Growing out advice needed

I have moderately thick curly/wavy hair. Been trying to grow it back long for eighteen months now - since last Oct' it's been in a 'one length' kinda style, which I tie back when at work and in public. Did have long hair before and want it back strong and healthy. However, it's running into problems - messiness (not long enough to all tie bac even still), odd strands, still have to fling the 'bangs area' hair over my right ear still. A right pain.

Now, should I persevere at growing out, OR is there a mens hairstyle or sort of styles I could have that would make growing out easier and less hassle? I don't mind losing inches now if it makes my hair better when it eventually is long.

(FWIW my hair sits a hair's breadth about my shoulders when normal, and longer when I let my girlfriend straighten it when I'm drunk!)