long term p.s.

[hairluver3550]

Is anyone ever done long term p.s
meaning a year or more? how did it go? did you see a difference in your retention?

 

[Dabaddest]

I've been braided under a wig for 2 years now. I see great length retention. I've only worn my hair out maybe 3 times and for no longer than a week. I was transitioning. Now I'm all natural and my hair is close to apl. Official length tomorrow morning. I would recommend it just be sure to pay attention to your hair underneath. I wash and dc my hair at least once a week. Co wash a few times during the week. I re braid my hair underneath my wigs once a month.

 

[SunRai Naturals]

I've been doing long term protective styling for about 2 1/2 years. When I feel like wearing it out, I'll do it for a couple weeks. The longest I kept it out was two months. I leave my cornrows in for 4-6 weeks and then I re-do them.

It has helped tremendously with my length retention. The key is to take care of the hair while it is protected. So I co-wash frequently, deep condition, keep it moisturized, gently finger detangle, and stay away from things that break my hair off (like hard lace from wigs, combs and brushes (I don't use them at all), combs in wigs (cut them out), nylon caps (wear a silk bonnet under it), barrettes that aren't ouchless, braids/ponytails that are too tight, etc...).

My hair is the longest and healthiest that it has ever been in my adult life. I am a 4b probably mostly 4c with fine strands. My hair is full APL with the longest part grazing BSL. I never knew that I could have hair this long and healthy. For the first 8 years that I was natural, I didn't even know what protective styling was and water was not my friend. (**I shaved my hair off in July 2009**) I'm always amazed when I see the progress of my hair considering I didn't even know about any of this before.

I recommend long term PS to those who have trouble retaining length- Just try it (along with taking care of the hair properly and finger detangling) for at least 3-6 months. There will be a major difference.

 

[lamaria211]

I PS for 2 years wearing wigs I went from twa to apl

 

[curlicarib]

I'm a bun kind of girl, so technically I've PS'd my entire life. I NEVER wear my hair out. My hair is MBL and HEALTHY.

 

[leiah]

I wore my hair in a bun all year, went from MBL to hip length this year.

 

[hairluver3550]

I'm challenging myself with a 2 yr protective style mission. the last 10 months I've gone from twa to cbl. I'm trying for wl in the next 3 1/2 years and this seems like a way to help the journey

 

[MsAminta]

OH YES! And I'm doing it until I reach my goal(s). Zero to APL in 2. Check my siggy pic.

 

[wednesday]

I've been braided under a wig for 2 years now. I see great length retention. I've only worn my hair out maybe 3 times and for no longer than a week. I was transitioning. Now I'm all natural and my hair is close to apl. Official length tomorrow morning. I would recommend it just be sure to pay attention to your hair underneath. I wash and dc my hair at least once a week. Co wash a few times during the week. I re braid my hair underneath my wigs once a month.

Dabaddest So when you co-wash/condition do you keep your hair in the braids? Is it just braided straight back? No Added hair? Do you always use a wig cap? Are you wearing full wigs or half wigs? Sorry for all the questions!

I PS for 2 years wearing wigs I went from twa to apl

lamaria211 How were you wearing your hair under the wig? How often did you wash and condition? Full wig?

 

[Royalq]

ive been in box braids and kinky twists since February, Ive gone from 4 inches of hair to 8. I plan to do this for a year, so ill stop in Feb 2013.

 

[TLC1020]

The most I can wear my hair in a protective style is from one relaxer to the next which is 3-4 months. I usually wear my hair down for about 3 weeks after relaxer. I probably could wear my hair tucked longer if I lived in a cold climate all year around, once spring & summer hit I want to let lose..

 

[prettybyrd]

OH YES! And I'm doing it until I reach my goal(s). Zero to APL in 2. Check my siggy pic.

MsAminta, which protective styles did you use?

 

[MsAminta]

MsAminta, which protective styles did you use?

I've used half-wigs (mostly), yarn twists, kinky twists, and currently a faux marley bun. I make sure to keep my hair juiced up (moisturized) and I usually cowash with a monthly shampoo wash.

 

[Fhrizzball]

I think once I meet BSL/MBL I might try this out myself. Right now I just do PS in the colder months and low manipulation in the warmer ones. There's a thread in the archives about a girl who went from SL/APL to WL in 1 year from straight bunning. Can't recall the exact title though.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

19 months in wigs & counting for me. Best thing I could've done for length.

 

[Just11412]

yep. i am a protective style type of girl. but i did a braid challenge last year and i saw some great retention. stopped and gave myself a break. did twists and wore my hair out occasionally. didn't really see any retention over the summer. so now i am back in mini braids and already my hair is doing well.

i definitely retain better in braids than twists or other protective styles. right now i'm going to do mini braids until july.

 

[GroovyMama]

I've been psing for a little over a year now. I have had fairly good retention. I know I would not be where I am now without it. That's for sure. The first picture is a little under a year ago, and the second picture is 5 minutes ago. I have also had two one inch cuts this year, so it could have been more.

 

[hairluver3550]

scratch my last comment I'll be ps-ing until my birthday in feb of 2016. I even have a count down app on my phone.

 

[southerncitygirl]

along with dusting every 3 months (this is also when my stylist flatirons me) i plan on leaving my hair twisted till april or may. i started doing this at the end of november so we'll see what happens...i think it will be beneficial along with my moisturizing/sealing, protein treatments, and dc-ing. if all goes well this will be my fall/winter reggie