Latest news with #longhair
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
What is hair and scalp oiling, and will it make my locks long like Rapunzel?
Mythical representations of women, whether Botticelli's Venus, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi or the pre-Raphaellites' women of the Arthurian legends are often united by a common trait: their long flowing hair. You might think such lengths are confined to the realm of myth untouched by the realities of split ends, but if you look on social media you'll find content creators with locks that could rival Rapunzel. These creators often promise specific products have helped them grow their hair 'crazy long crazy fast'. Hair and scalp oiling is most commonly what they attribute to growing their hair so long – as much as five inches in two months – often accompanied by other haircare routine tips such as using a bamboo bristle brush, scalp massaging and hair growth supplements. But what do the experts say? As far as hair length goes, it is mostly predetermined by your genetics, says Rebecca Anderson, a trichologist and salon owner. There are four phases of the hair growth cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transition) phase where growth slows down, telogen (resting) phase and finally exogen (shedding phase) when the hair falls out and is replaced by the new hair growing from the same follicle, which starts the process over again. A person's anagen (growth) phase can last from anywhere between two and six years. 'Some people are just blessed and they have a longer growth cycle, and some people's is very unfortunate,' Anderson says. Dr Annika Smith, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, agrees thickness, length and growth rate are largely genetically determined. 'While good hair care can support hair health and reduce damage, no topical product or supplement can override genetic limits or alter the duration of the hair growth cycle.' Apart from genetics, the other things that influence hair growth are age, ethnicity, hormonal changes and balanced nutrition, says Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Moscova from the faculty of medicine at the University of New South Wales. Evidence that hair and scalp oiling help hair grow faster is very limited, Moscova says. Regular scalp massage can improve circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which in theory can improve hair growth, but there is little data to back up this claim, she says. Most perceived benefits of oiling are likely due to reduced breakage or improved shine, rather than true stimulation of hair follicles, Smith says. Associate Professor Yousuf Mohammed, an expert in pharmaceutics at the University of Queensland, says although he is sceptical of these videos, the advice around oiling is 'very commonsense and intuitive'. He adds that many ancient cultures, for example Indian and Egyptian, promoted hair oil as a way to boost hair quality. Oils can create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which helps retain the moisture and prevent damage, while also nourishing the scalp and the hair follicles with essential fatty acids and minerals dissolved in oils, Mohammed says. In this way, not so much has changed from those older practices, as he has come across two hair care products used in ancient Egypt: saffron powder in snake oil and fenugreek in lion fat. 'If I break it down simply, what I see is that there's one ingredient which is a blood flow booster … and then there is a fatty base that helps in its absorption.' Young and healthy people are typically not the subjects of research related to hair, which mostly focuses on those who experience hair loss, Moscova says. 'Several drugs have been shown to be effective to treat this in men and women who are experiencing balding. For example, minoxidil is a topical treatment that improves blood flow to the follicle, and Finasteride is a prescription-based drug.' Drugs such as minoxidil only work for specific conditions of hair loss, and won't be suitable for everyone, Anderson warns. Dr Frances Tefany, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, says the commonest cause of hair loss seen in clinical practice is generalised shedding (known as 'telogen effluvium'), which is usually reversible if it's under six months. Common causes in women in particular are iron deficiency, thyroid issues, as well as certain medications, Tefany says. 'What should alert them is if they start to lose hair suddenly, and then it escalates, and they notice, when they pull back their hair into a ponytail, it's half the size of what it was, or when they're brushing the hair is easily falling out.' A smaller percentage of people will have a more chronic condition, such as autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss such as alopecia areata, for which there are new treatments available, Tefany says. Hair oils are helpful for hydration in patients with a coexistent inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis of the scalp, but people who suffer from dandruff shouldn't use oils as often there is coexistence of yeast in the scalp which can cause irritations and also potentially hair loss, she says. Tefany says it's important not to overuse hair products. 'It's a little bit like skincare. These days we find a lot of people are using so much additional products on their skin, even when they don't have an issue.' In general, if people want to have good hair health they should have regular trims, avoid chemical weathering which can occur due to hair dyeing and heat styling, avoid habits such as smoking and over-drinking, and eat a balanced diet. 'All the things that we know that are good for other parts of us will certainly show up in the hair, just like it does on the skin,' Tefany says. Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
What is hair and scalp oiling, and will it make my locks long like Rapunzel?
Mythical representations of women, whether Botticelli's Venus, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi or the pre-Raphaellites' women of the Arthurian legends are often united by a common trait: their long flowing hair. You might think such lengths are confined to the realm of myth untouched by the realities of split ends, but if you look on social media you'll find content creators with locks that could rival Rapunzel. These creators often promise specific products have helped them grow their hair 'crazy long crazy fast'. Hair and scalp oiling is most commonly what they attribute to growing their hair so long – as much as five inches in two months – often accompanied by other haircare routine tips such as using a bamboo bristle brush, scalp massaging and hair growth supplements. But what do the experts say? As far as hair length goes, it is mostly predetermined by your genetics, says Rebecca Anderson, a trichologist and salon owner. There are four phases of the hair growth cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transition) phase where growth slows down, telogen (resting) phase and finally exogen (shedding phase) when the hair falls out and is replaced by the new hair growing from the same follicle, which starts the process over again. A person's anagen (growth) phase can last from anywhere between two and six years. 'Some people are just blessed and they have a longer growth cycle, and some people's is very unfortunate,' Anderson says. Dr Annika Smith, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, agrees thickness, length and growth rate are largely genetically determined. 'While good hair care can support hair health and reduce damage, no topical product or supplement can override genetic limits or alter the duration of the hair growth cycle.' Apart from genetics, the other things that influence hair growth are age, ethnicity, hormonal changes and balanced nutrition, says Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Moscova from the faculty of medicine at the University of New South Wales. Evidence that hair and scalp oiling help hair grow faster is very limited, Moscova says. Regular scalp massage can improve circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which in theory can improve hair growth, but there is little data to back up this claim, she says. Most perceived benefits of oiling are likely due to reduced breakage or improved shine, rather than true stimulation of hair follicles, Smith says. Associate Professor Yousuf Mohammed, an expert in pharmaceutics at the University of Queensland, says although he is sceptical of these videos, the advice around oiling is 'very commonsense and intuitive'. He adds that many ancient cultures, for example Indian and Egyptian, promoted hair oil as a way to boost hair quality. Oils can create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which helps retain the moisture and prevent damage, while also nourishing the scalp and the hair follicles with essential fatty acids and minerals dissolved in oils, Mohammed says. In this way, not so much has changed from those older practices, as he has come across two hair care products used in ancient Egypt: saffron powder in snake oil and fenugreek in lion fat. 'If I break it down simply, what I see is that there's one ingredient which is a blood flow booster … and then there is a fatty base that helps in its absorption.' Young and healthy people are typically not the subjects of research related to hair, which mostly focuses on those who experience hair loss, Moscova says. 'Several drugs have been shown to be effective to treat this in men and women who are experiencing balding. For example, minoxidil is a topical treatment that improves blood flow to the follicle, and Finasteride is a prescription-based drug.' Drugs such as minoxidil only work for specific conditions of hair loss, and won't be suitable for everyone, Anderson warns. Dr Frances Tefany, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, says the commonest cause of hair loss seen in clinical practice is generalised shedding (known as 'telogen effluvium'), which is usually reversible if it's under six months. Common causes in women in particular are iron deficiency, thyroid issues, as well as certain medications, Tefany says. 'What should alert them is if they start to lose hair suddenly, and then it escalates, and they notice, when they pull back their hair into a ponytail, it's half the size of what it was, or when they're brushing the hair is easily falling out.' A smaller percentage of people will have a more chronic condition, such as autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss such as alopecia areata, for which there are new treatments available, Tefany says. Hair oils are helpful for hydration in patients with a coexistent inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis of the scalp, but people who suffer from dandruff shouldn't use oils as often there is coexistence of yeast in the scalp which can cause irritations and also potentially hair loss, she says. Tefany says it's important not to overuse hair products. 'It's a little bit like skincare. These days we find a lot of people are using so much additional products on their skin, even when they don't have an issue.' In general, if people want to have good hair health they should have regular trims, avoid chemical weathering which can occur due to hair dyeing and heat styling, avoid habits such as smoking and over-drinking, and eat a balanced diet. 'All the things that we know that are good for other parts of us will certainly show up in the hair, just like it does on the skin,' Tefany says. Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Say ‘I Do' to These Dreamy Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair
On your big day, all eyes are on you! And that includes your beautiful wedding dress, wedding shoes, glamorous makeup, and of course, your hair. That's why it's so important to pick a hairdo that you love—and that perfectly ties together your entire bridal look. Take both Paige Drummond and Alex Drummond, for instance. The details of their weddings are beyond beautiful, especially those elegant hairstyles. If you have similarly long hair and want a look that's just as lovely, scroll down to see the best wedding hairstyles for long hair that will look so stunning during your ceremony and reception. Here, there's a variety of hairstyles for long hair that will work for any type of wedding—and any type of hair type and texture. Whether you want to be done up to the nines or are looking for more of a casual celebration, you'll find plenty of inspo. Let your hair down or go for a classic updo—or a not so classic updo. There are cascading curls, sleek ponytails, elegant chignons, voluminous half-up, half-down 'dos, and everything in between. Find styles that utilize braids, pins, and other accessories or leave your locks unadorned and natural. No matter what you pick, you're sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle. And while most of these looks are geared toward the bride herself, they can also be used by the bridal party, including bridesmaids and the maid of honor. Some will even work for the mother-of-the-bride and wedding guests. So, without further ado, here comes the bride... or should we say hair comes the bride! Recreate your favorite look with these tools: The Best Curling Irons The Best Hot Rollers The Best Hair DryersHow dreamy did Paige Drummond look at her wedding? She wore a classic half-up, half-down hairstyle which exudes timeless elegance and romance. Ideal for long hair, this style involves pulling back the top section to highlight your face while allowing soft, cascading waves or straight locks to flow for brides seeking a chic look, this functional style elegantly tucks the hair into a smooth, secured bun, emphasizing clean lines and minimalism while keeping the hair out of your face and off your shoulders. With this look, the focus stays on your facial features and dress style features voluminous, shiny, and perfectly sculpted curls that cascade down the shoulders, reminiscent of old Hollywood elegance. Whether worn with a deep side part for vintage vibes or a middle part for a modern twist, this hairstyle complements strapless, off-shoulder, or sweetheart necklines a bold and playful look for the contemporary bride! To get the look, you'll start with a high or mid ponytail, then segment it into puffed "bubbles" using discreet elastics or hair wraps. Pull out and separate the strands to create a unique and voluminous and straight hairstyles are a stunning choice for long hair brides as smooth, glossy locks cascade down to highlight length and shine. The style pairs beautifully with a middle or side part. Just use lightweight serums or sprays to ensure a frizz-free, polished finish that lasts all Drummond's mother-of-the-bride updo for Paige's wedding would also work perfectly as a bridal look. Between the bountiful curls and twisted tresses that are ever-so-carefully-pinned, it's just so visually stunning. To make it happen, take sections of hair, twist and pin them across the head, then continue to alternate sides as you half-up, half-down hairstyle with braided details combines the grace of a classic half-up look with intricate braiding at the crown, adding texture and visual interest. Wonderful for boho or rustic-themed weddings, it draws attention to the face while letting the remaining hair maintain you prefer a relaxed, effortlessly beautiful vibe, this is the look for you! Loose curls, tendrils, or braided accents can add texture and dimension to the messy bun, amplifying its charm. Pair it with accessories like floral pins, pearl combs, or delicate veils for an added touch of sweeping the sides sleekly back while leaving the top voluminous and the rest of the hair spilling down, this style exudes contemporary elegance with a hint of edge. The clean lines and high gloss works exceptionally well with jeweled hairpieces or statement this stunning style, you'll weave the hair into an elegant crown around the head, creating a regal and feminine look. Its versatility allows for loose, soft edges for a relaxed vibe or a tightly woven braid for a polished appearance, making it a captivating choice to highlight a bride's natural beauty no matter the wedding secure and long-lasting structure of this bun makes it ideal for a day of celebration, ensuring a flawless and graceful appearance from ceremony to reception. Style the timeless updo by gathering the hair into a sleek, high bun. It elongates the neck and beautifully complements detailed wedding gowns or Drummond went with a classic, polished hairstyle at her wedding—and we're still swooning! Her strands are artfully interwoven into a low bun updo with just the right amount of volume on top while perfectly placed strands were left out to frame her no need to overthink your bridal look. Seriously, sometimes simple is best! These gloriously shaped curls prove that. They're the perfect mix of voluminous and loose for an elevated take on an everyday 'do that won't go out of we the only ones who get total Rapunzel vibes from this look? The base has a subtle curl while the upper half of the hair is pulled up into a beautifully styled vertical twist. The pearlescent wired accessory weaved throughout the twisted strands gives an exquisite finishing swept curls are perfect for any formal occasion—including a wedding! The look of luscious curls cascading down one shoulder adds a dramatic flair to an otherwise simple style. This bride adorned the other side of her head with a beautiful accessory for even more one way to put a unique twist (quite literally) on a familiar updo. The tousled tresses of the low ponytail are accentuated by twisted strands around the ears that continue along the hairline where they wrap around the ponytail itself. Teasing at the top of the head completes the any bride wanting to feel like a princess on her big day, you can't go wrong with an elegant updo like a chignon. The chignon is crafted by tucking hair into a knot at the nape of the neck. This one incorporates a bohemian feel with a darling braid along the side and loose strands off your luxuriously long locks by curling them and leaving them mostly unbound down your back. Then amp up the volume by teasing the top and using concealed pins to hold everything in place. This bride even pinned back a thick strand along the side with a lovely hair clip for an eye-catching wouldn't want to emulate the timeless beauty of old Hollywood glamour? A dazzling blowout full of bounce and shine will do just that. The best part: this look can easily be done on a variety of hair types and oldie but a goodie—especially for those of you with naturally curly hair. All you have to do it pin those ringlets into a slightly messy updo with wispy curls fanning your nape and face. It's simplistic yet still so sophisticated. You can even take a hint from this bride and accessorize further with bejeweled course, we just had to include Ree's hairstyle from Alex's wedding. What's not to love about the quintessential half-up, half-down 'do? Hers is made even better by perfectly shaped curls and copious amounts of volume at the crown of the a style that screams effortless sophistication. We love the intricate braiding of the hairdo that allows for plenty of eye-catching depth. Plus, the plaits are topped off with a hint of romance in the form of a beautifully beaded one is the epitome of understated elegance! We're so here for the idea of leaving loose, beautiful curls free-flowing and unadorned for a casual but oh so glamorous feel. Because if you've got it, flaunt it! Bonus points: It'll match any wedding hairstyle for Alex's wedding is giving us the sweetest inspo. Plus, it's easy to recreate. Relaxed waves are arranged prettily around her face while a dainty twist is pinned to the side for a finished look that's just so this bride is giving total goddess energy with her polished ponytail, the traditional style will work well for any type of wedding. This one can be curled or straightened depending on the look you're going for. And don't forget to leave out a few wispy pieces along the front to complete all that definitely fallen for this stunning style. Instead of completely pulling back her long and perfectly curled locks, this bride utilizes a wrap around fishtail braid to add volume and romantic detailing. Notice how sections at the front are left down for even more your go-to pony for the ceremony by curling your hair, pulling it back, teasing it up, then pulling out long strands around your face to draw attention to your features. It gives so much simplicity without losing any your wedding is a boho theme, fairytale-esque or more classic, there's always room for accessorizing with flowers. Leave your hair down like this bride and place a flower crown on top or weave blooms into your braids and buns. Either way, you'll look beyond knotted bun is a popular pick for brides everywhere—and for good reason! It's delicate, charming, and though looks to be ornate, isn't too difficult to achieve. This one is swept up at the base of the head and positioned slightly to the side with pieces around the front and crown tugged away for fullness too high and not too low, this ponytail positioned at the crown of the head gives a slightly elevated look to a classic style and allows for the perfect amount of bounce paired with those lovely curls. You Might Also Like 15 Best Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas to Pull from Your Closet 10 Best Shampoos for Red Hair Like Ree Drummond's
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
At 62, Tom Cruise still has long hair – but should he?
One of the key talking points from the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend was not about a brilliant film, an elaborate frock or a glitzy accessory. It was, in fact, about 62-year-old Tom Cruise and his luxurious 'man mane' swishing in the gentle breeze in the French Riviera. Is big hair at 60 ill-advised, or should we be encouraging follically blessed gents to revel in their giant man-dos? Two of our Telegraph writers put forward their case. 'If you've got it, flaunt it' Stephen Doig, The Telegraph's men's style editor While I'm not blessed with the particular follicle make-up to make long hair appealing as I get older – a wiry brush of silver that's best kept cropped lest it form a queenly crown – I say if you've got it, go for it. The standard-issue approach is to keep it cut short and nondescript, which is all well and good, but if you've got the goods – fly-away, thick-but-not-thickety hair – then you may as well make the most of it. Consider it a service to your thinning-up-top brothers. There are some ground rules, however. For every Tom Cruise, there's a James May. Longer hair on men should look well taken care of and deliberate, rather than an unkempt, raggedy afterthought. Tom Cruise's locks have obviously been dyed, but there's no reason that grey hair – as long as it isn't wiry, like yours truly's – can't look sleek and glossy; it just needs the right treatment. Just because it's long, that doesn't mean it doesn't have to be 'cut' or styled in a particular way – see a hairdresser to finesse how to do it smartly, with properly tapered sides and probably an undercut to temper any bushy bulk at the back. And consider the product you use; a recent 'hairvolution' of my own revealed that it's not shampoo that men need regularly, it's a conditioner to soften dry hair and make it smooth and glossy rather than straw-like. Consider hair oil too. Long hair on older men can look suave, but it's essential that it seems meant and polished rather than a side product of sartorial apathy. 'Long hair after 60 is a definite ick' George Chesterton, The Telegraph's senior features writer Tom Cruise is an exception to most rules and he has an almost unique freedom to express follicular yearnings not afforded us mortals. First, as the pre-eminent film star of the past 30 years, he's earned the right to have his do any way he pleases – he is 'Maverick', after all. Second, nobody would dare tell him otherwise. But beyond Hollywood, men would be wise not to follow Tom's lead. Informed by teenage daughters, I feel confident that any other sixty-something man with long hair so flicked would generate a unanimous ' ick '. The point at which a man would be wise to stop wearing his hair long is the same as when he must stop wearing leather jackets – about 35, depending on the ravages of age and male pattern baldness. I had glorious long hair for several years. Nature, damn her, put paid to that when I started to lose it in my late 20s. But even if I still had a full head of the stuff, I hope I would have had the sense to avoid long hair that made me look like a pub-band guitarist. Of course, there's long and there's longish. Another star of Cruise's magnitude whose barnet I would never argue against would be that of Robert Redford, whose mid-length, layered cut was a thing of beauty. But he was Robert Redford, a man so insanely handsome he could make a blond handlebar moustache look tempting. The trouble is, most men copying the Redford look would end up looking like Hulk Hogan rather than the Sundance Kid. The only option other than to be incredibly good-looking is to pay for a successful weave, the best of which belongs to the former Chelsea and current Napoli manager, Antonio Conte. His long hair is up there with Christ the Redeemer and the Hoover Dam as one of the architectural wonders of the modern world, but as with Redford and Cruise, his styling is an outlier. Go short or go home, fellow ageing men. How to style longer hair on a man Sonia Haria, The Telegraph's beauty director 'Mid-length hair on a man should look deliberate, not overgrown,' says Milad Behboudi, the head barber at The Six, Mayfair. 'If your hair starts to lose shape, feel heavy, or develop frizz and split ends, it's time for a clean-up. Aim for a trim every four to six weeks, even if it's just 3-5mm, to maintain structure and keep the ends healthy and neat.' As much as short hair needs styling, so too does longer hair. 'Mid-length hair is all about versatility,' says Behboudi. 'Use a shine pomade or gel for a clean, wet-look finish, a sea salt spray to create shape, or a side parting for defining your face shape and giving a polished appearance.' Behboudi adds that a low bun or half-up knot is ideal once hair reaches chin length. To keep your midlife man-mane in tip-top condition, opt for a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoid overwashing. 'Washing two to three times a week is usually enough,' says Behboudi. 'Daily washing can dry out your scalp and hair. Also, use a scalp scrub or a lightweight serum once a week to keep your roots and skin balanced.' Three products to try...
Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Times
The top hair extension experts
The road to long hair can often feel rocky, not to mention long — hair grows at an average of 1.25cm a month, less if you have hormonal fluctuations. The good news for the impatient among us (or those who may have too hastily committed to a bob) is that there are an array of fantastic extension experts to help you bypass the boring shoulder-length stage. The use of extensions and long-haired wigs was first recorded in ancient Egypt in 3400 BC. The process has come a long way since then. Gone are the days of lumpy scalps and uneven layers. Today's top extension experts will make the transition so seamless, you won't be able to tell where your natural hair ends and your extensions
