We’ve all seen those Instagram models rocking gorgeous mermaid hair—flowing, shiny waves for days, pouring over their shoulders—and we think, “How do they do it?” Here’s some comforting news: it’s usually extensions. If you’re like me and cringe at the thought of maintaining faux hair, let’s review the natural approach. It’s possible to transform the hair you’ve already got. Try these tips for long, beautiful hair.
1. Perfect your brushing technique
Brushing is good for your hair, but that depends on how you brush. If you start from the scalp and pull down, you’re tugging at knots and causing breakage. Instead, start at the split ends and gradually glide the brush higher on your head with each stroke. This helps loosen knots first while letting natural oils add shine. Right out of the shower, use a detangling brush designed for wet hair. It puts less tug on your hair, keeping your strands strong and healthy.
2. Protect it from hot tools
Yes, I know you’ve heard it before. And how often do we listen? When I stopped being lazy about protecting my hair from hot tools, I noticed a huge difference in its shine and strength. Before blow-drying, I use a hair primer so the heat doesn’t crack the cuticles. I’m left with a glossy, smooth finish—and less need to snap at my husband when he tries to play with my work of art.
3. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Silk pillows sound princessy, but they’re one of the lowest-maintenance ways to grow long, beautiful hair. While you sleep and move around, your hair glides over the smooth silk with less friction. Cotton is rougher and can tug at your hair. At the risk of sounding like Mrs. Fancy Pants—which I’m not—I always sleep on a silk pillowcase to keep my strands intact, and so does Andrew.
4. Limit the washes
I promise you won’t smell, and your hair will actually look healthier. Your scalp naturally secretes oils that strengthen follicles and keep strands moist, so you can’t wash away that protective barrier too often. Try washing once or twice weekly to keep your hair naturally glossy. If it gets greasy, use dry shampoo to banish the ew.
5. Eat protein and good fats
A healthy diet rewards you with great hair. Think about what hair is made of: protein for strength and oil for shine. Eat plenty of fatty proteins to nourish your strands and help your hair grow longer and stronger. Foods like avocados, eggs and seafood are great sources of zinc and biotin. These nutritional sources can give you naturally beautiful hair—and less need for products.
6. Chill on the color
You probably aren’t going to like this one, but it’s a worthy sacrifice. Dyeing your hair can cause damage, especially if you don’t do it properly. Bleaching and coloring damage the cuticle, leaving hair thin and dull. Instead of dyeing, consider a hair gloss. It deposits pigment and luster, making your hair look more vibrant and healthy. Although a gloss won’t last as long, a few extra salon visits are worth having long, beautiful hair.
7. Hair masks are your friend
Hair masks are my savior. They coat your hair in proteins and vitamins, helping restore dryness. I use deep-conditioning masks to add a healthy look to my blonde highlights. A good mask should contain nourishing ingredients such as B vitamins, argan oil and collagen. You can also go the DIY route with coconut or almond oil—just shampoo afterward so you’re not left with a grease mop.
The moral of our story is that our hair needs attention. I’m not saying you’ll turn into Rapunzel overnight, but these tips can give you longer, more beautiful hair. Be patient. Good results take time, so don’t give up.