How to Maintain and Style Long Hair

Hairstyles ebb and flow like fashion trends. Long hair, with its length, creates the opportunity for many style options and is easy to change with the times. Basic upkeep and styling of long hair shouldn't be difficult.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Styling products
• Styling tools
• Hair accessories

1. Maintain long hair by following a few basic rules. Keep hair clean and conditioned. Use a high quality conditioner designed for specific hair types. Leave-in conditioner is also a good choice.

2. Trim long hair every 6 weeks or so to minimize split ends. Go to a professional hairstylist to get an even trim. Get a small trim regularly to help keep the length of the hair smooth by not having to get a lot cut off because of longer split ends.

3. Straighten out even straight hair by using a flat iron. Apply thermal protector product to the hair before straightening. This protects the hair from heat. Flat irons make hair look healthy and shiny.

4. Add curl to long hair. Use hot rollers or a curling iron to achieve this look. Large rollers or a large barreled curling iron give looser curls.

5. Put the hair up in a simple ponytail. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the hair band and secure it with a bobby pin for a classic look.

6. Make an updo like a French twist. Have a stylist help with this technique until you're more confident with it.

7. Add hair accessories such as barrettes, headbands and decorative bobby pins.

Who Can Help:

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[longhairqueen]

on 10/28/2008 If you do this you are almost begging for your hair to break apart or fall out. Unless you rarely use the straightening iron-that baby will fry your hair out no matter what "protector" you put in your hair. Heated rollers on top of that? There are better ways to do this on a regular basis without frying your long hair. You have the right idea as far as a style though.