How to Care for Long Hair in 7 Simple Steps (Highly Effective!)

How to take care of your long hair? Just like short hair, long hair has its challenges when it comes to maintaining its health. Learn more.

Having long hair can be a blessing, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining its shine and overall health.

For example, a common problem for long hair is dryness, especially at the ends - that's because the scalp produces natural oils that help keep hair moisturized and healthy. However, these oils have a hard time traveling the full length of the hair shaft, leaving the ends dryer than the roots.

On another hand, the ends of long hair are older than those of short hair - this means that they have been exposed to the elements, styling products and heat styling for a longer time, which can lead to damage and dryness if you are not taking the right measures.

However, if you are a long-haired gal, don't get bummed! The good news is that you can easily keep your hair smooth, shiny and healthy if you know how to care for very long hair the right way. That's why we are here to help - just keep reading!

How to care for long hair in 7 simple steps

So, what are the main challenges of caring for long hair, and how can you do it effectively? Take a look at some of our expert tips to care for long hair:

1. Use a vegan shampoo without sulfates

As we just mentioned, one of the main challenges of long hair is that it tends to deal with dryness - partly because of overexposure to damaging factors, and partly because of the oils naturally produced by the scalp. 

With that in mind, one of the most important tips to care for long hair is to ensure that you are keeping it properly hydrated and moisturized. 

One way to achieve that is by using a plant-based shampoo - vegan hair products are made from natural ingredients derived from plants, allowing for gentle cleansing without stripping away the natural oils. 

This helps maintain the scalp's natural balance, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation. If you are looking for a good plant-based shampoo, we recommend the NuMe Acai Shampoo, made using the power of acai berries -  it provides a holistic hair care approach through its antioxidant-rich formula.

2. Don't skip on the conditioner

Another tip to care for long hair and ensure that it's properly hydrated and moisturized is to always make sure that you are using a conditioner after thoroughly washing your hair in the shower. 

 

If you are planning to skip on them, just don't - they can easily be your best ally in taking care of your beautiful mane! Here is why:

• Moisturization - they help to replenish moisture lost during the shampooing process, preventing dryness and brittleness
• Detangling - this type of product is designed to smooth the hair cuticles, making it easier to detangle and reducing the risk of breakage during combing
• Shine - by smoothing the hair cuticles, conditioners impart a natural shine and smoothness to the hair, making it look healthier
• Frizz taming - long hair tends to deal with frizz often, so adding a conditioner to your hair care routine is great for hydrating and sealing the cuticle
• Strengthens hair - a lot of conditioners contain proteins and nutrients that help strengthen the hair shaft and improve the hair's overall health 

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that not all hair conditioners are made equal! Some hair products, especially those full of silicones and sulfates, can have a counteracting effect. 

For this reason, it's very important to choose a vegan conditioner that nourishes your beautiful long hair from start to finish - such as the NuMe Acai Conditioner.

3. Use a plant-based hydrating mask

Long hair often requires more care, effort and time than short hair, especially when it comes to dealing with dryness. For this reason, it's important to ensure that you are incorporating a weekly deep hydrating treatment to provide proper nutrient and hydration replenishment.

We highly recommend the NuMe Acai Mask - formulated with Omega 3,6, and 9 as well as vitamins B, C, and E, it will soften and moisturize your hair strands, and leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Just apply 2-3 drops evenly throughout the scalp, massage into hair, and don't rinse off - repeat every 12 hours, morning and night.

4. Trim your hair every 8-12 weeks

Did you know that hair grows about 1 cm (0.5 inches) on average every month? Growing your hair out endlessly can be tempting, especially if you are enjoying your beautiful long mane - a visit to the beauty salon can sound daunting!

However, it's important to make sure that you are getting your regular trims, approximately every 8-12 weeks. They help to remove split ends, reduce breakage, and prevent the ends from becoming thin and tattered - which will keep your hair looking healthy!

5. Drink at least 8 cups (2 L) of water per day

If you want to care for long hair the right way, it is also important to stay hydrated. That's because adequate hydration ensures that your body is effectively circulating nutrients to the hair follicles.

Proper blood circulation is essential for stimulating hair growth and maintaining the health of the hair follicles, which can result in healthier and potentially faster-growing hair.

In addition, when the body is well-hydrated, it helps to hydrate the scalp and hair from within. A hydrated scalp is less likely to become dry and flaky, while hydrated hair is less prone to dryness and breakage, especially important for the ends of long hair which are older and more susceptible to drying out.

Mayo Clinic recommends drinking about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men, and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.

6. Minimize chemical treatments

Another awesome tip to take care for long hair is to minimize chemical treatments such as coloring, bleaching, or chemical straightening. They can weaken your hair over time as they affect its protein structure, causing structural damage.

This structural damage is more pronounced in long hair because the longer the hair, the older and more fragile it is, especially towards the ends. Also, let's not forget that the chemicals used in these treatments can strip away the natural oils produced by your scalp

If you do opt for chemical treatments, make sure to give your hair extra TLC with deep conditioning treatments such as the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask.

7. Take care of your scalp

If you want to properly care for long hair, it is also important to pay attention to your scalp's health. The health of your hair is directly linked to the condition of your scalp, as your hair grows from the follicles located there. 

Here are a few ways to ensure proper scalp health: 

• Avoid excessive hair washing - washing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle
• Condition carefully - apply conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the scalp to prevent buildup that can clog hair follicles 
• Do scalp massages - regularly massage your scalp with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation - this stimulates blood circulation and increases the flow of nutrients
• Maintain a healthy diet - nutrition plays a crucial role in scalp and hair health, that's why it's important to eat healthy foods for hair that contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals. 
• Use a scalp serum - using a scalp serum, such as the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum, helps stimulate stiff scalp membranes, and promotes a healthy scalp

FAQ

What is the best way to take care of long hair?

To care for long hair, regularly trim ends, use a moisturizing conditioner, minimize heat styling, and gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Protect hair at night with loose braids and use a silk pillowcase.

Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated for strong, vibrant hair.

Is long hair hard to take care of?

Long hair requires more effort to maintain than shorter styles, as it's prone to tangles, breakage, and dryness, especially at the ends.

Regular trims, proper hydration, and gentle handling are key to keeping long hair healthy and manageable.

How do you keep long hair from damaging?

To prevent damage to long hair, regularly trim the ends to avoid split ends. Use a moisturizing conditioner and minimize heat styling. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage.

Protect your hair from UV rays and harsh weather. Use silk pillowcases to reduce friction and avoid tight hairstyles that can stress the hair. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated also contribute to hair health.

How can I speed up hair growth?

To speed up hair growth, focus on a nutrient-rich diet with vitamins A, C, E, iron, and omega-3s. Scalp massages increase blood flow, stimulating growth. Minimize heat styling and chemical treatments to prevent breakage.

Regular trims eliminate split ends, promoting healthier growth. Ensure adequate hydration and consider supplements like biotin if your diet lacks essential nutrients.

Is long hair healthy? 

Long hair can be healthy if properly cared for. It requires regular trims to prevent split ends, proper hydration, and nutrition to strengthen hair from within. Using gentle hair care practices, minimizing heat styling, and protecting it from environmental damage are crucial.

Healthy long hair reflects good health and diligent care, but it demands consistent effort to maintain its vitality and shine.