My hair grows like weeds. Last time I it was long I donated 15" to Locks for Love, where they make wigs for children with cancer. There is some little "mini-me" running around. I wash every other day, and just water in the meantime for styling. I'm blessed with curly hair, so it isn't much work. I agree that keeping it in a braid keeps the ends from splitting. It's down past my shoulders again from having it cut, in only about 18 months. The photo of your hair is beautiful!