How to Have Long, Naturally Healthy Hair

Long hair can be easier to work with on a daily basis than short. I know - I've had short hair and hated it! Keeping it healthy is easy, too!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Gentle brush
• Olive oil & egg occasionally
• Daily multiple vitamins - nothing fancy!

1. 
   Let your hair dance in the light!

   First and foremost - no dyes, bleaches, or harsh chemicals. Even mousy hair color can glow with health and beauty! Let the light dance in your hair - especially sun light! Also, take a simple multi-vitamin every day.

2. 
   Individual strands have different colors

   Every strand has it's own color. That's why bleached or dyed hair can look so fake and bad! You have to find at least a couple different shampoos and conditioners that "go" with your hair. I use TRESemme' Moisture, Suave Moisture Rich, or Pantene for curly hair (when I can find it). Hair gets acclimated to a shampoo and conditioner. It goes limp and flat because the hair shafts get a build up from the same shampoo all the time. Using a different brand every fourth or fifth wash will help your hair stay bouncy and bright!

3. Wash and condition your hair first when you shower. Brush your hair out while the conditioner is still in it. Finish the shower, rinsing your hair just before you are done - don't rinse all of the conditioner out. Don't wash your hair every time you shower. I wash mine every 5 days or so. I do let my hair get wet when I shower and sometimes I add a little conditioner, brushing it through my hair, but too much shampooing dries it out. Wash your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair but rinse with cool water to close them to add shine to your hair. I know many experts say you must shampoo twice and then condition... it just does not work for my hair!

4. 
   Sun lit and shadows

   Do not use a hair dryer! If you mustttttttttttttttt use one, set it low and cool! During warmer weather, go outside and let it dry naturally! I take our dog with and play with her to pass the time. The sun brightens hair naturally while drying it and it lightens faster while wet in the sun.

5. 
   Healthy curls

   In the morning, I have "bed head" hair. I continuously wet my brush and gently brush my hair until most of it is damp and all tangle free. I use my hands to lift the mass up and let it's natural curl take over. And I am done with my hair for the day!

6. 
   Fav (but beat up) brush

   Don't constantly brush your hair. I tried that 100 strokes a day thing and my hair looked like a scarecrow's straw! Brushing a lot breaks the hair shafts and takes most of the curl out. Find a brush that is kind to your hair. I have Vidal Sassoon brushes that are no longer on the market and getting beat up but still the best for my hair. The bristles are tipped with a little coating of some kind that doesn't damage the scalp. Anyone know where I can get a new one like this? It's perfect for long hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Use olive oil and egg as a "hot oil" treatment about every 6 months, if your hair seems dry. Mix one egg into about a three tablespoons of olive oil and work into hair. Let soak into your hair about half an hour. I wrap my hair into a bun and then wrap the hair with a towel. If someone catches you with your hair down and this in it, they'll think you haven't washed your hair for two months - greasy and stiff from dried egg!
• Don't use hair dryers if you can avoid them.
• Don't use hair lighteners or lemon in your hair - they dry hair out fast!
• While hairspray may not do your hair damage, the residue can clog your hair follicles - causing more breakage, hair loss and decreased re-growth.
• Do not towel dry your hair! The rubbing causes more tangles and breakage.

Resources

• Duelin' Deals Blog by Marlaine

[bjerry]

on 5/18/2009 Angel hair wow. Great job!

[ciarrasmommy]

on 4/8/2009 These are some excellent tips on how to keep your long hair healthy and not dried out. Unfortunately, I cut about 8 inches of my hair off a couple weeks ago =(. I wish I would have seen this article sooner! A Thanks!

[Raemonde]

on 4/6/2009 you have really lovely hair,Great tips, Keep up the wonderful advice!

[djackman]

on 4/1/2009 great article if you have long hair ! 5*

[Walkaboutangel]

on 3/30/2009 You have beautiful long hair...