Beyoncé’s viral wash day video sparked an online debate about whether or not long, healthy hair is possible for women of color. While some were happy to see Bey shut down the haters by letting them get up close and personal with her scalp, others still think her long, luscious locks are too good to be true.
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If you think long, healthy hair is something that only exists in your dreams, you couldn’t be more wrong. With the right products, styling techniques and a lot of patience, you can look like you belong in a shampoo ad – for the after photo, of course.
To help you get started, we scoured the internet for some of the best not so secret secrets to having long, healthy hair.
Don’t Neglect Your Diet
While products and styling techniques are an important part of your hair’s overall health, Karen of Curl House reminds us that healthy hair starts from within. Swapping processed foods for more fresh fruits and vegetables like greens, sweet potatoes and berries will help your hair get the vitamins and minerals it needs to look best.
Trim Those Ends
Let’s keep it real, split ends are not a good look. So don’t be afraid to get your ends trimmed every few months or so. Beauty influencer Naptural85 says getting rid of dead ends is one of the best ways to make sure your hair grows healthy and long.
Love Your Leave-In
Healthy hair is the opposite of dry and frizzy, which is why you shouldn’t step out of the shower on wash day before applying a leave-in conditioner. Applying a leave-in to your hair while it’s wet can provide added moisture after washing and make the detangling process a lot easier.
Actress and Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross swears by the leave-in conditioner from her line to lock and seal in moisture, leaving hair that bounces and behaves beautifully.
Keep Heat Styling to a Minimum
One of the best things about Black hair is the myriad of style options at your fingertips. And while we love a good silk press as much as the next person, too much blow drying and flat ironing can do serious damage to your hair and prevent healthy growth in the long run. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you shouldn’t use heat styling tools on your hair more than once a week. When you do, make sure the tool is on the lowest possible setting.
Use Heat Protectants
When you decide to heat style your hair, a heat protectant is an absolute must to to provide a layer of protection to your hair and prevent damage. TikToker @dominiquebreyana demonstrates a beautiful silk press with a little help from the Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum.
Detangle the Hair When It’s Wet
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving long, healthy hair is breakage. That’s why it’s important to detangle your hair with care. TikToker @narly..j advises detangling hair when it’s soaking wet and conditioned to keep shedding to a minimum.
Get Rid of Product Build Up
You can’t have healthy hair without a healthy scalp. So make sure you are applying some kind of detoxifier to remove product build up and restore to moisture to the scalp. @kristenstikes has a great routine.
Protective Styles Are Your Friend
If you’re looking for a break from constant styling and manipulation, a protective style can provide a good low-maintenance option. Crown braids, bantu knots and cornrows are a just a few of the creative ways you can maintain your hair’s moisture and protect it from the elements while it grows. TikToker @ris.monae shared some of her favorite protective styles for growth.
Protect Your Hair While You Sleep With Satin
When it’s time for bed, cotton pillowcases are the worst for your hair. The texture can leave you with breakage and split ends. That’s why TikTok user @theashley.r says she always sleeps on a satin pillowcase as an extra layer of protection in case her scarf or bonnet falls off in her sleep.
Leave Your Hair Alone
One of the best ways to grow your hair to its fullest potential is to leave it alone. @thedanielaine advises against adding products or doing a ton of styling between wash days. The constant pulling and manipulating will only cause damage.
Find a Routine and Stick With It
@thedanielaine recommends finding and maintaining a consistent schedule for styling your hair, preferably one per week. Those weekly sessions, she says, will help you learn about what works and doesn’t work on your hair and catch any potential problems (like damaged ends) before they start.
Treat Your Tresses to Oil Treatments
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, giving your hair bi-monthly hot oil treatments is a great way to lock in moisture. @jhailieniyanna recommends rosemary oil for stimulating hair growth and shares her favorite methods for applying oils in this TikTok clip.
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