Lengthy Story

Extra long hair has very unique needs. The further away from the root hair gets, the more thirsty it is for nourishment. Ends can also become dry, brittle, and split into a frizzy, not-so-healthy mess.

So, how do you manage the care and feeding of your precious length?

Hair health starts at the root with a healthy scalp, so it's essential to care for the skin on your head much like you would for your face. Use gentle cleansing and stimulating massage, concentrating your shampoo application on the scalp. After rinsing, apply conditioner for your specific hair type and condition all the way through the ends.

Every week or two, use a deep conditioning treatment, letting it set for 15-20 minutes, giving your strands time to soak it all in before rinsing. Work with your hairstylist to find the proper home hair care for you, especially the right protein and moisture balance for deep treatments. Too much protein can cause hair to become brittle, and insufficient moisture leaves strands dry and thirsting for hydration.

Lengthy locks are prone to damage from daily wear and require gentle handling when drying and styling. Be careful not to pull or tug when combing through your hair when wet, and consider using a leave-in conditioner or detangler to make the task easier. Work from the ends up, taking short strokes down the hair shaft with a wide-toothed comb.

Use a thermal protectant when applying heat to your hair, whether blow-drying or using heated styling tools like straighteners and curling irons. At night, protect your hair by loosely braiding it and use a silk pillowcase to avoid friction.

Also, make regular trims part of your hair care routine - keeping ends neatly clipped and removing frayed ends well above the splitting point.

Take good care of your hair, scalp, and routine, and your luscious lock will reward you with lots of shine, silkiness, and appeal.