Long hair is a real beauty asset, but it can be difficult to find original and elegant hairstyles to show it off. In this article, Velecta® Paris gives you several hairstyle ideas for long hair, so you can choose the ones that best suit your style and personality.
Natural waves
Waves are a timeless style for long hair. If your hair is long and slightly wavy, you can go for a natural look by using a texturising spray to give your hair a little more volume.
To achieve relaxed waves, wash your hair and towel dry it to remove excess water, or use a blow-dryer. You could also add a touch of romance to your hairstyle by creating a side plait.
To achieve more dramatic waves in your long hairstyle, divide your hair into equal sections, starting from the underside of your hair. Wrap each section of hair loosely around a curling iron and hold for about 10 seconds, then gently release. Repeat the process, working from the nape to the crown.
Once you have curled each section of hair, use your fingers to gently separate the curls and create more natural-looking waves. Use a fixing spray to keep your hairstyle in place.
Remember to use a heat protectant spray before using any heating tools, to protect your hair from damage.
Plaits
Just like the hairstyling tip for shoulder-length hair, plaits are also a great hairstyle option for long hair. You can opt for a simple plait or a more sophisticated plaited bun. Both are perfect for days when you want a more casual look, but they can also look elegant for special occasions. If you want to give your plaits a little more volume, you can also add hair extensions.
Plaits fall into the following categories:
The classic plait
Divide the hair into three equal sections and bring each section in turn to the centre until you reach the end. Attach the plait with an elasticated band.
The herringbone plait
Divide your hair into two equal sections. Take a small lock of hair from the right side and cross it over a section from the left. Do the same on the other side, alternating the sections until you reach the end. Attach the plait with an elasticated band.
The French plait
Start by taking a small section of hair from the front and divide it into three equal sections. Weave in a small strand of hair from each side of the plait as you cross the sections over. Keep going until you reach the end. Attach the plait with an elasticated band.
The waterfall plait
Divide your hair into two equal sections. Start plaiting the left-hand section using the classic plaiting technique. Each time you cross a section over, take a small strand of hair from the section on the right and incorporate it into the plait. Keep going until you reach the end. Attach the plait with an elasticated band.
The crown plait
Start by plaiting a small section of hair on one side of your head. Then, continue the plait by adding thin locks of hair each time you cross the sections over. Keep going until you reach the other side of your head and use an elasticated band to hold the end of the plait together. Repeat this process on the other side of your head to create a crown made of plaits.
Voluminous curls
If you want to create a glamorous look for your long hair, you can use a curling iron or a round brush to create voluminous curls. Use a heat protectant spray to avoid any damage to your hair. You can also use an ionic hairdryer to achieve a smooth finish and reduce frizz. Then give your curls a light brush, to give them a more natural look.
The bun
A bun is a classic and timeless style for long hair. You can opt for an elegant high bun, a low casual bun, or a more sophisticated plaited bun. If you’d like to add an original touch to your bun, why not add a few hair accessories, such as flowers, bobby pins, clips or a headband.
Start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots and tangles. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, using an elasticated band to hold your hair in place. Lightly tug at the hair around your face and on top of your head so that it is not pulled so tight.
Wrap the ponytail around the elasticated band to create a bun, using bobby pins to hold the hair in place. Keep wrapping more locks until all the hair is rolled up and the bun is held securely in place with bobby pins. Use a fixing spray to prevent any strands getting loose.
The ponytail
The ponytail is a simple and practical style for long hair that can be worn on casual or formal occasions. Start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots and tangles.
Then gather your hair into a ponytail at the desired height, using an elasticated band to tie your hair in place.
To create more volume, lightly pull the hair in the ponytail apart. Create a more casual look for your long hairstyle by letting a few wisps of hair frame your face. For a more elegant look, you can straighten or curl your hair before making your ponytail.