Welcome newbie /images/graemlins/wave.gif. You'll learn a lot here!
Okay...now to answer your questions:
1.) My hair type...I'll say 4a.
2.) I relax when needed...normally every 3-4 months; if I have braids I stretch my relaxer out longer.
3.) Some products that work well for me are: Kenra moisturizing shampoo, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Suave Milk & Honey, LeKair Cholesterol Conditioning Treatment, African Pride Oil, Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil, Aphogee Leave-in Conditioning Spray, Fantasia IC's Ice pomade & leave-in hair and scalp treatment, and many more products.
There are many techniques you can practice to have healthy, long hair (i.e. protective styling, the baggie method, deep conditions, eliminating heat, etc). Happy growing! /images/graemlins/antlers.gif