11 Hair Growth Secrets from India's Longest-Haired Communities

6. Minimal heat, protective styling and braids

Protective styles are a common habit in communities that keep long hair. Braids, buns, and simple updos reduce friction and the everyday tangles that cause breakage. Many families recommend loose braids for sleep and neat buns for activity. The idea is to limit constant rubbing against clothing or pillowcases, which shortens fine ends over time. Heat styling is used sparingly in these traditions; instead, people rely on natural drying or gentle towel blotting. For modern life, protective styling can be adapted: use soft hair ties, avoid tight elastics that tug at roots, and choose styles that don’t strain the scalp. When you do need to use heat, lower temperatures and protective serums help reduce damage. These small styling choices add up. Over months and years, avoiding unnecessary heat and favoring low-tension styles protects length and lets hair remain resilient as it grows.