Maintaining Long and Healthy Hair

When I was younger my favorite fairy tale to hear was always Rapunzel. I would stand on my bed and pretend that I was in a tower and watch my hair as it fell from the widow toward the ground. My hair was never very long back then and I would get so jealous when I saw someone with long hair. When I finally was able to grow my hair out I loved the length but did not love all the breakage. I had to relearn how to take care of and lessen the damage that I was doing to my own hair. Here are some suggestions on keeping your luscious locks looking great.

• Be careful while brushing. Brushes cause a good amount of breakage in longer hair because people are not as gentle as they should be. Start at the ends and work toward your roots smoothing the hair as you go, never pull on the knots and tear them out. If your hair is prone to knotting try using a wide toothed comb or a pick with the same end to root method. Avoid brushing or combing when your hair is wet, this can cause unnecessary damage. If you have coarse, curly, or frizzy hair and have to brush when your hair is wet be extra gentle.
• Your hair needs a day of rest every now and then. The oils produced by your body are the best moisturizer for your hair. Set aside a day to stay home if you need to, and give your hair the day off with no wetting, washing, or styling. You should brush or comb your hair to distribute the oils to the lower parts of your hair. If you take a few days a month the extra moisture in your hair will make a difference in the feel and shine of your hair.
• Let your tresses fall. Pulling your hair back, especially with hair ties or rubber bands, is a terrific way to break your hair. Headbands and combs are a better way to keep your hair out of your face. Having your hair up while you sleep can save it from undue breakage, but instead of a pony tail tie it up in a silk scarf. The softer fabric will allow the hair to move within the scarf yet lessen the amount of knots in your hair in the morning. Long hair looks beautiful when left down, anyway how else is the prince supposed to scale the tower.

Keep in mind that some breakage is normal, but if you run your hand through your hair in the shower and end up with a handful of strands you need to rethink how you are treating it. When you care for your hair the right way it gets easier to manage and looks gorgeous.