How To Grow Long Hair - Get Rid Of Split Ends

Photographed by Winnie Au.

While the pixie and bob are gaining popularity, long hair continues to be a long-lasting trend that can be worn in a variety of styles. From Kate Middleton’s iconic chestnut strands to Blake Lively’s boho-beachy waves, longer length is a classic, chic style for every hair type and texture. When it comes to growing and maintaining long, healthy hair, there are three key things to consider: salon maintenance, at-home care, and summer weather conditions. Ahead, I've outlined how to keep your mane in tip-top shape.

Salon Maintenance

Being in the beauty industry for more than ten years, I frequently speak with women with long hair who never want to get cuts to keep their length in tact. It’s a complete myth. Letting your hair grow out without ever getting it cut will deter your hair from growing at its optimal rate. All women should get cuts every six to eight weeks to promote healthy hair: The two-month trim routine will benefit your hair health and promote growth by keeping the ends nice and fresh. And, if you suffer from breakage, the split will only climb further up the shaft until it's cut.

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And, we love how highlights and great hair color can transform a look entirely, but the over-processing doesn’t encourage healthy growth. That said, ammonia-free color is the number one option for healthy hair. Semi-permanent color (which washes out every four to six weeks) and single permanent process coloring are also healthier options, while highlights tend to be the most damaging. Most of my clients don’t know that highlighting is actually decolorizing, which means removing the natural color and then depositing blonde back in. To combat the effects of over-processing, women with color-treated hair should make sure to use moisturizing hair lotions and regularly deep-conditioner.

Photographed by Winnie Au.

At-Home Maintenance
Your at-home daily shampoo and conditioning routines are extremely important for maintaining healthy and growing hair between salon visits. Color-treated hair should only be washed with color-safe shampoo and conditioner. So, when buying shampoos, look for options with keratin as one of the key ingredients, as it makes chemically treated hair stronger and more vibrant.

For hair that is on the drier side, opt for a moisturizing and fortifying conditioner to encourage strand strength. The same way that you use a mask for your face, you should use a mask for your hair on a regular basis. Set aside time once a week to throw on a quick hair mask, and your strands will reap the benefits.

Summer-Specific Rules
The combination of sun, salt, and chlorine is tough on tresses — and you should always make sure to prep your hair before a day at the beach, pool, or lazying around in the sunshine. It’s very important not to leave salt water or chlorine in your hair for too long. Although you might be temped by the sexy, wavy texture that the salt and chlorine gives your hair, it will seriously dry it out. Yep — the beachy beauty isn’t worth the damage.

Always wet hair first so it absorbs less chlorine when going into the pool, and apply a mask in wet hair before a day at beach like Oribe’s intensely hydrating Signature Moisture Mask. For a day in the hot summer sun, whether by the water or just strolling around outdoors, use a UV shield spray for your hair. Just as you would never spend hours in the sun without SPF on your face and body, your hair needs that same protection. The UV spray is especially important for chemically treated strands to keep color from fading and to maintain the brightness and freshness of highlights.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a mane to be envied!

NEXT: Secret Little Fixes To Keep Your Style Strong All Day

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