Now, I can't say for sure what caused this rapid change, but I have a hunch it was due to a few different factors. For one, I ditched my hot tools and almost exclusively began air-drying my hair, I found an amazing colorist who always prioritizes the integrity of my hair, and I've adopted a balanced, plant-based diet that's rich in healthy fats, protein, and colorful fruits and veggies. I'm also diligent about using Olaplex at home every other week or so, and I only wash my hair two or three times a week. Again, I'm not sure if any of this has been the true cause of my hair growth (who knows, maybe it's just some kind of fluke or hormonal surge!) but nonetheless, I've barely been able to keep up with it.

Since I haven't been able to see Maldonado, my stylist, for months, my strands are the longest they've ever been. Part of me is thrilled, but another part of me has been getting annoyed (long hair can get very hot, sweaty, and tangly) and also bored with the ho-hum rotation of styles I typically rely on—ponytails, topknots, and half-up looks. 

To gain some newfound inspiration for my long hair, I asked a few of the top hairstylists in the business—Justine Marjan, Chris Appleton, and Cynthia Alvarez—for some help. Considering this expert crew regularly works with clients such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and the Kardashians, I couldn't have been in better, more long-hair-adept hands. Keep scrolling for the easy hairstyles for long hair and the exact procedures and products to execute each of them flawlessly.