10 Tips for Maintaining Long Hair

1. Start with shampoo

Picking the right shampoo and conditioner concoction, and using them correctly are the building blocks to a healthy hair and scalp. Professionals are always looking at two things when recommending a regimen- the porosity of your hair and the condition of your scalp. The porosity of your hair determines how much moisture and oil your hair can handle before it starts to build up on the outside of your hair shaft. Using professional products is essential because over-the-counter shampoo and conditioners contain non-degradable silicones that create a barrier on top of your hair, preventing the good ingredients from entering and repairing. A surefire way to know you have a silicone build up? Greasy roots and dry ends. With a good shampoo, you won’t need to wash everyday. Always talk to your stylist when looking for Shampoo and Conditioner. 

2. Invest in a good hairbrush

I’m going to seriously offend my 13 year old self by saying this but- you should be brushing your hair. How often and when to brush depends on your hair texture but we recommend everyone brush their hair with a boar bristle brush before washing it. Boar bristle distributes the oil from your scalp onto your ends so you’re not stripping the hair while washing. Our favorite boar bristle can be found here. 

3. Braid before bed

A routine we always recommend for extension clients but everyone can benefit from- braid your hair before you go to bed. Friction is your hair’s worst nightmare and braids while sleeping will reduce nighttime friction. Nothing fancy, any old braid will do as long as it isn’t too tight. For curly hair or compromised hair we also recommend swapping cotton pillow cases for silk ones. Braids reduce friction and preserve your blowout- win win. 

4. Find your serum

Oiling your hair is important for anyone with length. Most serums contain oil molecules that are smaller than water, helping to speed drying time and moisturize hair from the inside out. We recommend using serums before bed and before brushing. 

5. Reduce elastic time

Speaking of friction! Hair elastics that are too tight twist and break the finer hairs inside your pony tail. Unless you’re exercising it’s best to use looser, scrunchie hair ties to prevent friction. And never, NEVER, put your hair up wet. 

6. Dry shampoo is proactive 

If your bangs are sticking to your forehead, it’s already too late! Dry shampoo is proactive, not reactive, and now it comes in pomades, sprays, and powders for every hair type. Apply your dry shampoo to hair before bed (pre braid *wink*) and the white powdery hue won’t bother you so much. You’ll wake to perfect hair! Bonus points- serum your ends first to prevent the dry shampoo from drying them out. 

7. Perfect your dirty hair styles

There’s no need to wash your hair everyday- the more oil you have on your scalp, the more you can spread onto your ends before washing. Peep our social media and blog for DIY dirty hair updo inspiration. 

8. Even your hair needs a detox

Even your scalp needs to be exfoliated! Dry shampoo, deep conditioners, and styling products can build up on your scalp over time and cause itching and flakes. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of using a clarifying shampoo either weekly or monthly to clean the slate. Clarifying is especially important for anyone using reparative products.

9. Wet your hair before swimming 

Hair is like a sponge- it sucks up the moisture around it. Wetting your hair with clean water will make sure it doesn’t absorb harmful amounts of salt or chlorine. This is especially important if you have a keratin or perm. 

10. Schedule appointments annually

I get asked at least ten times a day how often you should be coming for a haircut and the answer is always dependent on your hair goals. Are we growing? Going blonder? One thing is for certain- have a clear idea what your hair maintenance looks like on an annual basis. Services like gray coverage and double processes need to be touched up on a regular basis to prevent dark bands in the hair but something like growing a bob into a shag can take a few months. If you pre book your in-between services like face frame highlights and bang trims in between larger services you can save yourself time and money in the long run.