A lot of girls, and guys, want to have long hair, but worry about having the gross looking long hair that is damaged and disgusting. For long hair that is healthy, beautiful, and shiny, like the celebs, use the following twenty tips:

1. Cut off the unhealthy hair. If you want to grow your hair out, start with healthy hair. Hair that is damaged can’t really be fixed, so cut it off when you start.
2. Always trim your hair often. If you get split ends, they will continue to split up the length of your hair, so the only way to keep your hair healthy as it grows longer is to give it a regular trim to rid it of split ends.
3. Use a stylist you trust. You do not want to have a stylist that will use harsh chemicals, or talk you into a cut. Stylists make more money on short hair because it requires more product and maintenance, so don’t let them talk you into going short if you want to go long.
4. Avoid using any heated appliances whenever possible. Flat irons, hair dryers, curling irons, all damage hair, and while they are great for styling, if you want really long hair, you may want to avoid them at least during the growing process.
5. Don’t use any harsh chemicals on your hair. To color use non peroxide color, as this will do the least amount of damage.
6. Avoid chlorine and saltwater as it can be damaging to the hair, and leave it harsher, courser, and not as beautiful. If you are going to be in the ocean or the pool, consider putting conditioner on your hair first.
7. Be careful of what kind of hair accessories you use. Never use metal barrettes, rubberbands, items with sharp or rough edges, etc. as this can tear and damage the hair.
8. Never put your hair in any kind of style that may cause damage to it. This is stuff like little braids, dreds, etc. The stress on the hair causes it to stretch and break.
9. Avoid extreme diets. Without proper nutrition your hair will not grow properly or have the luster and shine you want. So, make sure you drink tons of water, and that you eat plenty of fresh foods, grains, etc.
10. Be careful with wet hair as if you brush it while it is wet the strands will stretch Wet hair is more elastic, so to avoid breaking use wide combs, and wait for it to dry at least partially before combing.
11. Only use a brush with natural bristles, never plastic, as that can be hard on your hair.
12. Comb your hair daily to get rid of dirt, pollutants, etc. They can be damaging to the hair.
13. Let your hair get dirty once in awhile so that the natural oils have a chance to do their magic on the hair. Do not make this too regular, but maybe every other weekend or so.
14. When you ash your hair, start at the scalp, and massage to stimulate hair follicle growth, never pile hair on head, as this causes knots.
15. If you have dry hair, you may want to consider washing it less often, or occasionally using only conditioner.
16. Rinse your hair in as cold water as you can stand, not hot water, it is better for the follicles, and makes it shinier.
17. Use only styling products with natural ingredients, or that are designed specifically for your hair type.
18. Deep condition your hair about once a month as this will keep it in better shape.
19. Sleep with your hair braided, or contained, not loose, as this is too much friction.
20. Be gentle with your hair, remember once damaged it can’t be easily repaired.