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Long hair can be a head turning style but it needs a lot of care and attention to keep it looking at its very best.

Part of a good hair routine, especially if you have decided to wear it in a longer style, will be a visit to your local hairdressers. Having a good trim before growing your hair will remove weak or damaged hair and it gives you a chance to have a chat with your hair care expert at the same time.

* How often do I wash it?

Washing your hair once a day will do it no harm at all as the natural oils in the hair are replaced after about 20 minutes. It is important to remember however, that the actual act of washing your long hair can place it under undue strain, and you must be certain that the natural oils are redistributed adequately throughout the strands afterwards. Failing in this can produce very dry and brittle hair that can be prone to further damage.

On a personal note I found it perfectly adequate to wash my hair once a week when it was very long.

Make sure that your hair is well combed before washing it as it will be easier to wash and become less tangled.

It is important to rinse out the shampoo properly and use a fairly liberal amount of conditioner. I found it really useful to stand under the shower and comb it through with a wide toothed comb, making it easier to get rid of loose dandruff and any nasty knots and tangles. It also made it easier to comb when drying it later on.

If you are brave enough, give a final rinse with cold water. This helps to tighten the pores and give your hair "bounce". It will also help cut down on the amount of hair that you lose when brushing.

* How do I dry my hair?

I always found that the best way to dry long hair was to wrap a towel around it immediately after washing, so that the excess water is blotted. I would just simply comb it through and leave it to dry naturally.

If you are in a rush, then you can use a hairdryer, but ensure that you hold it at least 30 centimeters away from your hair and just give it a short burst of heat for up to five minutes. You must be careful not to dry it more than is necessary as it will add undue stress and promote frizzy locks. Never towel dry by rubbing your head vigorously as this can also cause frizzy hair and promote split ends.

NEVER use a brush on your hair until it is completely dry. Use a wide tooth comb to untangle it and remember that wet hair is vulnerable to breakage, so if you have to tie it back during the drying process, do so loosely.

* How do I get that healthy look?

Simply

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