Hello sunsinexo,

The other long-haired ladies & lords have pretty much covered it already. What Bikerbraid said is quite true. If your natural roots are showing and getting longer, then your hair is definitely growing.

Are you getting regular trims? If your stylist is trimming off the same amount of hair that you're growing each time, then your length will remain the same. This is called maintaining a length.
    To gain length, you must trim off less than you're growing. This is assuming that it isn't breaking off due to damage, of course. Most stylists will tell you that shorter hair needs to be trimmed every 6-8 weeks, but this will certainly never work if you're trying to grow it out. Trim the ends only when they are drying out or damaged.

Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the damage to hair once it's done. Just keep taking good care of your hair now...someday those roots that you're seeing will be the ends. 

As for the 2 best shampoos & conditioners that I have ever used, well...I am a die-hard Pantene addict. And my favourites are Ice Shine and Restoratives Breakage Defense.

Best of luck & happy growing.