A few weeks ago, I’ve asked my Instagram followers about which topic they wanted to read more on the blog. Interesting enough the topic hair had almost the highest score. Of course I am more than happy to shed some light on my long hair life ;-). So I will divide this topic in two parts: haircare and styling. On the menu today: hair care!
Long hair: Shampoo & Conditioner
When I was a teenager, I liked to experiment with everything in the beauty department. I tried dozens of brands when it comes to facial care, makeup, bodycare…you name it. Hair care was no exception.When I saw a new shampoo ad on tv which included someone with beautiful, glossy long hair I had to try it. I was like the perfect target group voor marketeers of these ads.
The great thing about trying things out is that you’ll find out what works and what doesn’t work. I soon discovered that the L’Oréal and Garnier shampoos were not really my cup of tea. In the early 2000s Herbal Essences shampoo was quite popular. Remember the delicious smell of those Herbal Essences shampoos ? Obviously I had to try that. I was actually quite loyal to this brand. Shiny long hair & enhanced waves: I was satified for a few years. Until the shampoo did’t “work” anymore. Probably because at a certain point, all brands change their formula (why do they always do that?).
After that, I discovered the shampoos of a brand that would make me a loyal customer until today: Gliss Kur. +10 years of positive Gliss Kur experience and still going strong. Ever since I started using products of this line, I was hooked. Or actually: my hair was hooked. I use the shampoo and conditioner of their Total Repair line. In summer, I vary with other lines like the Ultimate Repair line, because the sun dries out my hair a lot in those days.
Also interesting to know: In winter, I wash my hair only once a week. I have dry hair so washing it more often is not needed. I would also say: don’t wash it too often it it’s not necessary. Also saves a lot of time when you have long hair…
Hair oil
I usually use a few drops of hair oil just after I washed it. I use this for two reasons. If I have a lot of knots in my hair I use the oil before washing my hair to brush out all my knots. And that’s also one of the disadvantages of long hair. Knots, Knots. KNOTS. Every day. To make sure that my hair is a little bit tangible in the morning, I always sleep with my hair in a braid.
Besides that, I also use a few drops of hair oil for shine. I only use hair oil 1-3 times a week. It depends how dry if feels. Weleda has a great hair oil, but you can also use a few drops of argan oil and massage it into your hair. It nourishes your hair and keeps it healthy, soft and glossy.
Leave-In hair cream
In the morning, I use a curl enhancing leave-in cream. It keeps my hair soft, supple and in style but it feels like I have nothing in my hair. Also, I have more wavy hair/loose curls, so this hair cream enhances my natural waves. If I don’t have a lot of time (9 out of 10 times), this is the only thing I do when it comes to “styling” my hair.
Although I have long hair, I only need a small amount hair cream for my whole hair. It’s also a perfect base when I actually use the curling iron to go for a more glamorous fifties look. More about that in the next post!
I would recommend the curl enhancing cream of Wella Professional (available at your hairdresser). Another one that I have been using for years: The curl control cream of (Dutch) brand Andrelon. Works like a charm!
Hairdresser
Last but not least, my not so frequent trips to the hairdresser. I usually cut my hair in two long layers. It adds a bit more volume although it’s still very long. After a few months the layers have grown, so my hair has one length again. That’s actually the moment when I could go to the hairdresser, but in this case: Long hair don’t care ;-)!
When I am finally at the hairdresser, I only cut the split and dry ends. Which is usually about 5-7 centimeters. How often you cut in your hair, depends on your haircut and also whether you color your hair. However, I don’t believe that people have dead ends until their ears. So if you want to grow your hair, take a good look at it yourself. If it looks and feels healthy – in my opinion – there is really no need to cut 15 cm of your hair…
I actually visit the hairdresser only 1 to 2 times a year. Max. Yes, you’ve read that right. The funny thing is: when I am finally at the hairdresser, they always think my hair looks healthy. A good reason for me to save on hairdresser costs. Gotta save on something with all those vintage & retro addictions ;-).
Stay tuned for part two: Styling of long hair with a touch of retro! Questions? Ask them below!
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