Braids

I'm new here, but I have several questions. Right now my hair is about a inch and a half past my shoulders. I want to get some braids so that my hair will grow out and get healthier. I also wanted to change it up. I like freestyle braids, but I was told that my hair is too long for them. Can longer hair be done in freestyle braids without damaging it? I was wondering if there are any braiding styles for longer hair? What braid products do you suggest? I read you shouldn't cut your hair before getting braids, but i have really bad split ends. The front of my hair has split all the way up the hair shaft and is only about 2inches long. Can I have the ends cut before getting braids. I really just want to give my hair a long rest.