curly hair/dead ends?

[Barbie]

I HAVE EXTREMELY curly hair. I think I might have a 4c curl type. My hair is a short afro but when I straighten it my longest layer is at my neck. I love my curls I really do but its my dead ends. I have ALOT I never thought I could get that many. Its like an inch of dead ends. Also I don't understand why, but the middle of my hair is soo short. I just want someone to help me out with ways I can maintain my curls and prevent dead ends. My best friend is cutting my dead ends tomorrow in school.

I use these products in my hair
-mane and tail shampoo and conditioner
-blue magic hair grease
- BB hair growth

I'm just trying to grow my hair too. I heard mane and tail works well for hair growth so I bought it. Please someone let me know what I'm doing wrong. I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments.