There are always options.
1. You can get a braid video like by Braids By Breslin and learn how to braid and cornrow (canerow) better. Most folks says it just takes a lot of practice more than any unique talent. I cannot braid or cornrow yet, but I'll be learning over the summer.
2. Get your hair braided or cornrowed by someone else, and ask them for tips/assistance. Often people are willing to help (even if for a little fee).
3. At 9", your hair should look cute in twists. I have 6" of hair, and I can wear twists--I just have to make them smaller, since my hair is shorter.
CountryGal has the perfect example of how small twists can look fabulous on hair your length.
4. When all else fails 4b hair is made to wear shrunken fros and afro puffs--and when I don't have time to do some new style-into a headband puff it goes. I used to wear my hair in a ponytail everyday when I was relaxed, so it's not a big deal for me to wear my hair in a headband puff daily if I need to. Adding accessories is also a way to wear the same style but make it look different everyday.
You may have delicate hair--make sure your hair stays extremely well moisturized. You might be a slow hair grower, but I'd check to see if there are other problems too--like your diet, excercise, or your hair routine. My hair grows a little slower than average, and I have 5"-7" of hair in a year and six weeks of growth. I CW twice weekly-daily and I'm a moisture junkie. I don't do protective styles though.