grow my hair long

Its seems that the longer my hair gets, the curlier it turns out which leads to it looking shorter than it really is. (Story of my life!)
I’ve been growing it since July of last year and the results only appear when I straighten it. My hair barley passes my shoulder when it’s curly while it exceeds my med back when straightened.
Veeeery frustrating.
Although I really appreciate my hair it’s been very understanding.. Dying, blowdrying, shampooing daily.. I’m unstable I know..