave it as long as possible in between visits to the colourist – even if that means two-inch roots. Stick as close to your natural hair colour as possible. We know how fun it is to switch up your style, but unless you’re Kim K and have your own personal stylist (and a whole lotta wigs), play it safe. Also, chlorine is in love with hair damage, so if you’re a regular swimmer, wear a swim cap and rinse your hair immediately after every dip.
BRUSH UP
Not to sound bossy, but after washing, never, EVER brush your hair wet. Or damp, for that matter. That’s when it is most vulnerable, and you’ll run the risk of stretching it rather than detangling it. If your locks are on the knottier side, use a detangler. We love the Aveda Brilliant Damage Control – it works, it’s organic and it smells like heaven. When you do brush, go for a boar bristle – or better yet, a vegan alternative such as Briogeo’s offering.
THE POWER WITHIN
You get out what you put in, and for long locks, that should be a balanced diet full of healthy fats from oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds. For a little extra somethin’ somethin’, throw in some cod liver oil or a supplement like HUM’s vegan Hair Strong Gummies. They contain folic acid, zinc, biotin and vitamin B12, and they’re delicious. Win-win.
