How to Keep Hair Healthy and Long

Co-authored by Matt King

Last Updated: March 12, 2023

Long hair can be very hard to keep healthy, with split ends, frizzy older hair, and variations in colors. There are various ways to keep long hair healthy and in good shape, and a good hair care routine will ensure that your long hair is in the best of condition for the long term.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Caring for Hair Regularly

1
Do not wash your hair every day. Too much washing strips the hair of its natural oils and makes it harder to manage in addition to making it dull. Aim for a wash every three or so days, unless you've got dirty hair due to exercise and such.
2
Get a good conditioner suited to your hair type. Use it after you've washed your hair thoroughly. A leave-in conditioner would be a good idea.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Matt King
Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}

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3
Don't brush your hair when it's wet. This can break the hairs and weaken them. If you must brush your hair when it is wet, use a wide-toothed comb and be gentle.
4
Use a vibrating hairbrush. This type of brush has direct contact with your scalp and encourages your hair to grow.^{[citation needed]}
5
Use a serum to add shine and gloss to your hair. This will also help improve its softness. Choose hair products containing SPF to protect your hair from the sun damage.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Matt King
Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
6
Don't put your hair in tight ponytails/buns. That can pull the hair out or rip the hair.^{[citation needed]}
7
Minimize use of heat tools on your hair. If you use heat to curl or straighten your hair, use heat protection on your hair.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Matt King
Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Also don't curl or straighten your hair a lot. Instead of using heat on your hair, you can invest in curling rods that don't use heat.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Dealing with Split Ends

1
Check your hair's condition. Check to see whether you have split ends. If you do, they'll need to be dealt with. Get a trim first, to remove the split ends. If you have left them for a long time, don't be surprised if the hairdresser removes quite a length of hair, so as to catch all the split ends.
2
Continue with maintenance trimming. After the initial hair trim, get a trim every six to eight weeks, to keep the split ends under control.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

1
Warm up a mug of olive oil, for around 30 seconds only. You don't want it to burn your scalp.
2
Leave the mug to cool for around 5-10 minutes. Dip in your hairbrush, making sure it's soaked through with oil. Before doing this, put your finger in and make sure it's not too hot.
3
Comb your hair with the hairbrush with oil on it. Make sure you get the ends. This will nourish the hair.^{[citation needed]}

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In Hair Products?

Expert Q&A
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Question

What's the best shampoo for healthy hair?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Anything that's free of sulfates is going to be okay for your hair. Sulfates really aren't healthy for your hair or skin, so steer clear, especially of Sodium laureth sulfate.
Question

Are hair treatments bad for you?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

No! If you get a treatment at a salon, it should be good for 2-3 weeks and that will help keep moisture in your hair. That's actually really healthy for your hair and it's a great way to get it healthy if it has been damaged recently.
Question

Will a curling iron damage my hair?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It can if you use it all the time, but it's okay if you only use it every once in a while. I would say that you shouldn't use a curling iron (or flat iron) more than once a week.

Warnings

Backcombing or teasing your hair makes your hair more susceptible to damage and tangles.

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Washing your hair with hot water may damage it.

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