Its been quite a while since I posted.  I lurk here and there, but the last year I've been mostly unhappy with my hair.  I *love* long hair, I just don't love mine. 

Just over a year ago the condition only routine that had worked so well for me started to fail.  I went to shampoo and conditioner (giovanni tea tree) for several months to end up with the worst halo ever.  I tried water only for a while and eventually my hair looked good, but felt gross.  I'm now back on condition only and its working better than anything has...but I'm not thrilled and definetly in the market for something new.  During this time frame I've done various other things including baking soda and ACV rinses, oiling, buttering, deep conditioning treatments, etc,. 

My hair never seems to get that shine and smoothness that I want (whether going straight, wavy, or curly).  And honestly, the bun and go hair that I loved takes a ton of fussing over to look decent in just a bun.  I'm thinking maybe I should try cones again and would love product suggestions along with recommendations on how often to clarify.  I'm quite tempted to trim it back to BSL and use the dreaded heat styling devices.  It would at least be something different and I might like it more than what I'm doing now. 

Suggestions, ideas?  I've waited out the phase, but its not passing. 

TIA

Hi, it's good to hear from you again!

If your hair likes cones, then why not use them? ACV rinse works for light clarifying, but you probably would also benefit from baking soda clarification a couple of times a year.

As for cutting and styling...I understand the appeal. If you want something different RIGHT AWAY, a stylist visit certainly does that. Just remember that it is much easier to damage hair than it is to get rid of damage or even damaged look. So I would advice you not to do anything rash, but instead think what kind of hair would please you in long term.
Perhaps you could try different styles meanwhile? What if your hair is just outgrown your favorite style? It usually means that there are now new styles available, ones that suit your current hair better.

Thanks ladies!  I may just go out and get various samples of hair care products and take a little experiment of how things work.  Its been so long since I used cones I have no idea how my hair reacts. 

How could I tell if my water was hard or soft?