How can I get my hair longer&thicker?

Hi Rina,
Again, I`m not a hair expert but i think what you are doing for your hair is good. Just: Keep washing it every week, even when you are not going to the hair dresser. Keep your ends trimmed so that you wont experience bad breakage. And, finally, just wait. I read that everyone goes through a resting period with their hair. One moment your hair is growing like wild fire. The next moment it`s not. So just be patient. But as far as your main question goes, you definetly can grow it without having to go natural or use braids. Some have grown there hair long going natural and using braids. Others have grown their hair long with chemicals in it. Either way is fine I`m sure. It may take you a year or longer. Usually when I cut my hair its back to my shoulders in about 1 year and a half. (My mother has hair to her back thats why I think my hair grows pretty fast. And my dad has fast hair growth too) So, just keep your hair clean and wait and see what happens.

Hope I was able to answer your question. Hope to hear good results from ya` soon :)