It might seem counter-intuitive to trim your hair every few months if you’re trying to grow your lengths. But snipping off the ends helps take care of split ends and prevent them from destroying entire strands.

You’ve probably heard: healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Nourish your scalp with a quality shampoo and give your head a light massage when you cleanse (just like in the salons!) to stimulate circulation. A clean scalp means less buildup and blockage to prevent hair from growing well.

READ MORE: 5 Easy Steps To A Healthy Scalp

Your cotton pillowcase could be making your hair more prone to breakage and damage – click here to find out more).

Tying a tight ponytail, braids or top-knot for long periods of time puts stress on hair roots, and can lead to damage and hair fall.

Before buying, read the labels carefully and choose shampoos and conditioners that have vitamins A, B, C and/or E while avoiding those with chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate that strip hair follicles of its natural oils, creating frizz.

READ MORE: Hair Awards 2016: 14 Effective Shampoos To Suit Your Hair Type

Boost the levels of keratin (the main constituents in hair) in your system by eating more protein – nuts, lean red meats, chicken, eggs etc. Vitamin A-rich foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes and cooked greens like spinach also help generate more keratin in your body for healthy hair growth.

READ MORE: 10 Foods To Eat Your Way To Shiny, Healthy Hair

Argan oil is known to encourage hair growth and strengthen your strands. It contains lots of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids that boost hair health and can be used as a moisturiser.

READ MORE: Hair Awards 2016: The Best Hair Oils You Should Be Using Right Now

Multivitamins and supplements rich in biotin (a nutrient known for keeping skin, hair and other body parts healthy) can help promote hair health, which boosts hair growth. Of course, always check with your doctor first.

READ MORE:
3 Common Hair Problems And Foods To Combat Them
The Dos And Don’ts Of Blow-Drying Your Hair
10 Amazing Hair Care Products To Banish Dry, Frizzy Hair