Cher is one of our ultimate style icons but today, on her 69th birthday, we wanted to celebrate something other than her epic stage costumes and killer off-duty style, namely, the iconic middle-parted, ultra-long hairstyle she rocked through the better part of the 1970s. With the decade back in the fashion spotlight this spring and a host of new products on the market that help hair go the distance so to speak, we’re seriously considering canceling our next trim. For tips on achieving down-to-there hair, Redken brand ambassador and owner of Cutler salon, Rodney Cutler, has a few can’t-miss tips.
The Secret To Rocking Super-Long Locks
Form Healthy Hair Habits
"Rinsing your hair at the end of the shower with a blast of cold water will help seal the cuticle and enhance shine. Gently towel-blot the excess water from the hair (no unnecessary rough shaking!) and use a flat Mason Pearson to brush through the hair. Always make sure you have a nozzle on your blowdryer to streamline the warm air. The nozzle will also prevent the hot metal inside the blowdryer from making contact with the hair, which can lead to excess heat damage and a dull appearance."
Use The Right Products
"Redken's two brand-new products—Extreme Length Primer and Extreme Length Sealer—are the perfect one-two punch for maintaining long, luscious locks that shine like Cher. Biotin and protein enzymes deliver fortification to the hair shaft while sealing any unsightly split ends."
Find Your Best Part
"An extreme middle-part is great if you have a true oval face and you're constantly being told you look like a model. For the rest of us, a slight side part (that's still completely straight) is more suitable and complimentary to a variety of face shapes, while still radiating the Cher persona."
Heat Style Like A Pro
"Locks this sleek require some heat. This isn't your air-dryed, summer beach waves look. Before blow drying, always apply a heat protectant product. Only blow dry each section for one minute max (understanding this depends on texture, length and thickness). Once the section is shiny, that's your sign that its dry and you can move on. When using a straightener, do NOT let it sit in a single place for more than a second. Straighteners are meant to pass through the hair – not rest there. Be sure you aren't "over straightening," meaning you are aimlessly applying heat to the same hair over and over. You can always go back if you find kinks, but a good blow dry and a straightener with true ION protection for the hair should do the trick in a single swipe."
Cheat The System (If You Need To)
"Extensions are great for those of you ready to commit to a regular in-salon schedule. My favorite brand is Easihair Pro; a lightweight, taped-in extension that can be used for both fullness and length. Because there's no heat involved in the method of application, this is a great option for those with finer, fragile hair that may be concerned with damage. Just make sure you're ready to commit to see your stylist every 4-6 weeks for maintenance blowouts to ensure the longevity of your newly lengthened locks!"
