How to manage really really thick and puffy hair? Please?

i am the same age and have the same hair and i know, it is REALLY uncomfortable! You need to use a lot of conditioner because of the thickness but make sure you rinse it out COMPLETELY! if you don't it will make your hair greasy. then try putting it in braids before you go to bed. this is just all around good because it protects your hair and helps it grow. also, if you want to straighten your hair yourself with a flat iron, try using heat protection spray and shampoo/conditioner with heat protection. also, you could do a half-up-half-down thing where you just put the top layer of your hair in a ponytail, it looks pretty cute and your hair doesn't feel so thick. and, instead of spending money at a salon to get it straightened, you can just ask your hair-dresser to cut your hair in layers.