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.) Clothes those twists with one of these easy long hairstyles.

Caring for Long Hair

First things first: With hair this long, minimise damage is key. Deep condition weekly to keep the cuticle simple, 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 lengthy, tapered locks. 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 long curly hair. 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 hairstyles 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 look.

A Long Shag

With sideswept bangs and all-over layers that follow the hair’s natural waves, this long hairstyle 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 look 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, $5.99, 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 simple.

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 hair this long, 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.FitnessMagazine