I also have waist-length hair and I'm trying to grow it out til it stops or becomes impractical.    I recommend wearing your hair in buns or braids most of the time, in order to spare damage. This, washing my hair less, and switching from a brush to a detangling comb is what made the most difference in how healthy my hair is.     The Long Hair Community Discussion Boards  - this forum has more information that you'll probably ever need.