I don't pay anything because I just don't cut it. Every other year, I might get it relaxed if it gets too unruly. It hasn't reached my ass yet though and it's been several years, but I am not like, trying to grow it out to a certain point, I'd be fine if it stayed as long as it is now.
Split ends are a free haircut the way cross-threading is free Loctite. That actually might be why it doesn't seem to be getting longer anymore, maybe it's breaking off at the same rate it's growing out...