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My great quarantine debate hasn’t been whether to bake sourdough or banana bread. Instead, I’m deciding between pre-booking a cut for when salons reopen or permanently ditching my bob for a long length with some soft layers.

Even though I’m growing my hair out of practicality, I’ve been daydreaming about long hair before social distancing orders were even set in place. I have an entire saved collection of Dakota Johson’s textured bangs and long, loose waves on Instagram, while Ciara’s waist-length waves and center part have (almost) convinced me to get rid of my bangs.

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Kacey Musgraves’ straight, Cher-inspired hair is a retro take on length that I often reference.

Speaking of vintage, Rose Byrne’s ’60s bouffant-like blowout for her role as Gloria Steinem in Mrs. America is one of the many reasons the series is on my list of shows to binge.

And as it turns out, I’m not alone in my long hair aspirations.

“So many of my clients have always said to me that they want to grow their hair out so badly, but can’t fathom the ‘awkward stages,'” says Ramon Garcia, hairstylist and brand ambassador for Authentic Beauty Concept. “They would say if they could just not see anyone for two months or if they could fast-forward time. (Enter our current situation.)”

That being said, the journey to long, healthy hair doesn’t happen overnight. But if you want it, use this time in quarantine to reset your hair with moisturizing and strengthening treatments and take a break from hot tools. The extra care and attention will result in shinier, healthier hair as it gets longer.

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Paul Labrecque, celebrity hairstylist and creative director of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa in New York City predicts the long hairstyles that come out of quarantine will be practical.

“We’ll probably see longer hair that’s just one length because it’s the easiest to do yourself,” he shares. “The length will likely fall in a V-shape because women will likely over-direct forward when trimming their own split ends. This action leaves hair longer in the back and as a result it will lie in a very natural V.”

However, don’t reach for your scissors to shape your hair on your own. Labrecque strongly recommends leaving cutting your hair to the professionals, but if you just can’t stand to leave your split ends alone as your hair grows out, he says to only trim the ends. “Trim the splits off your front,” Labrecque says. “Then, bring the back of your hair forward so you can see those ends and trim only the dead split ends.”

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Whether or not you take trimming your dead ends into your own hands, the following products and treatments will keep your hair healthy and glossy as it continues to grow out.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub

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Real talk: healthy long hair starts with a balanced scalp. With a blend of plant-derived AHA/BHA acids and physical exfoliants, use this in-shower scrub twice a week to get rid of dead skin and product build up. Nourishing manula oil hydrates and strengthens hair from the roots.

To buy: $36; sephora.com.

Paul Labrecque Color Condition Protection Mud Mask

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For color-treated hair, Labrecque recommends a conditioning mask to extend the life of your last dye session. On top of protecting your old color from further fading, this treatment adds softness and shine, which makes split ends seem less obvious.

To buy: $36; paullabrecque.com.

Joico Defy Damage Protective Shampoo

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On wash days, go with a shampoo that repairs hair from the inside out. On top of reviving dull, dry hair, Joico’s shampoo protects it from future damage, from heat styling to environmental.

To buy: $19; ulta.com.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Conditioner

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Over-brushing already-damaged hair is going to lead to more breakage. And that’s exactly what you don’t want when you’re growing out your hair. Luckily, this multitasking hydrating conditioner exists. It detangles hair so you don’t have to be so rough when you’re combing through it.

To buy: $11; target.com.

Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Mask

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“This luxe mask strengthens the hair fiber and helps restore the cuticle — even in one use you see such a difference,” Garcia says of Authentic Beauty Concept’s deep conditioning mask. Leave the plant-based mask on clean, damp hair for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it out for the best results.

To buy: $38

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