Most women think that growing long, healthy hair is a difficult undertaking. Most have grown accustomed to the idea that having healthy hair means spending money on salon treatments and expensive hair products. Some may even think that only a few are blessed with healthy hair. This couldn't be further from the truth - there is no real secret to growing healthy hair. All it takes is common sense, determination, and, most importantly, living a healthy life.

There is no one specific thing you can do to ensure the growth of healthy hair. There are, however, tips and some unconventional methods that you can follow to make sure that your hair is well taken cared of, less prone to damage, and grow to become healthier:

• Stay healthy. Take your vitamins and keep yourself healthy. You should bear in mind that the state of your hair is only a reflection of your body's overall health. Eat the right kinds of food and get the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as Folic acid, Vitamin B complex, biotin, iron, and zinc promote the growth of healthy hair.

• Massage your scalp. A regular five minute massage of your scalp can make your hair thicker, stronger, and help it grow faster. Massaging promotes better circulation of blood in th scalp, bringing more nutrients to your hair follicles; massages also help reduce stress. When massaging, never use your nails; start at the base of your neck and slowly work your way up to the hairline.

• Wear your hair up. Wearing your hair down exposes your hair to substances in the environment that may cause damage – this includes the sun and air which may dry out your hair.

• Get regular trims. Regular trims help you keep the shape of your hair, it also means that you rid yourself of the driest parts of your hair which are usually the tips.