Purplepeace we have the same focus. What does your current regimen consist of, if you don't mind sharing? And what products are you using? I'm trying to find a regimen currently and am slightly overwhelmed with all the products, recipes, and steps here on the boards. Don't get me wrong. I love the info! But I need to know where to begin.
No problem sharing at all!
My shampoo: Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar or Real Solutions Moisture Therapy (both are organic and sulfate, paraben-free) . You want to reduce the frequency of using shampoo, especially commercial ones, because they contain "sulfates" that strip your hair of moisture. I only shampoo twice a month at most. I part my hair into about 4-9 section, braid each section, and wash like that to avoid tangle and knots.
My conditioners: Organix Tea Tree Mint or Renpure "My pretty hair is parched" moisturizing conditioner. Both are organic and free of a lot of the damaging chemicals. When my hair is "out', I conditioner wash 2-3 times a week. When its in a protected style (braids, twists, bun, etc), I do it less frequently.
Deep Conditioner: Garnier Fructisse Triple Nutrition 3 minute undo mask mixed with jojoba oil. I Deep condition once a week. I saturate my hair and put it in a shower cap, then wrap with a towel and leave it in for about 45 minutes. I do the same braiding technique listed above.
Moisturizers: I use Hollywood Beauty castor oil hairdress to moisturize my hair while I'm styling it (if I'm doing twists or braids). On the ends, I use Profective healthy ends. I have color treated hair so I have to take special care of my ends.
Oils: I have a spray bottle with a mix of aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oils. After conditioning and rinsing my hair, I coat my hair with a few sprays of this mix.
http://fotki.com/purplepeace79 is my fotki and I have my products listed there.
Basically, I keep it simple. Saturday or Sunday, I cleanse (every other week), Deep condition, moisturize, and style. Keep that style for a week, do it all again. Once a month, I rinse my hair with Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water to seal my hair folicles. It also cleanses product buildup and restores PH balance to my hair.
By protective styling, I am reducing the risk of breakage (caused by over-manipulation, knots, etc) and protecting my ends which will help me retain length. I also wear a lot of extension styles because I am lazy lol