I recently decided to transition (last texlax in August). This is what I have learned so far. I'm sure the veterans will soon chime in also:
1. Cosign on the above post on moisture. MOISTURE IS VERY IMPORTANT it minimizes tangles knots and breakage. I don't co-wash but I do DC with a good moisture conish (I use miss key 10 en 1) 2x a week. Also finding a good daily moisturizer is important (I use S-curl)
2.low manipulation. Ideally I
try to make the shower the ONLY time I comb my hair; under running water, saturated with conditioner, combing from the ends to the roots.I admit this gets harder the more NG you get, dealing with 2 diiferent textures.
3. hide you hair. I retain alot more moisture this way and also keeps my hair from getting tanlgles since I don't want to comb it until the next time I wash
These tips are some of the founding principles on this forum. I find when you are transitioning your hair is really vulnerable and you REALLY need to stick to these.
4. The most recent tool I've added to my arsenal is loosening my curl pattern with a mixture of yogurt, cream cheese and molasses mixed w/ conditioner as a pre-poo treatment
BIG UP adw425!!!! This minimizes the amount of hair I loose when detangling and my hair because its smoother I retain alot more moisture. Also my hair is alot less 'poofy' and less prone to re-tangling once i've combed it out
I recommend this thread (if you are interested of course)to see other ladies mixes/methods with yogurt. So you can see results with varying hair types:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=167391
and of course there is the transitioners support thread
TONS more info and very supportive ladies with more experience
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=56005&highlight=support+thread
HTH