Understanding Long Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to the Challenges and Myths Surrounding Extended Curls
People with really long hair often face unique challenges that those with shorter hair might not even fathom. From extended shower routines to untangling and prevention of tangling, the experience of long hair can be quite different. This article delves into the various aspects of long hair, debunking common myths and offering insights into the science of hair growth.
The Length and Growth of Hair
For those with long hair, the daily routine can be quite different. Sarah, who has long curly hair, explains, 'When stretched out my curls are the length of my legs or around 94cm. A typical shower for someone with shorter hair might last 5-10 minutes, but for me, it's a minimum of 20 minutes, often reaching up to 45 minutes due to washing and detangling the curls.'
People with practical hair lengths don't understand the extent of hair's daily interactions and obstacles. 'Hair gets trapped in door knobs, gets caught in zippers all over, and even on clippings like scissors and utensils,' Sarah notes. 'Additionally, it's common for hair to be caught in clothing and get tangled in car doors.'
Common Myths and Realities
Myth: Long hair is generally an extremely rare achievement. According to the trichological textbook Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair, the average daily growth speed of scalp hair in young people aged 18-35, identified in a study, is approximately 10 cm per year for African hair types, 15 cm for East Asian hair types, and 13-14 cm for European hair types.
Reality: If a single strand of hair grows for about 6-7 years, it can reach a terminal length of around 80-100 cm, roughly 2.6-3.3 feet. For Central European standards, curls can appear shorter due to optical effects. Individuals significantly taller than average will experience similar effects if less extreme, and body proportions also play a significant role.
The Science Behind Hair Growth
The terminal length of hair is often considered the genetically conditioned maximum length. For women with hair types common in Central Europe, this average length is around 80-100 cm. With a growth rate of 6-7 years, this length can be quite practical. This length is maintained from the vertex, which is measured to be about 56% of the total body height, making it roughly half.
Terminal length is an average value, and individual strands can vary significantly. For instance, a 7-year growth period can lead to visible thinning, especially at the ends, known as taper. This natural taper can be addressed by a U-shaped cut, which can allow hair to grow beyond the terminal length into a V-shaped tip.
Hair Care and Maintenance
The time and effort required to maintain long hair are not necessarily extreme. It is essential to protect the hair from stress and damage to avoid breakage. Frequent washing is often unnecessary, with some types of hair possibly requiring just once or twice a week. Heat treatments and chemical treatments should be avoided, and hair should be protected from mechanical damage, like wearing it in braids or updos during work.
Genetic factors can play a significant role. Someone with an extended growth phase, as Sarah experienced, can even achieve hair that reaches their mid-back or lower. However, even with average hair genetics, achieving this length requires patience due to the slow growth rates.
Fantasy and Reality
Fantasy movies often depict women with long, naturally grown hair, which aligns more closely with historical norms. In reality, hair reaching to the backside or longer was more common in historical times. Sarah, who started with short hair, experienced significant hair loss but quickly regrew it, solidifying her belief that long hair is not as rare as most people think.
Final Thoughts
While long hair presents some unique challenges, it is a realistic and achievable aesthetic. The key is proper care and understanding of the hair's unique needs. Sarah encourages others to appreciate the beauty and potential of long hair, celebrating individual differences and genetic potential.