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1. Drink green tea.
"It promotes the growth of hair follicles to boost hair production," Nussbaum says. Shoot for three cups a day.
2. Stay hydrated.
"Water regulates the circulatory system, which feeds the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth," she says. Aim for the good old rule of eight glasses per day and try flavoring it with sliced fruit if you crave more flavor.
3. Indulge in scalp massages.
Twice per week, give yourself a gentle, 10-minute head massage when you're in the shower. "It increases blood flow and circulation to promote hair growth," Nussbaum says.
4. Deep condition your locks.
If life without heat tools and hair dye is simply out of the question, apply a deep-conditioning treatment once or twice a week in the shower or even overnight to repair the damage. Try Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask.
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5. Eat salmon a few times each week.
It contains a trifecta of healthy-hair helpers: Vitamin D and protein, which are key for strong, shiny hair, and omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your scalp healthy, Nussbaum says.
6. Don't over wash your hair.
Those with thick or curly hair can cleanse their hair a few times per week, while those with fine hair can wash it daily. "Shampooing too often with the wrong products can weaken the hair," says Nussbaum, who recommends choosing shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride. Her pick: Aviva Botanical HydraCreme Shampoo and Conditioner.
7. Be gentle with your brush.
Brushing pulls hair out of the follicles and weakens strands, so use it carefully — and sparingly. "Don't brush your hair until it's at least halfway dry, since hair follicles are more delicate when wet," Nussbaum says. "You really should only brush your hair to style it."
8. Ditch your signature topknot. (Sorry.)
Over time, wearing your hair in a tight bun or ponytail can weaken follicles, Nussbaum says. Use fabric hair ties and switch things up with softer styles like a low, loose braid.
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9. Sleep on a satin pillowcase.
"Hair can break when strands get caught in the fibers of cotton pillowcases," she says. "Satin prevents this and retains your hair's moisture by not sapping the scalp's natural oils like cotton."
10. Don't stress over trims.
Getting rid of split ends will help reduce breakage and make hair look way healthier. That said, cutting off the ends doesn't affect the follicles in your scalp, which determines how fast and how much your hair grows, Nussbaum says. If you feel like you need something, ask your stylist for a "dusting" — a mini trim which takes off only the most damaged tippy-tips of your hair, leaving your length intact.