Long hair isn’t reserved for Rapunzel. If you’ve wanted to grow longer tresses, you can make small changes to speed up the process.

Try implementing these 10 natural ways to boost hair growth and decrease damage.

1. Enjoy a Massage

Scalp massages increase circulation and promote healthy growth. With a small amount of pressure, you can decrease tension and increase blood flow to your hair follicles. Gently knead and rub the scalp in circular motions starting at the temples and moving toward the head’s base.

This process can also promote thicker strands that are more resistant to damage.

2. Add Oils to Your Routine

Natural oils moisturize and strengthen your tresses. Less is more when it comes to this powerful remedy — too much will make your hair look greasy and weighed down.

The best oils to naturally boost hair growth include:

• Coconut oil
• Rosemary oil
• Castor oil
• Fish oil

3. Try a Hair Mask

Hair masks can be fun to make and only require a few ingredients. Simply find a recipe that nourishes your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. When you create the mask yourself, you control the ingredients. However, if you’re looking for something quick, you can buy a premade variety. Remember to choose one that is paraben- and sulfate-free and designed for your hair type.

Hair masks should be combed through so the mixture is evenly distributed. You only need to use them once a week to see the effects.

4. Change Your Diet

The nutrients you ingest influence your hair’s health. If you nourish your body, you simultaneously support hair growth. Try cutting out unhealthy ingredients like sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and fast food. These substances can block the absorption of protein, dehydrate your body and clog your scalp pores — leading to hair loss.

The best foods to naturally boost hair growth include:

• Eggs
• Dairy
• Spinach
• Oranges
• Lentils
• Flaxseed
• Carrots

The vitamins and minerals found in these foods provide the sustenance needed to grow long, healthy locks fast.

5. Take Herbal  Supplements

If you feel like you aren’t getting enough nutrients from your diet — or want an extra boost — begin taking herbal supplements to encourage natural growth.

Popular ones to try include:

• Rosemary
• Aloe vera
• Ginko
• Peppermint
• Burdock
• Ashwagandha

6. Go Heat-Free

The simplest and most natural way to boost hair growth is to go heat-free. Air dry your luscious locks and style naturally. Heat-protectant products only help so much, and your strands are probably begging for a break from your curling iron. Heat damage will cause split ends, increased frizz, dullness and excessive shedding. It also dries out your hair, causing a rough texture.

7. Update Your Bedding

If you need another excuse to pamper yourself, consider this: Silk pillowcases will reduce strand breakage and speed up growth. Your hair will also have fewer knots, meaning you can sleep a little longer and fly through your morning routine.

If you plan to shower before bed, invest in a hair wrap or turban to keep your pillow from getting soaked throughout the night.

8. Skip the Braids and Ponytails

Have you heard of traction alopecia? It’s the medical term for the continual pulling on your scalp that causes hair loss. It occurs from wearing tight hairstyles that put pressure on your head. The only solution is to leave your tresses loose.

If you must pull your hair back, keep it relaxed and use ties made specifically for updos.

9. Trim Regularly

Who would have guessed that regularly cutting your hair helps it to grow faster?

When you trim your hair, you cut off any split ends before they can continue to cause damage. This means you’ll see growth much faster than if the damaged strands remained.

10. Simplify Your Routine

Shampooing less will improve your hair health — there’s no need to wash it every day. While shampoos remove dirt and product buildup from your tresses, they also strip it of natural oils. If you shampoo too often, it can lead to dryness and flakes. Your scalp may even begin to produce excess oil to compensate for what has been stripped away.

Longer Hair Is in Your Future

If you follow these 10 natural ways to boost hair growth, you’ll begin to see results. Typically, hair can only grow about half an inch each month, or six inches every year. These tips rely on science rather than magic, so have patience and delight in healthier tresses.