7 Tips for Long and Healthy Hair

Avoid excessive sun exposure

Just as unchecked UVA and UVB rays can do a number on your skin, prolonged exposure to the sun can also damage the outside of your hair. Signs of sun damage on long locks include split ends, frizziness, discoloration and dryness. One of the best ways to shield hair from the sun is by incorporating styles that reduce exposure, like hats, clips, and funky scarves. Another is to look at your hair care. At Prose, we use ingredients like coconut and karanja oils that are built right into your formula and protect hair from UV exposure.

Keep hair hydrated

Bad hair day irking you? Nine times out of ten it stems from a lack of moisture. Hydrated locks are softer, smoother, and healthier all around. Keep bad hair days at bay by applying conditioner after every shampoo, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. You don’t have to worry too much about the roots, which can get weighed down or oily. Ingredients to look out for are conditioning agents like Pistachio and Jojoba Seed Oils.

Use protection when heat styling

When possible, avoid using a blow dryer or flat iron more than a few times a week. The damage that these styling tools can lead to includes dry, breakage-prone locks. When you do use a blow-dryer, try to keep the nozzle held five inches away from your hair. And, if smoothing strands with a flatiron, try keeping it to a couple of times a week and make sure strands have been properly moisturized beforehand.

Get frequent trims

Yes, we know—the longer your hair gets, the harder it can be to head in for a haircut for fear that your stylist may take off too much. However, trimming the ends of hair every three to five months is necessary to prevent split ends — and the longer you wait between cuts, the worse ends can get and the more you may need to cut off. With regular “dusting”, cleaning up your hair can mean taking off as little as a quarter-inch so you can get healthy locks and still maintain length.

Use a hair mask

Along with a healthy diet, regular hair masking is the ultimate key to length retention. Apply one from roots to ends, or just mid-shaft to lengths depending on your formula, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time — often it’s at least 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo and condition as normal. Pro tip: If you’re planning a long day at the pool or the beach, comb a hair mask throughout to create a barrier between your hair and the water. It helps keep chlorine and salt water from penetrating hair and drying out your locks.

Pay attention to fabrics

Because your hair goes down past your shoulders, the fabric you wear, like your shirts, coats and scarves, and the ones you sleep on, like your pillows, have an affect on your hair. During the day, watch out for wool, which can cause hair to snag and cause split ends. When you sleep, switch to a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz. It helps ensure that when you’re tossing and turning you won’t roughen up your cuticle. For an extra level of protection, keep hair in place by pulling it up into a soft scrunchie.

Brush daily

Daily brushing (preferably with a half boar/half nylon brush) helps get rid of knots and tangles, while distributing hair’s natural oils. Keeping hair hydrated means healthier hair overall.

Looking to grow out your locks? Allow us to create a custom hair care regimen to help you achieve beautiful and healthy lengths. Get started here.