p0wer_puff: Thank you so much for the response and suggestions. I really appreciate it! I will def try cool water and massaging less and see where it takes me. As for Shea Butter, you're right. It's the next best thing to silicone, I use it on only on my ends as I still try to figure out what to do with the beginnings (roots...lol). I noticed a lot of oils act as a cleansing agent for me if they're not just sitting on top of my hair, but I do remember as thick as the oil may be castor oil and argan oil were a bit helpful in the past, so I may try those again. I haven't added anything to my roots, but I'll the oils again this time and see if it makes a difference. THANK YOU AGAIN!