If your hair seems to prefer the -cones, then a vinegar rinse every week or so should help prevent the build up.  If you notice your ends getting stiff and crunchy, it is time to clarify!

I tried going cone-free a few months ago.  But after about 3 weeks, my hair started feeling and looking terrible--dry, lifeless and just yucky in general.  Back to my coned shampoo and conditioner I went.  Lo and behold, my hair looked and felt great again.  So mine is one of the few heads of hair that actually likes cones.  I also do an acv rinse once a week.   

I've been cone free for about 9 months now.  My hair felt like straw, too, but I kept up the hot oil treatments and did several treatments of mixing equal parts oil and conditioner (rinse this one out by mixing vinegar, lemon juice and conditioner) and my hair finally got hydrated enough that I'll remain cone free.  I have wavy hair-which in the past really like cones.  Right now I use Jessicurl's styling products or nothing (cone free).  You'll get used to your hair looking different and you can persevere OR use cones.  It is up to you!!!

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That's most interesting panpeus, I used jojoba at the same time I was going cone-free and found the oil made my hair feel like straw, although coconut oil did wonders. Perhaps, it's time to try it again and see if it was a combination effect.

Sakina and Anais are correct in that cones are either great for your hair or not. Everyone behaves differently. I mean, look at these two hair goddesses! Both have hair to die for and each has a different regime with respect to cones. For me, I jumped on the no-cones band-wagon, and, in my case, it worked out well. Granted there was a period of adjustment, although short, that I had to be more patient with my hair after a wash. I now have a less expensive solution to washing my hair AND my hair is really healthy. I can honestly say my hair feels just as clean and slippery now as when I was using Pantene. Depends on the hair, though and ya just gotta give it time and a little experimentation.

I would say, if your patience wears thin, either jump on the board and get support or give in and use a cone or two. If the latter, a good ACV rinse every week or two will certainly go a long way to healthier hair.