Looking after your hair and keeping it healthy makes it easier to style. People with long hair have to work even harder to keep it in tip-top condition, making sure the ends aren't dry and split and giving it volume and body.
Simple hair care tips
According to the experts, you shouldn't wash your hair every day, as it strips the natural oils and proteins away. Limit hair washing to three times a week. If you have fine, straight hair that's prone to oiliness, you may have to wash it every other day to stop it from looking lank but try to avoid washing it daily when possible.
You can use a little dry shampoo in between washes to perk your hair up, as it will soak up the excess oil, especially if you're prone to greasy hair. Certain styles actually work better on hair that isn’t freshly washed such as messy buns, twisted topknots and braids.
For some people, who are pushed for time, it can be difficult to style and care for long hair. It's easy to fall into having the same hairstyle every day for convenience, but it's not difficult to do different hairstyles on long hair with a little know-how.
- Stacked hair grips
© Dmitry Tsvetkov / Adobe Stock
This easy-to-do hairstyle elevates your look from everyday, to evening, in seconds. First, ensure your hair is hydrated and detangled. Brush it back behind your ears until it looks smooth and sleek. Use styling products if necessary to give it a better texture. Then, place a row of decorative hair grips (bobby pins) in different colours in your hair, going over your ears, to keep it in place. Make sure they have sealed ends, rather than sharp ones, so they won't dig in and can be removed later without snagging your hair.
- '90s half-up pigtails
© deagreez / Adobe Stock
Half-up pigtails are another fun and easy way to style long hair. Simply put your hair in a centre parting and brush the front sections until tangle-free. Then, put the front sections only into two pigtails, leaving the back of your hair loose. The look can be achieved with curly, wavy or straight hair.
- Bandana wrap
© T.Den_Team / Adobe Stock
Use a scarf to achieve a glamorous 1960s look, echoing the chic style of actress Elizabeth Taylor. Fold a chiffon or silk scarf and tie it like a headband over your hair, with a knot at the nape of your neck.
Alternatively, wrap and tie a bandana around your ponytail, leaving it to hang loose down your back. The scarf or bandana needs to be made of a fine, thin material, or it will look too bulky for this hairstyle.
- High bun
© Contrastwerkstatt / Adobe Stock
A high bun is a stylish top-knot hairstyle, created by winding your hair on the top of your head and securing it. This is a versatile and simple look to achieve. It ranges from a sleek, shiny bun to messy chic. First, put your hair up into a high ponytail. Wrap your hair around the ponytail base and secure it with a hair tie or hair grips. You can use a "hair donut" to give the bun more volume if required.
- Rope braid
© SianStock / Adobe Stock
You need to be able to do a three-strand braid and have a cord to tie for around the base. First, put your hair into a ponytail at the nape of the neck. Secure it with a bobble. Then, separate the hair into three equal sections. Make sure it is tangle-free, using smoothing cream to keep it in place. Pick up the strand next to your dominant hand and cross it between the other two strands. It then becomes the middle strand. Repeat this process with the strand from the opposite side. Every time you cross the hair over, take the strand from alternate sides to achieve the braid effect. Secure the braid at the end.
These styles for long hair are very easy to achieve and you won't need a professional to do them. Keep your hair accessories such as grips, clips, hairbands and bobby pins in Really Useful Boxes – then you’ll easily be able to put your hands on them when you need them!