Over four years ago, I did something: I saw V for Vendetta, went to the store, pulled my two friends into the bathroom (Sarah and Scott) and bam. Loved the new mowed style. The fluffiness of a fresh buzz cut is one of the best feelings in the world, second only to taking a shower, giving my scalp a quick scrub, and then hopping out without a care in the world. Of course, not everyone was happy with my buzz cut (my mother, brother, and hair stylist, to name a few). But as much as I loved the cut, growing my hair out is one of the purest hells for a human being. Having grown my hair to my shoulders and cut it to my ears again, I am now back to square one: hair to my collarbone, the desire for hair that grows fast, (opens in new tab) and patience.

Now that my hair goals are unattainable with a $20 trimmer, I want mermaid length, hair to my waist, natural. I have never had hair longer than my décolletage. If you share the same desire as me we are working on this together. Read on for the best ways to get the hair we want and hair growth promoting products (opens in new tab) with expert help.

Yes, telling someone who wants to grow hair to "get healthy" is like telling someone with a hangover to "drink water" or stealing thunder. But it is still effective. Hormonal changes, stress, prescription drugs, and illness can all affect how fast hair grows and how healthy it is. (Open in new tab)

The saying "You are what you eat," even dermatologists agree, applies to hair. Celebrity stylist Juan Carlos Maciques (opens in new tab) preaches the hard truth: "Hair health and growth come from within, so nutrition and personal care are important. Hair growth supplements have a bad reputation, but there are several available that Maciques believes are effective. Sadly, there is no magic pill that will wake you up with Rapunzel-length hair, but some of the newer supplements on the market do contain ingredients that enhance the nutrients that hair craves.

Scalp care is essential when trying to grow hair. Fortunately, scalp care is booming, and there are many products aimed at making the scalp as healthy as possible. Dirt buildup on the scalp impedes oxygen and blood circulation, making it easier for bacteria and yeast to multiply. Plus, scalp scrubs, serums, and treatments (opens in new tab) are just as much fun as hair masks. (opens in new tab)

Sarah Schiek, stylist at Marquee Salon in Oakland (opens in new tab), notes that washing hair too often damages the protective barrier of the scalp. Alternating wash days and finding a shampoo (opens in new tab) that treats scalp problems can help avoid depriving the scalp of its natural oils. There may be scalp care ingredients in your medicine cabinet. Says McKix, "Tea tree oil and eucalyptus have antibacterial properties, while apple cider vinegar and coffee with avocado oil have cleansing properties."

Important note: Some medical conditions affect scalp health and may not be resolved by common solutions. For ongoing problems, a dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications.

An important part of promoting hair growth is to avoid harmful practices. Trey Gillen (open in new tab), artistic director of the company, explains that heat and bleaching are two of the most harmful things you can do to your hair if you want to grow your hair longer. Fries also tells us that prolonged exposure to sunlight and exposure to saltwater or chlorinated swimming pools should also be avoided. If you must soak your hair in water, wet your hair in the shower beforehand to prevent too much toxic material from seeping into your hair.

If you can't avoid scorching your hair even a little, you should at least take some precautions to minimize the damage. Gillen recommends using a low heat setting on your hair dryer or flat iron and always use a heat protectant. (opens in new tab) Schiek recommends the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (opens in new tab) for those who don't want to put down hot tools and want to use a "healthy" blow dryer.

When washing your hair, use shampoos and conditioners (opens in new tab) that strengthen hair, repair damage, and prevent hair loss. Experts agree that the most common reason hair does not grow is that it breaks off before reaching the desired length. When it comes to styling products, Gillen recommends paying attention to ingredients. Avoid silicones and harsh sulfates in products. There are many inexpensive products that work great, but it's important to use what's good for you and your hair.

The urban legend that frequent cuts make your hair grow faster is simply not true. Both McKeeks and Guillen admit that leaving your hair alone and letting it grow undisturbed is the best thing you can do to increase the length of your hair.

The exception to this rule is damaged ends. In my life, there has basically never been a time when I looked down at my hair and did not see a split end (opens in new tab). I have naturally brittle, dry hair, so I have to be extra gentle with it to keep it looking healthy. 'Branched hair is the culprit that keeps my hair from growing. It's like ashes," warns Makikus. Gillen recommends a "micro trim." A "micro trim" is a haircut in which only the ends of the hair are trimmed off, leaving nourished, healthy hair that can continue to grow.