Maybe I don’t know as much as I thought

...about hair. After about 5-6 years of wearing braided extensions, I got sick of them. The long hours sitting, long hours taking them out, a stylist who wasn't punctual, and having to do them over when I was home, I got fed up. I relaxed my hair myself with TCB No-base Mild. I got scared half way through and rinsed it out. There was barely a diff in my fine but 4a/b hair and it was okay but I later let my aunt relax my hair with the regular strength of the same brand. Again my hair was not straightened and now badly damaged. Between that and what I now realize was a big no-no: washing twice a week with SLS-filled Garnier Fructis Sleek 'n Shine Shampoo and some cond I don't even remember since I threw many bottles of junk in the TRASH, I had a great deal of breakage. After forum surfing, I switched to the gentler and more acidic CON Ultra-moisturizing Shampoo and also use Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo, DPR-11, and Capilo Cinammon Conditioner. Occasionally Queen Helene Jojoba Hot oil treatment. My hair is no longer breaking as badly but I have a large broken section of about a 1 inch length, everywhere else nearly 8. It is not noticeable to others as long as I don't place their fingers over it. It just irks me touching it, though. I jokingly considered shaving my head, but it's not really necessary. I can style it well enough but it is daily and tedious. I know it will take me 1.5 years to recover my former length and cut off the semi-relaxed hair. I may braid it again if I can bear it. Has anyone had a similar experience? How did you cope with the disparity in lengths? 

General Info: Is it possible to achieve a straight look on virgin hair (fine 4a/b) with simply a mild (lye) relaxer?

That's so crazy! What shampoo/conditioner were you using at the time and how often did you wash?

I've got a job interview in less than a weeks time. I think I'll pull it up in a (tiny) bun. I'm strapped for cash so I don't have the option of running out and getting a really professional short cut (thanks to college!) I keep thinking about Halle Berry in Die Another Day but I'm 5'10", thin & not very curvy, never wear make-up and always wear sneakers so you could imagine it may backfire and not be as feminine as I would like.