Welcome to the boards!

I'm in the braid camp. My hair is below my shoulders now, but when I did my first tri, it was just below my ears, with lots of annoying layers. Annoying for sports, that is! As it grew out, I had the option to either use a lot of bobby pins (annoying), or french braid it. I do two french braids, one from each side of my head, to get in the little pieces in the front. The little braids meet in the middle, just about ear level, in the back, and then I braid the rest down the back in one braid. This has worked out very well for swimming, biking, and running. I just can't stand the little pieces that flap in my face otherwise.

I'm glad you asked about conditioner, as I've been wondering myself. I color my hair (cover the grey with blonde), and don't want to end up with green hair from the chlorine. So I'm going to use the above tips about soaking with fresh water and putting on oil or conditioner before getting in the pool.

I did an Oly tri with some newbie friends last summer. I ended up french braiding their hair as we waited for the swim start. It keeps the hair closer to the head, and I find it easier to fit under a swim cap and helmet than a ponytail. As archibella said, though, you do have to adjust your helmet fit to accomodate the braid!

Best wishes, Lise