Lots of women dream of having long, thick, luscious hair. Some people just really want their hair to grow faster. But can you influence the speed at which your hair grows?

Hair usually grows about half an inch per month. That doesn't sound like much, especially if you get a trim to deal with the split ends every few months.

This can make you feel that growing out your hair and reaching your desired length is taking forever. 

But you don't have to give up on the long hair of your dreams! You can help your hair grow faster by following a few simple tips.

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We are what we eat: the food you eat becomes the building blocks for the cells in your body, and that includes your hair. If you don't give your body the right kind of fuel or enough of it, you could end up with brittle nails, poor skin, and dull hair.

The key to silky locks is balanced nutrition. You should make sure that you always get enough proteins and iron from your diet. Did you know that a protein deficiency can lead to hair loss?

Hair expert Philip Kingsley tells Harpers Bazaar that vitamins and dietary supplements such as biotin, B vitamins, silica, and yeast are good for hair and promote hair growth.

Your hairdresser has probably told you this before: cutting off the dead stuff helps. If you have your hair cut regularly, you prevent split ends and annoying hair breakage. 

The emphasis is on "regularly" – this means that every ten to twelve weeks you should make an appointment for a trim and you should get take off between half an inch and a full inch.

Yes, you read that right – if you can get someone to give you a scalp massage you may get fuller and longer hair. 

Just five to ten minutes of intensive kneading stimulates the blood circulation and provides the hair with optimal nutrients that help it grow faster. It doesn't matter if it's your fingers, your partner's fingers, or a special scalp massager.

You can also achieve a similar effect with 30 to 40 brush strokes per day. This also stimulates blood flow in the scalp.

There are tons of shampoos on the market that are supposed to promote hair growth.

Hair washes with caffeine are particularly effective, because they promote the blood circulation of the scalp, similar to a scalp massage, and so ensure faster hair growth. Shampoos with the coenzyme Q10 also have a similar effect.

Hair masks with ingredients such as aloe vera also contribute to hair health, which is a good prerequisite for faster growth. Conditioners with natural apple vinegar or high-quality oils such as olive or coconut oil can lend brittle hair some shine and moisture.

But beware: don't strain your mane with too many care products. You only need to use these products once or twice a week.

Do you usually use a blow-dryer to dry wet hair faster? It's not the best idea because dry hot air strains your sensitive hair. Strained hair can lead to breakage. It's better to plan a little more time and let your hair dry after you wash it.

The same applies to curling irons, straightening irons, and the like. You should use such devices sparingly and definitely not on a daily basis.

It's easier said than done, but stress is no good for you or your hair. The less you stress, the more beautiful your tresses.

In the worst case scenario, if your stress level is too high you can end up suffering from stress induced hair loss. So, take some time for yourself and turn down the intensity. This is not only balm for the body, but also for the soul and your hair.

Hormones play an important role in the human body, and they also affect hair growth. So, if you feel like you're already following all the tips – your diet is great, you have your stress level in check – but your hair still isn't growing, it might be something else. 

Your hormones could be the problem. Different medications, like the birth control, or physical problems with the thyroid functions can influence your hormone levels and, as a result, hair growth. A doctor can check these levels and see if there's any imbalance. In general, getting a proper check up from your doctor is almost always a good idea.