I think I'm hi po, now approaching 'normal' thanks to MHM, I think. Anyway, it's been a while (still in crochets), but I have posts all through this thread.
As I recall, my general rules of thumb were...
1. minimal baking soda, the only time I used it was in the Cherry Lola treatment. otherwise, ACV+ water or shampoo (when needed) for step one.
2. I'm not particular here
, been using up my Wen stash for literally years.
3. clay recipe: clay, water, aloe vera juice or gel, ACV (a 'dollop' of glycerin and more aloe vera stuff than water or about equal amounts). if you need more slip, don't use oil, please! (i know that's the natural girl's first response, lol) use something that dissolves in water, ie, herbs like marshmallow root powder or slippery elm powder (i'm sure there are others) so it rinses out with the clay. you want to make it kinda on the thick side (but not too thick to rinse out) while you're less hydrated. as you progress, it can be more liquidy.
4. diluted KCKT (again, as your hair gets more hydrated, you can dilute more) + wetline xtreme gel
My trick for shrinkage: let it dry about 60-70%, throw in some huge loose bantu knots (like, 3-4 for that whole head of hair you got, I have to use more cuz my hair's still short), take down when it's about 80% dry. gently massage roots to loosen it up/ make it fall right, shake.