I (20F) have never had hair longer than 2 inches (5cm). What are the absolute basics of taking care of it while it grows out?

As hard as it may be to believe, I have never had long hair (at least not since I was like 4 or 5). For whatever reason I was really into buzzcuts when I was young and have just kept it going this whole time. It's very easy and convienent, just shampoo 2-3x a week and trim once every few weeks. But I've always wondered what longer hair would look like on me, so I'm finally taking the plunge and growing it out!

The problem is, I'm just about the most newbie you could ever be about hair. I've never had my hair cut by anyone other than my dad or myself, I've never used anything other than shampoo, I've never really used a brush or comb, I don't even know if I have straight hair or curly.

I really want to make sure I do this right, but I'm so out of my depth, I don't know where to start. Do I use hot or cool water, how often do I shampoo, how long should I let it get before I start using conditioner (if at all)? How often do I use it? Is there a way to figure out my "hair type" without having to wait for it to grow out? How often should I get a trim? How do you find a good stylist?

Literally any advice is welcome, no matter how basic. Feel free to be as detailed as you want, and if you think there's any information I should provide that'd be helpful that I'm not thinking of, please let me know! <3