You all have such great tips, but I dont follow any of them, lol.
I have long hair, always have. It's a bit shorter than it used to be, but not by much. I rarely use conditioner, leave in or otherwise. Sometimes I used two in one shampoos. Mostly, I just brush it out with a paddle brush before I shower, wash it with shampoo (Usually some herbal essences), dry it with a towel a little bit, and then either brush it again, or put it straight up in a bun with some clips. I find it depends on the water a lot. When I shower at school, I find my hair is a lot smoother, while at home I'm more likely to use conditioner every once and awhile.
Basically, keep it natural, and see if that works for you. It might take a little getting used to, but I think it's worth it. So does my pocketbook.
Ro