We’ve all been there. You went for the daring cut or tried out a new stylist, and wound up with a whole bunch of layers that just don’t work for you. Luckily, your hair will grow back. Unluckily, it’s gonna take some patience and some extra TLC. Good thing you have us to give you all the tips and tricks you need to get through this trying time. Read on, and before you know it, your hair will be long, luscious and all one length!

1. Superfoods for Super Hair: Time to hit up Whole Foods — just like the rest of your body, your hair needs some good nutrition. You want to make sure you’re getting enough Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A and biotin. Feeling lost? Just incorporate some extra salmon, oysters, eggs, sweet potatoes, avocados and almonds into your diet. Shopping list done! (via Beauty High)

2. Take Your Vitamins: NY Mag suggests a hair growth cocktail of Viviscal, Phyto Phytophanere, biotin and folic acid. The writer says it makes her hair grow two inches per month! At that rate, you’ll be layer-less in no time.

3. Get a Trim Regularly: We’ve all heard this advice, and if you’re like us, you might have thought it’s a little counter intuitive. After all, doesn’t cutting it make your hair shorter? Yes, but it also gets rid of your split ends, keeping your hair healthier and stronger, so it can grow faster. (via Sunnie Brook)

4. Brush Properly With Natural Bristle Brushes ($39): It might be time to ditch that colorful plastic brush. The synthetic materials can break and tear your hair. Instead, grab a ceramic or boar bristle one. Ceramic will smooth and shine, while boar bristles will distribute scalp oils throughout the hair shaft.

5. Ditch the Flat Iron, Opt for Rollers ($99): Wearing your hair stick straight will not only add to the damage, it will actually make your layers more visible as the ends of each layer will stick out. Instead, get retro with some hot rollers. They’ll add volume and movement while also twisting your frayed ends under where they’ll be less visible.

6. Pamper Yourself With Regular Scalp Massages ($15 and $125): Massaging your head will stimulate growth by increasing circulation. Use your fingers and some natural oils, or, for an extra boost, grab a scalp massager + invigorator and a restoring elixir oil blend.

7. Invest in a Great Dry Shampoo ($24): Growing out layers means getting down and dirty. You really want to leave your scalp oils alone to stimulate growth, so that means skipping a shower or two. Get through those days with a great dry shampoo.

8. Skip the Sulfates ($29): Sulfates, the sudsing agents in most shampoos, are actually commercial detergent agents that strip your hair of those oils we love so much. Opt for a gentler formula, like Living Proof, that will remove the dirt and product but leave the good stuff.

9. Condition, Condition, Condition! ($13): Between sulfate-laden shampoos, our intense relationships with our styling products and the normal wear and tear, our hair could always use some extra moisture. Weekly deep conditioning, like Shea Moisture’s new superfruit masque, will not only hydrate but help your hair protect itself against future damage. (via Mop Top Maven)

10. If You’re Really Desperate, Chop It Off: If your shortest layer is long enough, or if you’re willing to try another daring cut, you can always opt for the scissors. It’ll give you hair which actually has a shape and style, and let your growth journey start from scratch. (via Bella Sugar)

Are you currently trying to grow out your layers? What tips do you have to help speed up the process? Share in the comments!

Meaghan Pachay
Meaghan's love affair with cooking, crafting and all things DIY began at age eight, with her first reading of Little House on the Prairie. It shows no signs of petering out anytime soon.