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  4. Long Hairstyle Inspiration You Must See Before Going Short

Long Hairstyle Inspiration You Must See Before Going Short

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells Updated May 18, 2022
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Loose Curls
Credit: Pinterest/Gal Meets Glam

It can be hard to keep up with hair trends these days. One second it's all about the super long, curly ponytail, and the next day it's a platinum blonde pixie. Although we're keeping our eyes on the ever-changing hair trends, you can never go wrong with a classic cut. If you've got long locks, you might be tempted to go short from time to time. We get it—your hair feels like it takes forever to dry, and sometimes you think it would be easier to not have all that hair. Before you run to the salon begging for a chop, you must see these long hair ideas. We obviously can't stop you from going short, but you may find a new appreciation for your tresses with these long hairstyles. We may love stylish haircuts for short and medium hair, but these long hairstyle ideas have us dreaming of length.

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Casual Braids

Casual Braids
Credit: Pinterest/Twist Me Pretty

This side braid is the ideal easy hairstyle for any day of the week, especially on days when the sweltering Southern weather gets to be too much. It gets your hair out of your face, and it's also great for those no-wash days when you have to get out the dry shampoo. Get the tutorial here from Twist Me Pretty.

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Cascading Highlights

Cascading Highlights
Credit: Pinterest

Highlights with an ombré feel look dreamy with a long 'do. And while some highlights will have you back in the salon chair fairly often for upkeep, these cascading highlights are easy to grow out without having to update them too often.

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Long Natural Curls

Long Natural Curls
Credit: Pinterest/Instagram/jimandray

Don't get us wrong—we love a curly short cut—but long, naturally curly hair is enviably gorgeous. You may feel pressured to straighten your hair, but we encourage you to wear your curls in their beautiful natural state. 

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Beachy Waves

Beachy Waves
Credit: Pinterest/Barefoot Blonde

Admit it: At some point in your life you wanted perfect beachy waves that made you look like you belonged on the Blue Crush set, but you ended up with strands that crunched louder than raw ramen noodles. Get the tutorial for these no-heat beachy waves here from Barefoot Blonde.

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Fishtail Top Knot

Fishtail Top Knot
Credit: Pinterest/Millennial Mama

Top knots don't have to look just-rolled-out-of-bed messy. Get the tutorial for this pretty bun here from Millennial Mama.

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Long Bangs

Layered Hair with Fringe
Credit: Pinterest

Long hair means you can have long bangs that can be pulled back when you want them out of your face, which is a win-win. 

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Lace Braid Ponytail

Lace Braid Ponytail
Credit: Pinterest/Missy Sue

Ponytails are a huge convenience for people with long hair, especially in hot weather. And pretty styles like this one prove that ponytails are not just meant to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck at the gym. Get the tutorial here from Missy Sue.

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Glamorous Faux Bob

Glamorous Faux Bob
Credit: Pinterest/Cosmopolitan

If you're anxious about cutting your long hair off and can't take the plunge, don't worry! You can still have a short hairstyle without a big chop. Get the tutorial for this faux bob here from Cosmopolitan.

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Slicked Back High Pony

Slicked Back High Pony
Credit: Pinterest/Camille Styles

The slicked back high pony is only possible with long hair or extensions, and it's a timelessly chic way to go from day to night. Get the tutorial here from Camille Styles.

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Long Layers

Long Layers
Credit: Pinterest

Long hair allows for long layers, which subtly add volume and movement without the help of any tools or products.

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Scarf Wrap Bun

Scarf Wrap Bun
Credit: Pinterest/Livingly

Only with long hair could you actually twist a scarf into your bun. This quick bun is easier than easy because you start with wet hair straight from the shower (or pool!). Get the tutorial for this cute, classy look here from Livingly.

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Ponytail Twist

Ponytail Twist
Credit: Pinterest/A Cup of Jo

This simple, effortless pony should be a staple in your hairstyle rotation. Get the tutorial here from A Cup of Jo.

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Double Dutch French Braids

Double Dutch French Braids
Credit: Pinterest/POPSUGAR

Perfect for getting your hair out of the way at the gym or while running errands (or chasing kids), this hairstyle won't budge. Get the tutorial here from POPSUGAR.

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Everyday Curls

Loose Curls
Credit: Pinterest/Gal Meets Glam

These effortless everyday curls are the perfect wavy look for straight-haired girls. Get the tutorial here from Gal Meets Glam.

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Easy Long and Straight

Easy Long and Straight
Credit: Pinterest/Long Hair Tips

If you have naturally straight hair that looks healthy when it's long, there's no reason not to keep it long. Short hair can require more styling time, but with long, straight hair, you can blow dry and walk out the door.

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By Mary Shannon Wells

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    1 of 15 Casual Braids
    2 of 15 Cascading Highlights
    3 of 15 Long Natural Curls
    4 of 15 Beachy Waves
    5 of 15 Fishtail Top Knot
    6 of 15 Long Bangs
    7 of 15 Lace Braid Ponytail
    8 of 15 Glamorous Faux Bob
    9 of 15 Slicked Back High Pony
    10 of 15 Long Layers
    11 of 15 Scarf Wrap Bun
    12 of 15 Ponytail Twist
    13 of 15 Double Dutch French Braids
    14 of 15 Everyday Curls
    15 of 15 Easy Long and Straight

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