Today, 1st October, the United States celebrates National Hair Day, a day to express your love for your hair. And, to be honest, I do love my long hair. I feel quite blessed with my naturally thick straight hair.
It’s hard to say why extremely long hair appeals to me so much, but it has captivated me for going on over ten years. When I wear it down, I feel eye-catching and special in a way.
Hair this long isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I just don’t care what anyone else thinks. That being said, I have to confess I basically never get negative comments on my hair. In fact, the amount of compliments I receive about my hair, makes me want to just collapse in a puddle of tears, because it’s just so dang sweet.
But, I haven’t had long hair all my life. It’s been over 13 years now since my big chop. I was almost to my original goal of tailbone length in 2009 when I got frustrated and cut it back to really short. It felt amazing… for about a week or so. And then I decided to let my hair grow long again. Will I ever cut my long hair (again)? Not anytime soon!
Personally, I think I don’t have a remarkable hair-care routine. But, judge for yourself. Here is how I keep my long hair healthy.
Washing
First things first, I don’t wash my hair everyday anymore. I used to wash my hair everyday, but my hairdresser strongly advised me not to because of your scalp produces natural oils and using shampoo every day strips those natural oils away. So, nowadays I only wash and condition my hair every 2-3 days, depending on how active I am. I mostly wash it in the evening.
Shampoo and conditioner
On the days I do wash my hair, I use a shampoo and a conditioner, both from Oway (Organic Way) hair products, which I buy at my hair salon.
For shampoo, I use Oway colour protection hair bath. A gentle cleansing shampoo specially made to protect color-treated hair from fading and damage.
Afther washing my hair, I condition from the ears down with the Oway smoothing conditioner for dry, hard to manage, untameable hair. It really leaves my rebellious hair super soft and manageable.
Leave-In Treatment
Sometimes I also like to use the Oway Smoothing Cream. This leave-in ultra luxurious organic hair styling cream gives me frizz-free, velvety soft hair.
Drying
I don’t blow dry my hair because it just takes too long and I hate spending time in the bathroom drying it. So, after my hair is freshly washed and conditioned, I wrap my hair in a huge towel for about 15-20 minutes and then leave it to dry further naturally.
In the morning I run a brush through my hair before I leave the house. I use a Comair bamboo line hairbrush with boar and nylon bristles.
Hair mask
To keep my color shiny and vibrant, I use Alter Ego Passion colour mask Mirtillo-shade 1-2 times a week. I love the fact it is ammonia and hydrogen peroxide free.
Visiting the hair salon
I visit the hair salon about every five weeks for coloring and – if needed – to get the ends trimmed. Overall my hair treatments take up for two hours spending in the salon.
Nowadays I let my hair dye a purple shade. Although I loved my deep black color, I think the purple color compliments my skin tone more than the deep black.
Well, that’s about it!
“Long hair is a security blanket for me. I cut it short a few years ago and
I really never want to do that again. When I do cut it, I cut it myself.”
~Alanis Morissette
