Long hair, short hair: should we care for them in the same way?

Whether a few centimeters long or reaching the lower back, hair shares the same structure. Each hair fiber consists of three concentric layers : the medulla at the center, the cortex, the intermediate layer that makes up most of the fiber and determines its strength, elasticity, and color, and the cuticle, the outer layer formed by flat cells arranged like tiles. This cuticle protects the hair interior from mechanical, thermal, and chemical damage. Each hair also originates in a follicle located in the scalp dermis. Although it may be overlooked, the scalp is essential for healthy hair.

Despite this shared structure, each hair fiber is unique in texture, diameter, shape (straight, wavy, curly, coily), and its response to moisture or hair products, that is its porosity. These differences depend on genetic, biological, and environmental factors. The hair care routine, trim frequency, or degree of exposure to sunlight affect hair appearance and health. Thus, although all hair shares a common architecture, it is not identical and requires different care, whether long or short.

Traditionally seen as an external sign of youth, long hair requires increased care. Indeed, the longer the hair, the older it is and the more it has been exposed to damage from repeated brushing, friction against clothing, UV radiation, heat from styling tools, pollution, and humidity. Each centimeter of a hair fiber reflects several weeks of life with daily mechanical, thermal, and chemical stress. These gradual insults damage the cuticle, which thins and lifts over time, making the cortex more vulnerable. The hair fiber then loses cohesion and becomes more porous and prone to split ends. This wear is most pronounced at the tips, the section of hair that is several years old.

To prevent split ends, trim the ends of your hair about every two months.

Hair requires daily care. The weekly number of shampoos depends on your scalp’s sebum production, not hair length, and for long hair it is essential to follow washing with the application of a conditioner. Easing tangles reduces brush strokes that can weaken hair fibers. Conditioner improves hair texture by increasing cuticle scale adhesion to the hair shaft and restoring the protective hydrolipid film.

To further protect hair lengths and prevent breakage, we also recommend applying a nourishing mask once or twice per week focusing on the ends. Often compared to conditioners, hair masks are treatments that provide deeper nourishment. They contain higher concentrations of nourishing, repairing, and film-forming agents and deliver a more enveloping and restorative effect on the hair fiber. Depending on the mask, they can be left on for about fifteen minutes or overnight.

Tip If desired, you can replace hair masks with weekly plant oil baths.