Urgent Question about weaving/braids

For years now on and off i have been having about
3 tracks put in ,in 3 horizontal braids and most of my
natural hair is on top and in between these 3 tracks (
so its not covered by any means) ,, anyway even tho
not much hair goes into those 3 braids it is still my
hair and i was wondering becuz the woman who
does them does not use extra weave hair ,, she just
braids my own ,, is this more damaging and also
what should i apply to the hair b4 it goes into a
braid,, id like to start taking better care now even tho
i've been abusing it for years with tracks,, should
some kind of oil or something for strength be
applied b4? as of this month im switching the
woman that does my tracks becuz she seems truly
careless about protecting my hair... any tips would
be helpful....