Oh my gosh, yes I have thick hair and it sucks! I have such a weird and obsessive hair complex and it's because my hair has been an unruly monster most of my life. I spent almost my entire life up into my mid 20s hating my hair because I couldn't even do simple things like running my fingers through it.

I wear my hair long because same reason as yours, short and medium just doesn't work.

I found that Moroccan brand shampoo and conditioner has worked great for me hair, I usually buy extra of the shampoo because I run out of that first. Yet sometimes I substitute it with a (cheaper) alternate salon brand (but I can't remember the name - Green Leaf something). It really cleans my hair thoroughly but isn't so harsh that it will dry my hair out. The conditioner is great because it actually leaves me hair feeling silky and smooth without feeling greasy or weighted down.

Moroccan brand is on the pricey end but I think it's worth it, when people say you get what you pay for. You really get what you pay for with this stuff. If I use a cheaper grocery store brand shampoo my hair is a frizzy nappy wreck no matter what I do to it.

I also use the Moroccan oil which last me about a year because I don't have to use a lot. I just use one pump of the oil when my hair is still wet from the shower and rub that all into the ends and tips to help prevent breakage and split ends. Then I blow dry it and use a flat iron on it to smooth it all out.

I've been told by friends that my hair looks so good that they almost mistake it for a wig because it's just so smooth, thick and perfect. Especially if it's been freshly dyed and the color is still very vibrant.

I wash my hair about three times a week, I always blow dry it and flat iron it first thing out of the shower. After that I don't really have to do anything with it, sometimes flat iron it if I sleep on it funny. I can actually run my fingers through my hair like a normal person!!! Yay!! If I'm being a shut in on the weekends and don't plan on leaving the house I only need to wash my hair twice a week.