Let’s separate fact from fiction. Trims also can make your hair appear longer, even if they don’t stimulate actual growth up in the follicles. “Long hair that is breaking and splitting will look thin and tapered at the ends; this can make the hair appear shorter as well,” says Conan. Snipping off those ends adds an even weight to the hair, making it look thick and full. (Hot tip: If you don’t want to shear off any length, ask your hairstylist to “dust” your hair—it removes frayed, damaged hairs without eliminating any inches.) On the scalp massage front, that uptick in blood circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicle, which can help promote growth. Perhaps the easiest way is to massage your scalp in the shower: “While shampooing, massage the scalp to increase the flow of blood, relieve stress, and stimulate hair follicles,” hairstylist Miko Branch, co-founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie’s, has explained to mbg. You can also opt for a dry scalp massage, if you so choose, by simply wetting the pads of your fingers with an oil and massaging through. Regardless, regular scalp massages have been shown to promote hair growth1. There’s a host of other ways to protect your hair to keep it long and strong (all of which are outlined here), but in terms of supporting those follicles from the inside-out, the above methods are key.*
