Thanks for the encouragement and support ladies!
Just a little background, I had color done a little over a year ago, and then a relaxer maybe two weeks later (yes by the same hairdresser), which caused severe damage. So I've grown most of that out, but I hadn't been able to get my hair back on track till I found this forum. I'm going to hold off on trimming, since it doesn't look necessary and my ends aren't split.
Chellee: I get shine by using a small amount of Razac Perfect for Perms Polishing Gloss. A dime sized amount leaves it like that for at least two days.
Luvlonghair: I noticed that earlier, we’re on that same stretching track. Now I’m at 17 weeks, and I’m going the 24 weeks as well, we’re going to have to motivate each other cuz my new growth looks rough after I wash!
Sweetpeadst: Here’s what I've been consistent with for the past month:
Vitamins:
Puritan's Pride Amino Acid 1500
Puritan's Pride Mega Time Release for Hair
Alfalfa
MSM, Silica, Flaxseed Oil (as I remember, usually 2x a day)
Wash & Deep Condition every five days with: Dudley's Deluxe Shampoo and Cream Protein Conditioner, Nexxus Botanoil Shampoo and Nexxus Moisturizing conditioner (rotate)
Protein Treatment usually every three weeks with Dudley's DRC
I get a blowout usually once a week to once every 10 days. Sometimes I just have the roots blown.
The major thing that I never used to do before I came here was getting that MOISTURE into my hair. I use carrot & jojoba oil on the ends 2x a day and that has helped so much. Also, I bun it up 6 days out of the week.