Sexy hair can be any length but historically speaking long, thick, and shiny is considered the epitome of perfect locks. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as simply letting it grow, as everything from genetics to environmental stress to styling damage add up to mean most of us have a hard time avoiding split ends, breakage, and at the very least unhealthy-looking frizz.

So is there anything you can do to help it grow out? Absolutely. Although everybody’s hair is different, some tips remain the same for anyone trying to get it as long and healthy as possible.

Be patient

Because hair is technically dead, any damage that’s already been done can’t be undone. Which means that if you change your haircare habits today you probably won’t see much in the way of results for weeks or even months, as you wait for new growth to replace the old.

Make a fresh start

Discuss your plans with your hairdresser and get as much of the damaged, end growth cut off as makes sense to reduce split ends and breakage.

Get regular, frequent trims

It might seem like it will never grow out if you keep trimming it off, but just the opposite is true: trimming the very ends every 8-10 weeks keeps them healthy and strong, and therefore long!

Eat healthy and exercise

A healthy body makes for healthy hair. It’s that simple.

Brush the right way

Invest in the best brush you can afford

Avoid brushes that have knobs on the ends of the bristles (they pull out and tear hair)

Never brush hair when it’s wet

Minimize or avoid heat styling and chemical treatments

Damage adds up to shorter locks when you regularly heat style, color, highlight, or use other chemical treatments on your hair.