The biggest problem for a woman with long hair is breakage...The biggest problem we see in the shop that affects long hair is breakage. You can tell if you have a problem if you have shorter strands that lead to splits in the hair shaft.  It is important if you are going to have long hair to properly maintain your hair.  We have put together an article on what you must know to have long hair.

How to brush your hair    First of all you will need to bend forward, and allow your hair to fall loosely in front. A brushcomb like the Sebring brushcomb is the best type of brush to use for your hair.  Natural bristle brushes can tear and damage your hair. Next bring hair from the base of the neck up and over the head.  Brush right down to the ends of the hair. Once you have brushed all of your hair, stand upright and brush from the inside of your hair from the hair line down. Finally brush all of the loose hair into place with strokes that are long and even.  It is important to reduce static by using your other hand to lead and form the brush stroke. If your hair becomes oily then reduce the amount of brushing.  Remember brushing is only to reduce tangles that can develop quickly in long hair.  Over brushing actually damages hair.  With modern hair conditioners, brushing to increase the natural oils that emit from the scalp is not needed and again, the over brushing damages the hair ends.

When hair is wet     The type of brushing above is done only when hair is dry. Your hair is weak after you have shampooed or after a swim.  Over brushing can easily damage it when it is wet. When hair is wet, it is usually best to comb out the tangles, rather than stretching and tearing the hair with too much brushing. Combing     To comb hair you must separate the hair into smaller sections or groups. Use a comb with a wide tooth and very carefully work out the tangles from the top down.  This is important:  You will wash your hair many times and you cannot be rushed even one time.  The accumulation of hair damage while your hair is wet is why many women cannot grow long hair.  It was no coincidence that the laid back hippies of the 70's could grow their hair long.  If time is short comb your hair without tearing...by the way if it is a guy, let him wait...and let it air dry.  If you have an important date or meeting, make sure you have time to properly comb and dry your long hair. How to dry your hair     As much as possible, again I know there are time constraints, air-dry whenever possible. Hair blowers add rapid water loss on one side of a hair shaft, can burn hair, and if over done cause dry hair. Just the opposite of what you are trying to have. How to Curl your long hair    Alwasy use non-bristle medium to large hair rollers. Wind the hair loosely and don't go for the curly look with hair that is shoulder length or longer.  If you want curly hair, don't grow your hair long.  It is important to avoid electric rollers, hot combs, and curling irons.  Wearing large hair rollers while your hair is wet allows it to dry faster. How to Shampoo   Most importantly use the right shampoo.  Don't try to manage your hair with the discount store brand.  If your hair has some damage or is dry and brittle make sure you use a Protein Hair Moisturizer.  Before you shampoo, coat the hair with conditioner. Shampoo the hair to remove dirt and be gentle with the ends of your hair. Remember that wet hair is damaged easily.  Many women will over brush while shampooing the hair. This may feel good but will lead to over exposure to shampoo time, dry the hair in the long run, and cause damage while the hair is wet. A shampoo should remove dirt and leave natural oils...nothing more.  Use a good conditioner to enliven the hair strand.   Trip to the Pool or Beach    Before you go outdoors, in saltwater, pool water, or the sun, use a bit of conditioner in your hair.  If you are going to wear a hat and anticipate that you will sweat in the heat or due to exertion, remember that natural sweat contains salt and can damage the hair.  Again to minimize the hair damage condition the hair before putting on the cap. If you apply a conditioner it will almost serve as a hot oil treatment under the cap. A hat also protects the hair from the damage of ultraviolet light and the sun. When to trim the ends     Make sure to trim your hair often.  You should trim the ends of your hair at least every three months.  This is more important for women with fine hair or hair that is going from short to long.  As hair grows from the head, shorter hair grows faster and hair that is shoulder length or longer grows more slowly.  Read our article on trimming the ends of your hair listed below.Woman’s Hair Style    A Woman's hair style is what you project to the world. If you go from sexy to casual, lively to subdued, you can capture your mood with your hair.  A woman's hair that is health and shining gives a great boost to others perception of you. Does Sleep affect your hair?   It is well known that restless sleepers can damage their hair.  If you are restless and turn and toss on a rough bedspread or pillowcase you can damage your hair.  Ever wonder why celebrities sleep on satin pillowcases.  They are not Prima Donnas...their lives depend on having great hair.

Overall, taking care of you is a big job. Taking care of your hair is just a part of overall fitness and style.  Remember to have take time for yourself and the rituals of taking care of your hair can be a pleasant way to have time for yourself.

Copyright 2004 all rights reserved