I actually expected my hair to be much harder to deal with at this length than it is. Sometimes I think newer naturals are just starting to learn how to manage their hair, so the thought of having longer hair seems overwhelming, but you forget that in the process of growing it to that length, you'll become a pro at doing your hair. Things will be second nature to you by then so it won't actually be as big a deal as you expect.
As far as my regimen, it has changed a bit recently and you can view it and my previous regimen at my hair site (in siggy). In general I like to keep it simple with wash and go styles. I'm low on products but big on moisture via frequent washing. I straighten about twice a year, which is also when I trim. My ends are always "free" as I don't wear braids or twists or anything, so I'm pretty protective of my ends otherwise. I always tie my scarf on at night, I use primarily my fingers for detangling, and I never, ever pick my hair out into an afro or afro puff--always shrunken and coily.
