After a very long time, I took a risk with my hair. For the past two years, it remained one length and curly. I layered it, cut a fringe, and surprisingly haven’t regretted the change!

The downside though, is the extra maintenance and damage from blow-drying and ironing.

It’s been approximately 5 weeks since I cut my hair, and it still looks relatively healthy.

I’m always questioned on how I keep my hair long and in good shape, so here are a few tips and guidelines I use.

INTERNAL

• Healthy hair really comes down to a healthy body and scalp. If your scalp is unhealthy, or you’re not getting enough water or nutrients, it will show. Try and at least have enough water. I use a 500ml water bottle and leave it out- fridge water somehow seems harder to drink more of.
• I’m guilty of being inconsistent with taking tablets, but I have been taking zinc now and then. I have seen quite a difference- especially in the shine of my hair. (I use Unique Zinc tablets, approx. R20, purchased at Dischem)

WASHING

• I have succumbed. I simply had to try the craze of horse shampoo. Surprisingly, I REALLY love it! I have read reviews of it making hair really hard, but it had the exact opposite effect on my mane. I can’t really tell about whether it makes your hair thicker, because half of mine is now chopped into a fringe, but it definitely made it longer
• My combo: 1L bottle Equiline horse shampoo (approx. R50, purchased at Dischem), mixed with half a bottle of Lennon’s Bergamot essence (approx. R20, purchased at Dischem). I have been using it every second wash, for the past 5 weeks and my hair grew at least 5cm
• Also, focus on washing the scalp, and don’t pile hair at the top of your head. Rather run the shampoo along the length of your hair
• Do the “face test”. Hot water isn’t good for your hair, but ice cold water isn’t realistic either. Once your shower is running, simply tilt your head back and feel the water on your face. If it’s uncomfortably warm, lower the temperature and test again. This lukewarm water should be ideal for your locks

CONDITIONING

• I use a mild conditioner on a daily basis, but try and use a hair masque once a week. I have been alternating between Aussie 3 minute miracle (approx. R84, purchased at Clicks) and Elvive damage care masque (approx. R50 on special, purchased at Clicks).

STYLING

• I hate using styling products. I always feel like I am just dirtying my hair right after washing it. So yes, I am guilty of not using a styling protector first- that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use one. Each to his own. I tend to blow dry my hair upside down these days, so not to directly dry the “top” hair
• I use a tourmaline iron, because it’s the healthiest for my hair. Ceramic (aka GHD) seems too harsh. I have an ice diamond hair iron, but it was purchased at an expo and unavailable any longer. VAUDRY is the best tourmaline iron on the market right now, I promise it makes hair shinier!