OMG, you've got gorgeous hair don't you dare cut it short just get the ends trimmed to take care of any split ends.
I'm not a hairdresser but I would say that you need to use a shampoo & conditioner for curly hair and go to price attack (or similar) and get a serum for defrizzing. If you're not sure what you're after ask the assistant.
Also if you brush hair when it is wet it's weaker so it's more prone to stretching and breaking. I used to have a flat mate with an afro and she used one of those long combs with the wide teeth.

OMG you could grow an afro!!! I love afros!!!