There is one basic rule to achieving longer, healthier hair and that is to “Keep It Simple!”.

All of the women I have seen that have longer hair (I’m talking about waist-length and beyond) have simple regimens.

Having a simple regimen doesn’t mean you can’t be a product junkie or that you have to keep your hair in protective styles. It simply means, you know what works for your hair and you stick with it.

You have to first find out what YOUR hair needs. Your hair isn’t like anyone else’s, no matter what you may have in common with them.

Here is a list of “bandwagons” that have worked for some but, don’t work for all. You can try them and see how they work for you but, these are by no means that end all be all of haircare.

Co-washing– “Conditioner only wash”, you wash your hair with conditioner only, no shampoo. Usually, this is done throughout the week about 2-3 times. Some women do it daily. Some women don’t shampoo at all and some shampoo once a week.

Deep Conditioning– This is when you give your hair a “boost” of moisture. You can be as simple as you like by just using coconut oil or as fancy as you like and buy an expensive “deep conditioning treatment”. For some these are a “must” and for others these are not necessary.

Scalp Greasing– Simply taking some oil and rubbing it onto your scalp to stimulate growth and add moisture. This is said to help counteract dandruff and a dry scalp. You can use grease (think Blue Magic), some nice oil like almond oil or an herbal salve.

Protective Styling– Keeping the ends of the hair tucked away to prevent splits and breakage. Some women wear wigs, do twists, wear braids or rock buns. For some women this is the only way they retain any length and for others they retain length without it.

It wouldn’t hurt to try these techniques but, don’t think you have to do these things. Plenty of women that don’t do these things have long hair. Do what works for you.

I personally, co-wash, deep condition and protective style (when I feel like it, still trying to find a PS that works for me). I don’t swear by either method and I have hair just short of Bra Strap Length. So again, do what works for you.

One of the funnest parts of this hair care journey is formulating your own personal regimen!