New to HB, looking for ideas

Hi!  Please do visit the Long Hair support forum here, there are answers to many long hair questions there.  In brief, be careful of sharp metal or plastic seams on the clips you are wearing, as those can tear hair.  Otherwise, the elastic bands that don't have the metal part holding them together (called Ouchless) are good for hair, even if you get the thin ones.  I have used them almost every day for years now and haven't noticed any damage from them.  Those are good for braids and ponytails (braids being a good hair-safe style choice). 

How long your hair has to be to go into a bun depends on its thickness.  My hair would be considered normal thickness, but it was bsl (bra strap length - or mid back) before it could stay in a bun.  If its thicker, it may need to be closer to waist length, if its thinner, you may be able to bun it sooner. 

Hair should grow about 6 inches a year on average, so unless you get a lot trimmed off, it may not take that long.  Trims are a good idea to keep your hair in good condition as it grows because splits will climb the hair and ruin it over time.  If you don't want your hair straight across trimmed, you can do the S&D (search and destroy) method to cut off only the splits on each individual hair (takes more time, but gives you natural ends).