Hi everyone...I'm a definate newbie who after years of constant braids and wigs want to relax my hair. My hair is shoulder length due to constant triming to accomodate the braids styles that are not braided at the end. My hair falls into the 4a group very wiry and I think is dry. I want to get my hair relaxed but nervous due to my experience 3 yrs ago where it was relaxed with a great length that went pass my bra straps but was gone a year later to bad hair care and my addiction to flat irons. Are there any specific books/online article/tips that I can look at to not go thru the breakage thing again?Also has anyone with 4b/4a tried the straight perm that seems so popular over here...does it straighten your hair as well as relaxers? My friend tried it and it looks great but her hair is more 2-3 so I can't really judge properlly. Thanks everyone!