Hi Timberly,
Welcome to the board! /images/graemlins/smile.gif
I suggest you get a couple of good books on black hair care. I purchased Cathy Howes, Ultra Black Hair Care book, and her advice has been wonderful for me. Shamboosie's book, Beautiful Black Hair, was also a great source of information. Many of the women here have purchased Carolyn Grey's book and found a lot of product information in it.
Definately trim your hair if you have a lot of split ends and hair that seems to be breaking off. Start off on a new slate. Frequent washing is not for everyone, but if you can possibly manage it, start washing your hair more often. After each wash, do a deep conditioning treatment.(this is key.)
Do rollersets, or just air dry, and try to stay away from blowdriers and curling irons. Keep your hair moisturized. (I moisturize my hair 2-3 times a day.) The key to experiencing growth is to keep your hair, (especially your ends) as moisturized as much as possible. By doing this, you combat dry, brittle, breaking hair. If you can keep your ends, you will start to experience growth. /images/graemlins/smile.gif
It's been said that the time woman experience the most growth in their lives is between the ages of 14-25 years old. If that's truly the case, you've started your journey to longer, healthier hair at the best time! /images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I don't know if your hair is natural or relaxed, but regardless, there are plenty of women here that can help you either way.
If you need any help, please feel free to send me a PM. I will be more than happy to help you any way I that I can. /images/graemlins/cool.gif