Long Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women

By Kelly L. Phillip Fitness Magazine

Creative styling options for long hair are endless. (Even faking short hair is possible — just fold ends under and pin at the nape of the neck.) Dress those tresses with one of these easy long hairstyles.

Caring for Long Hair

First things first: With long haircuts, minimizing damage is key. Deep condition weekly to keep the cuticle smooth, then air dry when possible, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle — it doesn't tug at strands, and can help prevent breakage and split-ends.

Thick Bangs

Full, feathery bangs provide a pretty topper for a long haircut. Let longer bangs just barely graze your eyes — the effect is sexy, and pulls attention straight to your peepers.

Curl Cascade

Any face shape looks beautiful surrounded by a long haircut of curls. Layers help luscious waves drift around your face, setting off your features. For the most natural look, use two different-size curling irons to create ringlets throughout your mane.

Soft Curls

A softer take on the curl cascade.

Soft Waves

Have a square face with a strong jawline? Balance it with loose, rounded waves to soften angular features (and if your hair isn't naturally curly, blow hair dry with a round brush to create waves near your jawline). Long haircuts like this also help narrow the face.

Choppy Bangs

Choppy bangs, light layers — it's not-so-perfect perfection! Keep bangs slightly long, even lash-skimming, for the most modern long haircut look.

A Long Shag

With sideswept bangs and all-over layers that follow the hair's natural waves, this long haircut nevertheless has the ease (and low-maintenance) of a casual shag 'do.

Long Layers

With layers from mid-length to the ends, this low-maintenance long haircut works best if your hair is naturally straight or slightly wavy.

Straight Bangs

To get your bangs silky-straight, apply a smoothing serum (such as John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon, drugstores) all over. Starting with the underneath layers and working your way up, blow-dry section by section with a medium round brush; wind ends upward for bounce. Finally, place the brush under your bangs, put the blower's nozzle directly above them, and dry until they're smooth.

Beachy Waves

These laid-back, seaside-ready ripples are simple to create. After showering, simply scrunch damp hair with a dollop of mousse, and let it air dry. Don't brush it, or even finger-comb it —- just let it flow. Want more back-from-the-beach texture? Spritz with a sea salt spray, and scrunch again.

Straight Edge

With a long haircut a blunt cut can lack interest — shape it up with long, tapered layers. Change your part depending on your face shape — oval or round faces look great with center parts, while heart-shaped or square faces should try parting hair on the side.

Long Braids

Keep swingy long braids shiny and healthy by adding moisture every other day — a braid spray or conditioning oil keeps them shimmery, plus helps prevent breakage.

The Big Tease

The tighter your curls, the easier to tease it into a gorgeous, full afro hairstyle. Tease — as much as you please — with a pick to fluff it up and out.

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