I used to wash once a week, back when I had time to straighten my luxurious long locks. LOL....

Now I try to do it twice a week because I have to use *gasp* product to tame my crazy waves. Usually though I'm lucky to get a shower by myself once a week to actually wash my hair. Just don't ask me how often I shave my legs......................... *shifty eyes*

I use bedhead brand shampoo. They come in gigantic 700ml bottles (with pump tops for convenience!) and cost me $60 for the shampoo and conditioner set. I've had them since I was about 7mths pg. So they last ages. The particular type I use is called 'brunette goddess'. Smells like caramel. Seriously, give that brand a go- I'm sure they'll have a type to suit your hair.

Would chemical straightening be an option? If you still have that lovely natural haircolour and lack of previous chemical processes, it's totally worth the money. Just might take a while to save for but it would solve the problem of having to straighten every day! The product they use is Keratin........... perhaps even a shampoo with that in it would help to keep your hair sleek without a straightening iron.

And that's my bossy advice, which you have no choice but to follow TO THE LETTER. lol. By the way, you are beautiful whether you straighten your hair or not. If you'd like to learn some easy and spunky up-do's, I can boss you around in that aspect too. Yes, I dabbled in a little hairdressing before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

- Just had to add that the cheaper supermarket brand shampoos will do a better job drying your hair out as they're um.. cheap. lol. There's also the old cheeky trick of a little bit of powder on your palms, run through your hair to soak up any excess oil. Though I'm not sure how that would go on such dark hair... you don't want the 'had a fight with the talcum powder' look..... I might try this one out!