I have damaged hair. I am now letting the damaged, color treated ends grow out and am letting my natural hair color grow back healthy. My hair is thick and strait. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week.

1)What are some good, high quality brands of shampoo and conditioner?
2) How often should I do hot oil treatments and deep conditionings?What is a good protein treatment brand I can use?
3) I think I have over conditioned my hair in the past. How can I tell my hair is overconditioned? How much is too much?
4) What types of oils can I use on my hair? Where can I buy them? How do I use them?

Is the brand "Pink" good? They sell hair lotions and shine spray. Does this actually help my hair's condition? THANKS!

I'll try to take a stab at some of your questions, puertoriquena.

1.)  I think this one is the hardest for me to answer.  Some dirt cheap shampoos and conditioners work better than very high quality ones.  Some people use: Chargin Valley Shampoo Bars, LouiseMarieLonghairs, Aveda, Suave, Biolage (There are dozens more).  Also, try to see if your hair likes silicone products.  (Dimethicone is one example.)

2.)  I don't do the VO5 hot oil treatments, because there is 0% oil in those things.  Instead, try jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, or Olive Oil.  You can heat that up slightly, but I just apply it at room temperature.  I don't use protein treatments, so I can't help you there.  I think the best thing is to eat protein and take a multivitamin and Hair, skin and nails supplement.

3.) Overconditioning.  I was SO guilty with this in the past.  Overconditioning will eventually weigh the hair down so much, it will snap.  Overconditioned hair is extremely limp and lifeless (almost matted-looking).  It also takes an incredibly long time to dry (or it never dries completely.)  A good way to fight overconditioning is to clarify (clarifying shampoo or even better --- Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar.  (There's a recipe on the boards for this, somewhere.)

4.)  Oils are FUN!  They are my favorite thing about being long haired.  You can get oils from health food stores, farmer's markets, or even online.  Anais has a great site that lists a multitude of oils to try.

I think "Pink" is the victoria's secret brand of haircare.  I don't know if I'm 100% correct on that.  However, I tried some VS shampoo and conditioner.  It was perfumed so heavily I had a headache the entire day.

The best regimens are usually simple.  Most importantly, what you DO NOT do to your hair is more important than what you put on it.

No heating appliances, keep the hair contained (It makes the hair look healthier, too) don't play with your hair, and avoid harmful barettes, rubber bands, and other metal objects that will stab you.

Damage is not reversable.  Your hair will not mend its own splits, or heal itself over time.  But these steps will make your hair feel exponentially better.

Panpeus has already given you some wonderful tips. I have found that part of the fun of starting to care for your long hair is the experimentation. This could be looked upon as drudgery; however, I tend to take an upbeat approach and view it as opportunity to learn what your hair likes and dislikes.

I think, at least from my perspective, I never really though of my hair as part of my body. It was external and an ornament. However, hair, just like skin, teeth, gums, eyes, what-not, has it's own bio-chemistry. Hair reacts when you are stressed, depressed, happy, and joyous. Just like feeding your body, you have to feed your hair too.

Sorry for the rant, but I guess I'm feeling philosophical tonight. Anyway, many of the things Panpeus has mentioned will be mentioned again, I'm sure; also, others will chime in with more suggestions. The key which many have learned or, in my case, are still learning is to find what works best for ourselves.

Congrats!  It's always nice to have others notice your hair (for the right reasons  )

Oils can be good for dry and damaged ends.  However, if you are using protein conditioners, oils can cause "crunchy" ends.  A clarifying shampoo or a vinegar rinse to clarify will help remedy.

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

I have fine hair and use jojoba oil on the ends of my hair.  During the dry winter months, I apply it every night.  During the summer, more humid months, I apply it when I feel the ends are getting dry. 

Many people with thicker hair find that olive oil works well on their hair.  I know some have used other types of oil, but these are the most commonly referenced.

Frequency of use would depend on how dry/damaged your hair is.  You don't use much of either oil (the intent is not to have oily looking hair).  Put a drop or so of oil on your hands, then run your hands down the hair.  Braiding the hair and leaving it overnight is also common after oiling.

Thanks to both of you for your helpful responses. So are these oils easy to find? I know of an organic store in my area, guess I should try there?