It is no secret that I don’t protective style regularly to retain growth. I am a witness to the power of protective styling and I’ve seen the amazing progress of those that bun regularly, wear wigs and weaves, and keep braids for months at a time. I don’t think – I KNOW – it works. However, I also read the threads of women complaining of how they are so sick and tired of their bun, their husbands and significant others hate their wigs/weaves, they are so ready to feel their hair down, etc. and for me the sacrifice isn’t worth it!!! There are plenty of times I get lazy and just throw my hair in a bun, or I actually prefer to wear a bun. I also love my wigs and weaves. LOVE EM! Here are a few of my favorite looks since the start of my HHJ.
Braid out on my sew-in Weave
My favorite half-wig, Model Model Cocktail Bay Breeze. I braided the front of my hair and placed the wig on the back. 
High Bun
Despite how healthy they are for the hair and how much I utilize them as emergency styles or to change up my look – I do not rely on them as a means to grow out my hair soley. For me they are hairstyles not protective styles, although they serve the purpose of both. As I’ve grown my hair, I have immensely enjoyed wearing my hair down, in rollersets, braidouts, caruso steam roller sets, flexirods, half-up, half down ‘dos, any everything in between! I just make sure to monitor my ends, give it a rest when I feel it needs it, apply extra moisturizer and a heavy sealant to protect it.
I am sure that if I had worn weaves for the 2 years I’ve been on my hair journey, I would’ve already reached my final goal of mid-back length. However, the sheer joy of running my hands through my hair, feeling it whip in the breeze, smiling as people comment on how long/healthy/thick my hair is, and being able to flip it over my shoulder as I flirt is FARRRRR too worth it for me to keep it in hiding until my final length goal is reached!
So I applaud and cheer as women vow to keep their hair hidden for a period of time, but for me….I just go with whichever styling option I feel at the moment. Right now…I just happen to be in a “keep it hidden” frame of mind, lucky me!
