We asked people with really long hair for their secrets
image via @maiohaaaa/instagram
as told to fashion journal
“I stay far, far away from bleach.”
If you ever find yourself craving a drastic hair change, the most obvious answer is usually to cut it all off. Whether your hair is waist-length or even up to your shoulders, a chic, blunt bob can instantly change your entire look.
Unfortunately, the reverse is a lot harder. On average, hair grows about one centimetre (or just over) per month or 12 centimetres per year, though it may grow slightly faster in the summertime due to factors like boosted circulation.
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Deciding you want long hair is usually a months, even years-long process. Depending on how long you want to go, it requires patience and commitment. Save for a set of hair extensions, there’s sadly no magic shortcut.
In saying that, there are a number of ways to preserve your hair health while you bide your time. From frequent trims to hair oils and home remedies, keeping your locks in tip-top shape can help it appear long, thick and luscious. So, in need of advice, we asked four people with enviably long hair to share their secrets.
Maioha Murupaenga, model and creative
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“My length is symbolic of my growth, memories good and bad. My hair holds spiritual significance to me as I grow into a woman. Culturally, I view my hair as a symbol of strength and discipline. The longer it grows, the more I learn about what becoming a wahine toa means to me. My mum heard my goal and nurtured it by constantly stopping me from bleaching my hair as a teen. So a big thank you to my mum!
Discipline and genetics have honestly been the key to my hair growth, which I can understand nobody wants to hear, but the results will appear faster than you know. I always aim to trim it every three to four months – six months is the longest I will go without a trim.
My other tips are to always invest in quality shampoo and conditioner, and avoid heavily scented products. I use a heat protectant spray every time I blow-dry and style my hair, and never sleep with wet hair. I stay far, far away from bleach and try not to fall for any online beauty or hair health trends and propaganda.”
Danaisha Shetty, model at People Agency
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“I’ve had long hair all my life but I had an awful haircut when I was 12. I was feeling rebellious and snuck out behind my parents’ backs to chop it all off into a bob. It took me about three years to grow it back.
I use a special oil blend handmade by my grandma. Growing up in an Indian household meant hot oil scalp massages were a weekly routine. Also, natural home remedies, using ingredients like yoghurt, lemons and eggs to deal with dehydrated hair.
To testify how well this works, my great grandma, who is 100 years old, has her hair down to her hips. Based on that, I’d say the best way to grow your hair is to make sure it’s hydrated, use natural or vegan products and massage your scalp.”
Constance McDonald, writer and photographer
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“I love to spritz some perfume into my hair and brush it through. I wear it in double braids on big travel days so I don’t have tangles to deal with on arrival.
My favourite long hair history girl is Empress Sissi – she wore a waterproofed silk robe on her hair-wash days. When I feel bored with my hair’s silhouette, I like to cut some curtain bangs.
The best deep-conditioning masks are those small bottles that come with box dye – ask your aunt, she probably has a drawer-full in her bathroom.”
Jett Bolt, model at People Agency
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“At the moment, I cut my own hair to save some money and do it once or twice a year. To keep my hair healthy, I like to sleep on a silk pillowcase, hydrate it with a bit of water every morning and night, and use products made for curly hair.
For anyone determined to grow out their hair, I’d suggest using argan oil to avoid the ends from becoming dry. Also, it can help to use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated after washing.”
For more on growing your hair, try this.
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