Four Girls Reveal Their Long Hair Secrets
There's hair, and then there's hair. Whether it's wildly curly, super straight, or laid-back and wavy, long locks have been lusted after throughout the ages (Rapunzel, anyone?). So, we're seriously stoked to bring you round two of real ladies and their beauty secrets, this time with four very different but equally dynamic long hair looks from ladies who are diehards for growing it out. From free-flowing tresses to day-to-day styles to hair-down-to-there, and a few updos thrown in the mix, these arbiters of abundance prove that when it comes to long hair, nothing is off-limits. Plus, they share their in-the-know tips on mastering long hair: Products and tricks for getting maximum impact out of a 'do with minimal effort and how to tie it all together with their on-point signature beauty looks. Read on to get inspired…
Darlene Okpo, 24, Creative Director of William Okpo
What's your go-to style? Hair up or down?
"Putting my hair into a big bun. I do a lot of running around and the updo takes one minute, and then I am out the door."
Do you have any hair icons that helped inspire your look?
"Lisa Bonet and Erykah Badu. They both have a unique style when it comes to hair."
When did you decide to start growing out your hair and why?
"This is actually not my own hair, it's attachments that are braided into my own hair. I always used to wear braids when I was in high school, but I decided to wear them longer two years ago. I wanted to wear longer braids because it was an out of the ordinary look. At the time, braids were considered old school and reminiscent of the '90's. It became part of me and who I am."
How long did it take to get your hair to this length?
"It takes about 12 hours to braid my hair."
Do you have any secret styling weapons?
"I usually use a ton of bobby pins to keep it in place, since it's so long."
What are the hazards to having long hair? Any horror stories?
"Note to everyone: Having long hair can be very dangerous. I step on it all the time. Even when I am sitting down and my hair is out, I constantly step on it. I have become a master at avoiding hair accidents by being extra careful because it can get caught in a lot of things. My sister's hair actually got caught in the fan. Thank God she caught it just in time!"
What do you love about having long hair?
"I love having long braids because it's like having an accessory that compliments any outfit."
What's your everyday hair routine?
"It’s fairly simple: I either leave it out or tie it up into a huge bun. If I want to get fancy, I do an exotic hairstyle."
Besides your hair, what's your signature makeup look?
"Black eyeliner and blush along with some shea and coco butter lotion. I don't wear any eyeshadow or foundation. I try to keep it as simple as possible."
Do you switch your makeup looks depending on how you wear your hair?
"My makeup look always remains the same. I am a routine person, so I barely switch up when it comes to makeup. I love being simple."
Darlene Okpo, 24, Creative Director of William Okpo
What's your go-to style? Hair up or down?
"Putting my hair into a big bun. I do a lot of running around and the updo takes one minute, and then I am out the door."
Do you have any hair icons that helped inspire your look?
"Lisa Bonet and Erykah Badu. They both have a unique style when it comes to hair."
When did you decide to start growing out your hair and why?
"This is actually not my own hair, it's attachments that are braided into my own hair. I always used to wear braids when I was in high school, but I decided to wear them longer two years ago. I wanted to wear longer braids because it was an out of the ordinary look. At the time, braids were considered old school and reminiscent of the '90's. It became part of me and who I am."
How long did it take to get your hair to this length?
"It takes about 12 hours to braid my hair."
Do you have any secret styling weapons?
"I usually use a ton of bobby pins to keep it in place, since it's so long."
What are the hazards to having long hair? Any horror stories?
"Note to everyone: Having long hair can be very dangerous. I step on it all the time. Even when I am sitting down and my hair is out, I constantly step on it. I have become a master at avoiding hair accidents by being extra careful because it can get caught in a lot of things. My sister's hair actually got caught in the fan. Thank God she caught it just in time!"
What do you love about having long hair?
"I love having long braids because it's like having an accessory that compliments any outfit."
What's your everyday hair routine?
"It’s fairly simple: I either leave it out or tie it up into a huge bun. If I want to get fancy, I do an exotic hairstyle."
Besides your hair, what's your signature makeup look?
"Black eyeliner and blush along with some shea and coco butter lotion. I don't wear any eyeshadow or foundation. I try to keep it as simple as possible."
Do you switch your makeup looks depending on how you wear your hair?
"My makeup look always remains the same. I am a routine person, so I barely switch up when it comes to makeup. I love being simple."
