The allure of long hair and how you ought to treat it

By Katherine Sy Cancio

IT’S more than a crowning glory. It’s a lifestyle, a gauge, an expression. An indicator of health, beliefs, and, perhaps, one of the most bankable body parts in the history of mankind. Some people like it short, and some like it long — or even way longer. Whatever your preference is for maintaining your precious locks, this ultimate MOD Long Hair Briefer gives the straight facts, and then some.

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

It all started in biblical times, particularly in the Old Testament, when the Nazarites wore their hair extremely long as a way of showing their devotion to God. Although the Egyptians were known to clip their hair to accommodate detailed braided wigs, Hebrew men and women grew theirs long and kept it trimmed as a sign of humility.Medieval men and women in China refrained from cutting their hair as doing so was considered disrespectful. Europe in the middle ages saw a course where single ladies could let their long tresses hang loose, but married women were expected to wear their hair up. In classical Greece, Greek men believed their long hair symbolized power, hence, they went to battle in ponytails to keep enemies from grabbing their hair. Greek women showcased their elegant henna-dyed red locks that went on forever by wearing it in chignons dusted with gold powder. The popularity of making a pass on frequent haircuts is also evident in how their Gods and Goddesses are often portrayed. Eventually, it came to a point when the suitability of a longer length was foisted upon females, as it symbolized womanliness.

Fast forward to the 1920s. The world welcomed the rise of the short-hair trend. Women who wore chin-length bobs were viewed as independent and free-spirited.

Just as the tanned look became popular in the west in the 1940s, the long hair made a comeback and women opted for the wavy ‘dos inspired by famous on-screen characters in Hollywood. This age gave way to the advent of plastic rollers and styling lotion.

Around the 1950s, the fad for long hair was permanent perms. Salons began accommodating a huge number of regular female customers who came for hair setting. The hippy ‘60s had most women sporting a short, back-combed hair that was neatly held in place with hairspray. Younger girls with lengthy hair let it flow freely and sometimes adorned it with flowers whenever they tied it up in a ponytail.

Enter the 1970s, when free-falling curls and long fringes reigned. Styling products were finally given a short break as Farrah Fawcett and the rest of Charlie’s Angels ladies helped promote softly-parted, natural-looking hair.

The ‘80s had an abundance of big, long manes, which, in ten years, toned down to achieve a sleeker and smoother façade.

Amid the evolution of hairstyles, long hair is universally associated with beauty, sensuality, and glamour. It defines femininity. Today, women choose to have it for a myriad of reasons ranging from aesthetics to religion to inner confidence. 

BLAST FROM THE PAST

HERE are age-old long hair-care secrets that still bring on the magic:

GO GUGO

In the Philippines, gugo vines, which can be found all over the country, played an important role in maintaining the natives’ beautiful black hair in the early days. Filipinos would cut the mature gugo vines, flatten them, and let them dry out in sun. Afterwards, they would soak the dried vines

in a basin of water until they produce lather and use it to cleanse hair. Sometimes, women applied coconut oil to make the dark tresses even darker. Loyal users subscribe to gugo’s effectivity to making hair smooth, fresh-smelling, and shiny, especially with the juice of a couple of kalamansi (Citrus microcarpa).

Coconut Oil. Extracted from the meat of matured coconut harvested from the coconut palm

or Cocos nucifera, coconut oil is an ancient remedy to treating brittle and dry hair that is still used today. To experience its nourishing effect, heat some up in a bowl and give yourself a scalp massage once a week. Sleep with it on and wash in the morning.

Olive Oil.

The beauty-conscious Greek girls used this light-yellow substance as a deep-conditioning treatment. Until now, it never fails to make hair soft and shiny.

Monoi Oil. French Polynesians give credit to this highly refined coconut oil for their luxuriously long mops of hair. It’s not as heavy compared to other types of coconut oil.

Coconut Cream.

The thick, non-liquid part that separates and rises to the top of the coconut milk,

coconut cream contains a large amount of vitamins and proteins which protect hair from drying out. A weekly coconut hair treatment will keep each hair strand strong against damage from heat. It has also been proven

to help hair grow long.

Extensive Combing and Rice Water. To help smoothen follicles, the Chinese washed their hair with water that’s been previously used to wash rice. Upon drying, they comb their hair with up to 500 strokes. This routine promotes healthy growth.

Aloe Vera. Women in Argentina always keep their hair in tip-top shape. Their ancestors discovered the hair-grooming benefits of this plant when applied directly to the scalp.

Shikakai Powder. The Indians call it “fruit for the hair.” Derived from shekakai nuts, it contains no chemicals and is efficient for hair washing. In the ancient times, women mixed it with water to create a paste which is then used like shampoo. The concoction has low PH level so it doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils. To boot, it makes long hair stronger.

PRESENT-DAY MIRACLES

CHECK out what modern technology can do for long hair:

• Rebonding. A chemical treatment that renders your hair ultra-polished, shiny, and manageable, this one is ideal for anyone with unruly or kinky hair who wants overnight transformation. The results are long-lasting and touch-ups are required every three to six months, depending on hair growth.

• Hair Spa. This newfangled concept can remedy rampant hair problems like hair loss and dandruff. It’s basically comprised of three steps: massaging the scalp with oil, shampooing, and conditioning.

• Hair Extensions. For individuals who wish they had longer hair, this is probably one of the best quick-fix solutions. Artificial hair integration is a process of adding hair made of human

or synthetic fibers to one’s natural hair. This meticulous procedure requires a well-trained professional who could determine your hair color and texture.

GO HOMEMADE!

WANT the same pampering stars get for their long hair but on a tight budget? Try these wonders at home:

• The mayonnaise mask. Massage this condiment throughout your hair for a couple of minutes, then rinse with cold water. Hair will be instantly shinier and stronger.

• The sweet honey treatment. For extra gloss and softness, mix a spoonful of honey with three cups of warm water. Apply on wet, freshly washed hair. Squeeze the excessive moisture out, but don’t rinse. Lightly towel dry hair then style as normal.

• The booze. Long hair looks good when it’s not dry. To add body and radiance, rinse hair

with beer after shampooing. The malt helps repair frizzy hair.

• The protein pack. Extract egg white and beat until foamy. Mix with plain yogurt then apply to hair. Leave the mixture for a full fifteen minutes then wash it off. This formula conditions hair like a salon treatment.             

• The vinegar boost. To clarify long, thick hair, add an ounce of apple cider vinegar to one quart of distilled water. Use it to rinse hair after shampooing.

THEY SAID NO TO HAIR CHOPPING

TOP celebrities who wear it long

Nicole Kidman. The talented blonde Aussie knows long lengths can do more for her career, like an Oscar win.

Blake Lively. Hollywood’s favorite blonde bombshell at the moment has such perfectly tousled hair that it deserves its own credit on Gossip Girl.

Beyonce. La diva can belt it out in lengthy style — whether straight, wavy, or curly.

Anne Curtis. The high-end hair care product endorsement says it all.

Marian Rivera. The Philippines’s  Marimar hasn’t had an extreme cut since her first day as a prime-time queen.

Lucy Torres-Gomez.  Her luscious hair landed her a television commercial that eventually led to a fairy-tale romance with one of the most eligible bachelors in the 1990s.

Jennifer Lopez. She might be separated from her hubby, but this Latina hasn’t parted with her  sassy long ‘do from the block.

Gisele Bundchen. The world’s highest-paid supermodel who had Leonardo DiCaprio once clearly treasures her golden waves.