Maintaining long healthy hair

Most women have tried long hair at some point in their lives. Following are some tips to maintaining long, healthy and beautiful hair.

When picturing long, beautiful hair, often we visualize women who have made long hair famous: movie stars, models, the Brady Bunch girls.Long hair is associated with femininity and beauty.Many of the most beautiful actresses have long hair and so did the homecoming queen in high school.The fashion magazines tell us that men love long hair.Even if the look doesn't suit them, husbands often encourage their wives to grow their hair long.The styling options are endless, from braids to curls to up-dos to long, flowing tresses.Long hair affords the option of rolling out of bed and whipping the hair up into a bun or ponytail, free from worry about styling or bed head.Long hair can go from casual to dressy in a matter of moments.Most women have tried to have long hair at some point in their lives, but have found it difficult to grow and even more difficult to maintain.Following are some tips to maintaining long, healthy and beautiful hair.

The first step is to begin with a good, healthy hair cut before you begin growing your hair.Hair grows long easiest when it is all one length, so even if you have to cut it shorter at first, go ahead: give it a blunt cut and make sure to cut off any damaged, permed, or color treated hair.Hair will grow best when healthy and natural.As it grows, don't be afraid to trim it often.If you see any hint of damage, dryness or split ends, cut it immediately.

The next step is to pamper your hair, which focuses more on what you should not do than what you should.You should not use heat styling methods; blow dryers, curling irons, hot curlers and crimpers will dry out your hair and cause it to break.Other styling methods to avoid are tight rubber bands, small braids or any other style that puts stress on the roots of your hair.Never use tight metal barrettes or anything that will clamp or pinch your hair.As aforementioned, perms and color treatments are inadvisable as well.

A long do can look quite pretty flowing over the shoulders above just the right bikini, but be warned: salt water, sunshine and chlorine are the kiss of death for long hair.All three will bleach, dry out and fray your healthy ends.If you must go out in the sun, use a conditioner with a high SPF factor, and wear a hat that will cover your hair; a baseball cap won't cut it (pardon the pun).For swimming, either pin your hair up and keep it dry, or use a good bathing cap.

Now for what you can do for your hair: take a daily multivitamin that includes calcium and vitamin E.Both are good for your hair.Drink lots of water; this is good for your body as a whole, but will help keep your hair hydrated and healthy.Eat a healthy diet with a balanced dose of good fats each day, such as avocado or olive oil.Eating a non-fat or low fat diet with make your hair (and skin) dingy and dry.As for washing and conditioning, be careful.Don't knot or tangle your hair while shampooing, and focus just on washing the roots.The ends won't need washing but maybe once a week.Conditioner, however, should be used regularly and pay special attention to the ends.Consider using a deep conditioner about once a week, and if possible, leave the conditioner in your hair for a couple of hours.When combing, do just that: comb.Only use a brush if the bristles are wide and set apart.Combs are much easier on hair, but be careful when your hair is wet.Take your time and comb it slowly and purposefully, removing any tangles one by one.When sleeping or exercising, or any activity where you might possibly damage your hair, secure it into a braid or ponytail with a soft band, such as a scrunchie.

Lastly, remember that some people were not made to have long hair.If your hair just won't grow nicely below your shoulders, work with what you have and take care of your hair the same way you would if it was long.

As with anything valuable, breakable, or precious, extra care must be taken to avoid damage.This holds true for long hair.Take precautions, avoid damaging hair bands, heat products, chemicals and sun, and treat your whole body right.Pamper your hair and it will be your crowning glory for all the world to see.

© Demand Media 2011