Please feel free to add on. I was asked to add a few of my tips being that I am a long-term stretcher, trying to get to 2-3 times a year. I have a 4-something hair texture.
I relaxed 3 times last year, but I wasn't even trying to and didn't realize until I checked my journal. Feb 2008, May 2008, Sept. 2008 . This year Jan 2009, Apr 2009, hopefully Oct/Nov 2009.

What helped me during my long-term stretching to 18+ weeks post:
* Thoroughly moisturizing and sealing. Once I get past 12 weeks I have to moisturize my hair a little differently. I apply moisturizer to my roots first and then the length of the strands. By doing it this way, I am able to flatten my NG with a scarf afterwards. I am also able to go 1-2 days before I need to moisturize again. I also use my moisturemix, as well once I get past 12 weeks.

* I cowash and dc 1-2 times/wkly, more depending on styling.

* I wear more textured styles. Braidouts, bantu knots, curls, twist outs and wear plenty of headbands/hair candy to disguise my NG. Braidouts and cf-curls have given me the best camouflaged roots results. The cf's have enough tension to take care of my roots.

* Bunning is convenient also, but I don't like stretching if there is nothing that I can do to my hair in the mean time. When I moisturize my hair thoroughly bunning goes smoothly but if not, I can't lay my hair flat b/c my NG would be dry and difficult to lay down.

* I DIY-Steam Method- with every dc so I'm sure this helps as well. I make sure that I apply it to my roots and weak areas and then to the length of my hair.

As you can see, there is nothing really difficult about stretching, well nothing that you probably aren't already doing. There's really no secret. It's just patience and creativity. It requires more product to your roots and more application time. Styling requires a softer than usual touch. It's basically patience, b/c you already know that you plan to relax so once you get past 8-9 weeks your thinking why don't I just get this over with.