To start with I think you can use alot less shampoo and conditioner than you think! Try reducing frequency of washing, or amount of shampoo and see how that goes. I used to wash mine daily, but am now to a couple of times a week. Piers rinses and hasn't used shampoo for years. He's got short hair which is easier this way too.

The aim isn't necessarily no shampoo (although it is for some) but smaller amounts to be easier on your hair. You might also have a look at the products you're using and see if you can find alternatives that are more natural.

With really long hair watch out for baking soda. It can be quite drying and might not be what you need. I haven't read that, but I know in my experience it's very good at stripping off oils. Since you're keeping your hair longer than most, you may need to take extra care.

Do let us know how you go!
Sheryl

options:

shave it off! lol!

seek out some one whom has hair you desire yet twice the age and ask them their secrets.

i dont think the asian village girls ive seen, whilst cycling asia have ever heard of pantene.

as we know, diet has a lot to do with hair.

im the only male in my family whom isnt showing baldness at age 29.

david wolfe recomends honey and lemon.

i have found that really clean water works just as well.

In India I know that ladies put coconut oil on their hair. I have really short hair at the moment but when it was a bit longer I liked just rinsing it in the shower then drying it a bit and then letting it finnish drying naturally and not even combing it. If it was quite oily and limp before a shower then after letting it dry by itself it would be soft and would lift off of my scalp. If it looked a bit dry on the ends I would rub in some essential oil or coconut oil.

Another option is dredlocks! (What I did when my hair got butt length)