Hair Trouble! Too thick to handle!

This is for all my ladies and (and anyone else on this app). Who have long, thick hair. Due to the thickness of my hair, I’ve always kept it short until now. My hair is so thick that even when thinned, the weight gives me headaches. I have a wolf cut/lots of layers. I have bangs. It’s even thinned! Aside from a big chop, any recommendations on techniques or products that may make my hair more manageable? It’s especially headachey during that time of the month, and I have two weeks before I go through that again lol.