Once upon a time, short hair was all the rage, thanks to the iconic flappers of the 1920s. Fast forward to today, and Instagram is flooded with It-girls rocking bobs and pixie cuts as they head to and from their Pilates classes. But what happens when you get bored of your bob? When you suddenly crave the practicality of a ponytail or the nonchalance of a top knot?
That’s where I found myself a few months ago. My once-beloved bob had become a source of hair ennui, and I longed for a change. But before I took the plunge, I consulted some experts on how to best navigate what I knew was coming: the awkward hair-growing-out phase.
Hairstylist Domenico Cassella emphasized the importance of regular haircuts, even if you’re eager to tie up your hair as soon as possible. “I advise all my clients to have a haircut every five to six weeks, and am even more insistent for those seeking to achieve long, luscious lengths,” he said. “By having regular trims, you ensure your hair doesn’t thin at the ends. It also prevents pesky split ends and dryness.”
Cassella also recommends stimulating the hair follicles to promote growth. “Ensuring your scalp’s pH is balanced is the first step—this can be done by using a gentle hydrating shampoo regularly, and combining it with professional scalp treatments,” he said. At his salon, Neville Hair and Beauty in Belgravia, Cassella uses a natural clay-based treatment that exfoliates away dead skin and provides deep, nourishing hydration.
When it comes to home care, Cassella stresses the importance of using heat-protecting products when you’re growing your hair—or better still, cut back on heated appliances altogether.
I’ve finally emerged (relatively) unscathed from this period of personal hair growth, and I’m ready to embrace the summer with my (past!) shoulder-length hair. Along the way, I’ve picked up some valuable haircare advice from women in the industry with famously long—and gorgeous—locks.
London PR guru Daisy Hoppen advises against over-washing your hair and investing in a good conditioner. She also swears by claw clips to keep her hair up while sleeping, sulfate-free shampoo, and hair perfume from Diptyque. “Your hair can absorb smells more, it seems, when it’s longer,” she said. Her golden rule? Keratin treatments every six months to keep her hair soft and in good condition.
Model and photographer Laura Bailey cautions against over-styling. “At home, I only dry my hair naturally—often on my bike!” she said. “My favorite is just to sleep in a long, twisted plait and undo it in the morning, Rapunzel-style.” Bailey keeps her blonde mane healthy and hydrated with the help of hair masks and Lyma Life supplements, and she’s a testament to the power of regular trims.
Growing out your hair can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips from the pros, you can navigate the awkward phase gracefully and achieve the long, luscious locks you’ve always dreamed of.
