Hi! Thought I'd stop by to give my two-cents,
My hair isn't long (yet) but when I started on this forum, my hair was a train wreck from wearing relaxers improperly and i thought going natural would be my lifesaver, It wasn't!!! It did give me time to give my hair a break and learn about what my hair needs. But being natural with 4b/4c hair takes a lot of effort! After one year of transitioning and one year of being natural, I decided to go back to relaxers. Since that time, my hair has went from right above the ear (thin & fragile) to neck length, thick full hair. I love it and I love this forum because of it.
What i've learned is this:
1) no matter what you are whether it be relaxed or natural-
you have to know and be educated on the care of your hair, choose which option works best for you and learn everything you can about your choice.
2)either choice is work and I can say that because I've been on both sides of the fence and
the grass is no greener on the other side, 
naturals have a lot to deal with and so do relaxed heads.
3)
Be selective in what you try.
Because on here, you will find just about every product, technique and whatever else to try.
Take the time to really study and think about anything you decide to try on your hair. If you find something that works- stick with it and don't jump on every single bandwagon that comes along. Most people on here with long hair have regimens that don't change up too much from what I've noticed. Since joining I tried some things that seemed to work for everybody else but didn't do jack for my hair, I learned the hard way (without any setbacks ,thank the Lord) to be veeerry choosy in what I do to my hair.
I like my hair to be full,thick, straight and with body. I can do that with relaxed hair, this time around I know what I'm doing. There are threads here that can tell you everything you need to know about technique when it comes to relaxing, like adding protein to the perm or doing a reconstructive treatment between application & neutralizing - all things that I believe help to have healthy, long relaxed hair. All of it is important even down to the type of tools you use, it pays to have a good hooded dryer if you rollerset or do deep dc's. The home grown steam treatment is also the truth!
I took the time to study all of this out and made the conscious decision to return back to relaxed hair - only this time, I'm educated about it and I'm sooo excited. By this time next year I'm hoping to be APL.
HTH & HHG.
