Having long curls can either make or break your look. Long luxurious locks can provide many style opportunities, and can even boost your confidence, but many may find it intimidating. From managing and maintenance, let us help you navigate how to care for your long curly locks!
Factors affecting hair growth:
- Genetics
Genetics plays a big role in determining your hair type. A study published by the National Library of Medicine in 1971 states that “Genetic factors are responsible for the density, length, color, and texture of hair.”. They also go on to state that hair growth disorders, such as hair loss and sheddin,g are also hereditary and can be passed on from parents to children.
- Gender
While there haven’t been many studies conducted on curly hair growth specifically, existing studies indicate that hair growth affects an individual’s ability to grow long, healthy hair. This is because of hormones that affect the hair follicles. Curly hair also grows more slowly and densely than straight hair.
- Age
It’s no secret that aging can affect the way your hair grows and even the way it looks. Things like hair thickness and hair color are the most noticeable changes:
Hair Pigmentation: The most obvious sign of aging that affects hair is when your strands turn gray. This is due to the pigmentation called melanin, and as we get older, our follicles produce less and less melanin, which causes graying hair. This loss of pigmentation usually happens when we reach our 30s.
Hair Thickness: A normal hair strand lasts about 2 – 7 years, depending on the individual. The hair is then replaced with a new strand. Hair is made out of protein, and as we age production of these proteins slows down or stops completely, causing thinning of the hair and in some cases, balding.
Tips and Tricks
With everything said, how do you even maintain a head of long curly hair? These tips and tricks are sure to give you the confidence to flaunt your long hair!
- Trim hair
While this may seem contradictory when growing your hair out, regular trimming encourages growth. Getting a trim can remove split-ends, which will leave your hair looking fuller, and it even gets rid of pesky tangles.
- Avoid fine-tooth combs and brushes
Making use of fine-tooth combs and brushes is fine if you have straight hair, as it helps with getting rid of tangles, but be careful when using them if you have curly hair. Using a fine-tooth comb or brush on curly hair can cause breakage and even cause tangles!
- Reduce the heat when styling
Constant use of a blow dryer or hair iron can significantly damage hair and reduce moisture. Always opt for air drying your curly hair for a shiner, bouncier look. If it can’t be avoided, use a heat protectant to prevent the hair from drying out and becoming brittle.
- Avoid tight hairstyles
It’s not uncommon for people to tie their hair up into a ponytail or a bun; it is a common hairstyle that’s easy to do, especially with warm weather. Yet doing this too often can cause hair breakage, damage, and even hair loss, as tying your hair in these styles pulls on the follicles and causes damage.
- A healthy diet equals healthy hair
Did you know your diet also plays an important part in maintaining healthy hair? Your hair requires proper nutrition, such as vitamins A, E, and D, amino acids, fatty acids, and proteins to grow healthy. So the next time you make a meal plan, include food rich in these ingredients. A few examples are eggs, salmon, tuna, spinach, broccoli, almonds, and walnuts just to name a few.
- Consult a dermatologist
Everyone has different hair experiences, so don’t worry if some of these tips don’t work for you. Instead, consult your local dermatologist about your long curly hair care struggles. Problems such as hair loss may have multiple causes such as genetics, disease, or hormonal imbalance. For more serious concerns, asking a professional is the best course of action.
