Great lengths: styling your long hair.

Look no further for inspiring cuts and hairstyles for long hair. Not everyone can grow their hair long. In fact, some people can’t get past their “genetic length,” while others simply find their long hair to be too heavy. Some people have long hair and just don’t know what to do with it. If you have long locks and are in search of styling ideas, our expert guide has all the answers when it comes to long hair styles for women.

The great news about hair styles for long hair – whether curly, wavy or straight, is that you have so many options. Long hair is versatile, in terms of cuts or styles, so there’s no reason to get bored. Here are some ideas for hair styles for long hair, curated by hair professionals. Don’t worry, some of them are easy hairstyles for long hair.

Long layered hairstyles.

A long layered look adds volume and movement, and it creates lots of styling options. The keys to a successful layered cut for long hair? Long layers in the back, and graded layers that frame the face. For bangs, it’s up to you and your stylist. You can opt for side bangs, straight bangs or a more curtain-like look. Layers can be wispy or choppy, subtle or blunt. There are so many different long layered hairstyles: V-cut layers, U-cut layers, double layer layers…and more!

Retro updos.

Thinking about an updo hairstyle for long hair? For a glamorous updo that makes the most of your lengths, consider a retro look – either a full- or half-updo – that gathers your hair up towards the crown. Any updo requires a little styling know-how, and certainly the right styling products. You’ll need some hair-safe elastics or bobby pins to secure your hair in place.

Ponytails.

A ponytail is the workhorse of long styles. It’s practical for everyday wear and generally easy to achieve. Those with long hair have the luxury of choice: a high ponytail or low ponytail, one that is tight or loose… To zhuzh up a low ponytail, consider a twisted or wrapped look. And take advantage of those shorter layers to isolate a face-framing strand. A high look can really show off your long locks. As you can seem a ponytails allows for a bunch of different easy long hairstyles.

Single braids and pigtail braids.

Braids, for those with nimble fingers, come with limitless potential. How to braid hairstyles for long hair? French braids, fishtail braids, single braids or pigtails – you can really play with weaving your long hair into different styles. A braid can be easily incorporated into an updo or half-up look, too. They’re a great way to highlight any highlights as well, turning your hair inside out.

Scarves, bows and headbands.

Once you consider adding in accessories, the sky is the limit for hairstyles for long hair. Scarves, bows and headbands can be used on long, loose locks, or as ways to secure a ponytail or braid in place. A scarf, for example, can be a headband or the final flourish for your pulled back locks. Bows add a touch of fun and flirtation. A stretchy headband, on the other hand, can add an athletic touch to a brushed back ponytail, while a tortoiseshell headband can add some polish.

As you can tell from our array of hair styles for long hair, those of us with long locks have a long list of options. Once you choose a style though, what are the top tools and tips to pull it off? When it comes to do it yourself hairstyles for long hair, there are a couple of tools we recommend.

Professional hair dryer.

Long hair is a luxury. However, long hair takes a long(er) time to dry. And you might not have the luxury of time when it comes to styling your hair. So we definitely recommend having a professional hair dryer at home. The L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro dries hair with the speed of light, using infrared light to directly target water molecules, mimicking the natural evaporation process. Tested and approved by top hair pros, it’s an essential tool for styling long hair, in less time and at lower temperatures. That makes it perfect for do it yourself hairstyles for long hair.

Steam hair straightener.

We know that excessive heat can damage the hair, and with long hair, there’s even more potential for damage, so we recommend using a steam hair straightener when it comes to how to style long hair. Hear us out – the L’Oréal Professionnel SteamPod 4 uses patented steam technology for styling 3x faster¹ with results that are 2x smoother². This can be a real advantage when perfecting a long style.

¹ Instrumental test, SteamPod4 compared to SteamPod4 without steam and comb, measured on type V hair.
² Breakage measured from repeated combing after 15 passes of SteamPod4 on bleached type V hair. Compared to SteamPod4 without steam & comb.