• Encourage your locks to grow longer.my long hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
  
  Although there is no "magic pill" that will instantly make your hair grow thicker and longer, there are some things that you can do to encourage it to grow. One thing to keep in mind is that damaged hair breaks easier, causes more split ends and will make your hair appear shorter. With this in mind, the first step to trying to make your hair grow longer is to stay away from damaging items.
  
  

Heat Protection Products

• Use a heat protection product to protect your hair from damaging tools like flat irons, hair dryers, curling irons, rollers, etc. Heat protection products help to lubricate and condition the hair, making the heat from hairstyling tools less harsh. And doing so will help your hair become less dry and less prone to breakage, keeping your hair strong. If you really want your hair to grow quickly, try to abstain from harsh tools and hair dyes altogether. Let your hair air-dry instead of using a blow dryer, use a mixture of water and sea salt to add body to your hair instead of a curling iron or rollers, and spritz lemon juice in your hair to add natural highlights instead of getting your hair dyed.
  
  

Vitamins

• There are different vitamins on the market that can help hair growth. They work by replenishing your body with nutrients that you're not getting from your diet. Vitamins like A, B and C work well to add those nutrients to your body and your hair. For example, vitamin B is known for increasing the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins to give you more energy. This will help then to rejuvenate the body and increase growth in hair, nails and skin cells. However, before starting a vitamin regimen, talk to your doctor first.
  
  

Proper Diet

• People who are unhealthy and eat very little will experience hair loss. When you're not eating enough your body will go into a starvation mode. By restricting proteins and nutrients elsewhere in the body, other body parts--like the digestive system, the heart, brain and the lungs--can function. One such place that will get proteins and nutrients restricted from it is the hair because hair is not essential to daily survival. To keep your hair looking long and silky, eat a balanced diet with plenty of proteins (dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, etc.).
  
  

Regular Haircut

• Getting your hair cut regularly will not make your hair grow faster--that's a myth--however, it will make your hair look healthier. Getting your ends trimmed every six weeks or so will get rid of split and dry ends. It's also important to keep your hair cleaned and conditioned. Using a conditioner after every shampooing will keep moisture and oils in your hair, making is less prone to breakage. When you're combing your hair--especially when your hair is wet--use a wide-toothed comb which will also help prevent breakage of your hair. Stay away from harsh treatments to your hair. Perms, hair dye, highlights, permanent straightening can all damage your hair severely. If you feel you need to dye/highlight your hair or you have out-of-control frizz and need a permanent straightening, only see a professional to get the job done.
  
  

Horse Shampoo

• As crazy as it sounds, many people swear by horse shampoo. Shampoos and conditioners like Mane 'n Tail and Lucky Kentucky were made for horses. The trainers of the horses were impressed with the shiny coats and long manes, so the trainers started to use the products themselves. The products are human-friendly, as they are pet-friendly. The shampoos and conditioners clean your hair and scalp better than many other products, which leaves your hair healthier and less prone to splint ends and breakage. These "human" horse shampoos can be purchased at most grocery stores and drug stores.