HappyAtLast,
10 months post?
I can barely get to 3 months! I normally stretch to 10 weeks. I've gone longer (16 weeks) but it just leads to breakage upon breakage no matter how gentle I am with my hair.
I tried using gel but really don't like or prefer it. I love Bee Mine Curly Butter or HairVeda Whipped Gelly for my edges.
I take down daily to M&S unless I'm on vacation or relaxer stretching. In those times, I'll keep the bun in for 2-3 days before taking it down. On the days I don't take down, I spritz my hair with diluted conditioner (Aubrey Organics White Camellia) or Bee Mine Juicy and baggy for a few hours to ensure the hair is receiving proper hydration. After I remove the baggy, I will put a drop of oil on my hands, rub them together and pat my hair to seal in the moisture with being extra careful not to mess up or make the style frizzy.
I love a variety of prods that is detailed
here. However, I typically use/rotate the following: Aubrey Organics White Camellia (moisturizer), avocado oil (seal), HairVeda Amala Cream Rinse (co-cleanse), HairVeda Amala Deep (clarify), Bee Mine Botanicals (moisturizing shampoo), Sally's GVP Conditioning Balm (DC), Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (DC) and/or HairVeda SitriNillah (DC).