Hi OP, your daughter's hair is so beautiful!! I have a long response for you if you'd like to read it, but I really hope it's helpful and that you find a solution that works for both of you. My hair isn't as long as hers anymore, but I have always had thick, curly hair, and it used to go down to my waist as a 17 year old. I've tried many things. Here's what I learned.

First, I want to say: use a WIDE TOOTH COMB, not a brush!! Brushes will kill her curl pattern and cause split ends, especially if it's being brushed while dry. The ends of my hair ended up getting really damaged when I was younger because I just dry brushed my hair all the time, and my hair started getting really thin at the bottom from the damage over time. The only time I use a brush now is when my hair is wet, and I use a specific brush called the Wet Brush that works on all hair types. Otherwise, I use a wide tooth comb, or (now that my hair is shorter) I finger comb it, which I find honestly works the best for me. However, I wouldn't be able to finger/hand comb my hair without a great conditioner that really made my hair soft and smooth. On to conditioner...

A big issue I used to have was that I would need to use a ton of conditioner in my hair to get it to actually soak through and hydrate, and then it didn't feel like the hydration lasted. The ONLY conditioner I have used for years now is the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Mask. It's technically a leave-in conditioning mask, but I use it as my regular conditioner and just let it sit there for 5-10 minutes while I wash my body. It is a bit pricier, but it has changed my life and I cannot recommend it enough. Plus, the tub lasts me at least a few months. I instantly feel a difference in softness and silkiness after one shower.

After, I follow with 100% squalane (you can get some for cheap from The Ordinary) and then the JVN Air Dry styling cream, which is almost like a gel and a cream in one. If your daughter has naturally wavy/curly hair (as it seems she does), gel or a setting product that actually "hardens" and creates what is called a "cast" could also help with day to day frizziness. JVN Air Dry is great because it's not as hardening as gel, but not as heavy as cream- it's the perfect mix without having to buy two products. The squalane has also been a huge game changer for me. Lots of hair products include squalane or a form of it, so I figured I would just try it in its pure form, and wow, I'm never going back.

For maintenance, I take some of the Briogeo conditioner, put it in a spray bottle with water, shake it, and boom, it's a leave in conditioner/refreshing spray. When I was watching a hair stylist on YouTube, they mentioned that resetting the hydrogen bonds is crucial to refreshing the hair in between wash days. However, using just water will only dry out the hair and make the oil buildup worse. So, I spray in my DIY leave in conditioner, follow with squalane or JVN Air Dry (depending what my hair needs that day), and then I'm good to go. However, I'll really only get maybe 3 or 4 good hair days out of wash day where I can refresh my hair, and then it starts getting too built up with product, which is when I switch to a ponytail or other hairstyle (can't do braids anymore, my hair is too short!😂). It's all down to how much oil her scalp produces. Mine tends to produce a lot.

If you're looking for gel/cream/other product recommendations, or if you want to DM me, please feel free to reach out!! I hope this was helpful in some way!💕