I've gone without a relaxer for 20 weeks now. I would say moisturizing is extremely important. I wash my hair weekly and do a pre-shampoo treatment. Then I condition with a moisturizing conditioner and oil, and follow-up with a leave-in and daily moisturizer. Right now, I have a lot of new growth, so I twisted my own hair. I am going to keep my hair twisted until it is almost time for my next relaxer (July ).