My hair game is a tad bit contradictory right now. I'm pretty well-versed on the things you should never do if you have long hair (or are looking to grow your hair out past your butt), but that's because my own hair is super thin, really prone to breakage, and hardly grows because of thyroid issues. Yet, I’m entirely obsessed with the idea of having super long hair — my Pinterest boards are loaded up with #hairspiration that’s long enough to sit on.
For the most part, hair damage is hair damage, and the products and tips you use to take care of long hair are just as effective when it comes to taking care of that new pixie cut. The difference, however, is that long hair is more prone to breakage and harm because it’s heavier, puts more tension on the scalp, and has been around longer. That basically means it’s had adequate time to accumulate tons of damage from products, washing, and heat. To grow your hair long, flowing, and beautiful, check out these top eight habits that you should never do, as well as the products that work best for retaining your length.
1. Never Wash Your Hair With Stripping Shampoos
Renpure Vanilla Mint Cleansing Conditioner, $8, Amazon
I will support cleansing conditioners until the day I die, and Renpure's vanilla mint cleansing conditioner just happens to be my all-time favorite. Instead of stripping your scalp of its natural oils, it gently cleanses away the dirt and build-up, all while leaving your hair sleek, hydrated, and smelling incredible. It’s great for all types of hair, but it’s especially important for longer locks because longer hair tends to be dryer and easier to break.
2. Never Skip The Healing Process
Art Naturals Argan Oil Hair Mask, $13, Amazon
The longer you let your hair grow out, the longer it accumulates damage from heat, products, and the environment. Making use of a weekly hair mask, like the Art Naturals argan oil hair mask, will help to promote healing and regrowth. This one’s got great, all-natural ingredients that permeate your strands to rejuvenate the scalp, reduce split ends, and leave hair feeling silky smooth.
3. Never Use Alcohol- And Chemical-Filled Hairsprays
Giovanni Organic Styling Mist, $18 (Was $24), Amazon
The alcohol in hairspray makes your strands dry and brittle, and because girls with long hair already have a lot of weight, adding dense synthetic ingredients can cause further breakage and damage. Giovanni's organic styling mist allows for loads of shine and a secure hold without any of the rough chemicals. It washes out easily without build-up, and reviewers say it’s lightweight, non-sticky, and keeps hair feeling soft.
4. Never Use Harsh Plastic Brushes While Styling
SUPRENT Nano Thermal Ceramic & Ionic Boar Bristle Brush, $18, Amazon
Especially if you’ve got long hair, it’s important to make sure that the natural oil from your scalp is getting all the way to your ends. This SUPRENT ceramic brush is made with real boar bristles, which help to evenly distribute the sebum from your scalp. It’s also much gentler on hair, as it’s made with heat-safe ceramic, closed cuticles to reduce breakage, and ionic technology to stop frizz and static.
5. Never Blow Dry Sopping Wet Hair
DuraComfort Microfiber Hair Towel, $13 (Was $30), Amazon
The wetter your hair is when you start the blow drying process, the more heat and damage your hair is going to have to withstand. This best-selling DuraComfort microfiber hair towel decreases your drying time tenfold by soaking up any excess moisture with its soft and absorbent material. It’s also lightweight and compact, so you can go about your morning business without it getting in your way.
6. Never Tease Your Hair For Volume
Herbivore Botanicals Sea Mist, $16, Amazon
Teasing is just about the worst thing you can do to any hair, but long, heavy hair is already stressed from the everyday weight. Ditch your teasing comb and instead reach for this texturizing Herbivore Botanicals sea mist. It uses entirely natural ingredients to add texture and volume to flat hair without making it crunchy or heavy, and reviewers really love it for achieving that laidback beachy wave look.
7. Never Skip Your Trim Appointments
Professional Barber Hair Cutting Scissors, $12, Amazon
I am a massive hypocrite with this one, as I haven’t been to a salon in several years. I do, however, cut my bangs on a regular basis, because they take the most amount of damage from my blow dryer. These professional hair cutting scissors are extra-sharp and durable because they’re made from stainless steel. They’ve also got a comfort grip and free travel case that makes it easy to trim your hair wherever you are, so you can keep it healthy and breakage-free. Check out this epic video that shows you how to trim your split ends at home.
8. Never Tie Hair Back Too Tightly
Kenz Laurenz Hair Ties Ponytail Holders, $8, Amazon
If you’re a ponytail type of girl, you should know that pulling your hair back too tightly causes even more tension for your roots, which aggravates your scalp and thins out hair. These Kenz Laurenz hair ties are super stretchy and extra gentle on your hair to decrease damage and tension. They won’t snag or knot, and they also won’t leave dents in your hair like other brands.
Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
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