If you do decide to grow-you-own to pull off the mermaid mane, keeping your hair healthy is key. We spoke to award-winning hairdresser Michael Van Clarke, who has more than 40 years in the business, about keeping long hair healthy.

“Keep yourself healthy and your body takes care of that, happily pumping out half inch a month,” he says. “About 99% of achieving longer thicker healthy hair is about looking after what you have. Firstly, avoid anything that dehydrates it. Hair finally breaks because it loses its flexibility and tensile strength.

“Healthy hair can stretch as much as 50% when wet and return to normal,” Michael adds. “But repeated dehydration leaves the protein structure brittle and prone to breakdown. Try using a hair mask regularly such as LifeSaver Prewash Treatment at least twice a week, or every other shampoo day.

“You should also avoid excessive colouring and learn how to style safely,” he continues. “Throw away the nozzle and keep a one-inch distance between your hair and the dryer. Heat-style less often. Try airdrying once a week with a gentler finish.”

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