Ultra-Long Hair Is Everywhere Right Now—Here’s Why

Why Is Ultra-Long Hair Trending?

Seeing extra-long tresses on your fave celebrities recently might be convincing you to grow out your hair (or opt for statement-making extensions), but the trend has actually been growing over the past few years. Hair takes a long time to grow out to extreme lengths, especially when keeping your locks healthy. 

“I think everyone's hair journey started in COVID, where we started paying more attention to our hair health and going more natural,” says Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist. “With that progression, we've been able to grow our hair and stay healthy enough to get [hair] that long.” Natural hair is having a moment, she adds, with people embracing their natural colors and textures—leading to healthier hair overall. 

How to Keep Ultra-Long Hair Healthy

Split-ends, heat damage, and breakage are some of the most common culprits in deterring hair from growing to extreme lengths. For Polko, hair health starts even before the first wash. “I love the NEXXUS Keraphix Collection because healthy hair really starts with a strong foundation and consistent repair,” she says. “Beyond that, make sure you’re using a good heat protectant like the Nexxus Prep & Protect Heat Defense Spray or Nexxus Sleek Polish Anti-Humidity Spray to minimize heat damage and overprocessing.”

When styling long hair, try to avoid using heat—but if you want to blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair, Polko recommends not touching up your hair as often, especially your front pieces. Another tip? Don’t tie your hair too tight, since that can encourage breakage. Instead, try to embrace your natural hair and find products that work for you. 

Using a hair mask regularly and choosing a solid shampoo and conditioner is key to keeping hair healthy, says Polko. “I really like NEXXUS Keraphix Damage Repair Shampoo and NEXXUS Keraphix Damage Repair Conditioner, and especially love the Keraphix Liquid Crystallizer Treatment,” she adds. “I apply it to damp hair and focus on the mid-lengths and ends before styling—it’s lightweight and makes hair stronger in just one use.” 

One thing people might overlook is balance, she says. Don’t overload your hair with protein, and make sure you’re incorporating moisturizing products on the ends. 

Planning on wearing extensions? Polko recommends brushing your hair with a proper brush, starting at the ends and working your way up. There might be some matting at the root where the extensions are, so to keep hair healthy, she suggests not brushing hair that’s too wet or too dry. “Keeping your hair in that middle ground can help prevent unnecessary stress and tangling,” she says. 

How to Style Super Lengthy Hair

When it comes to styling, ultra-long locks have infinite possibilities. “You can turn the layers under or do a big blowout for lots of movement and volume,” says Polko. “When hair gets really long, I also love using a triple barrel tool or adding a slight bend at the ends.” Soft waves are always fun, she adds, and styles with a claw clip or French pin are still really chic and cute.

Need more styling inspo? Check out our easy styling ideas for long hair, or these hassle-free updos. You can also find our favorite product recommendations—including hair kits and styling minis—on the IPSY Shop.