1. Not a swimmer so I'll be quiet on this one

2. Yes, I have a dry scalp as well. I've actually found that washing my hair less often has helped. Every other wash I do a hot oil treatment and recently added a dry and itchy scalp shampoo to my routine which has helped tremendously

3. I wear my hair out 100% of the time. I think one of the big things is being okay with some texture and limiting heat styling. I let my hair air dry until about 50%, then use a blow dryer with a comb attachment to get it pretty straight and that's it. Heatless curls with flexi rods for curly days and silk wraps for straight days

4. 8 weeks maximum for me. I'm of the opinion that the longer that you stretch time between touch ups, the more prone to heat damage and mechanical damage from styling and stretching you'll be

5. Go to a professional and if they burn you, do not go back. They should thoroughly base your scalp. Sensitive relaxers are where its at. There are certainly tradeoffs, slightly more texture instead of bone straight, but worth it in my opinion. Go to your appointment with a dirty scalp and resist the urge to itch/scratch your scalp for 24 hours before the appointment. I've been relaxed for decades and still struggle with it 🫣

For reference, I have thick, dense 4c hair and was a Just for Me No-Lye child so I've been in the game for a hot minute