While there are some women who use them as protective styles successfully and are able to retain their inches, I don't think there are many of them.
I would also add extension braids to that list. I still believe that extensions especially with synthetic hair eats away at your progress. I have never met an older woman who had extension braided for years and years that has healthy hair or who still has an intact hair line.
I think wigs, extension braids and weaves can be nice to switch it up and have a different look or if you are on a vacation and want the convenience but if used as a crutch to hide serious hair loss or to not have to deal with your natural hair the results will catch up to you eventually.
I have transitioned on many occasions and the one occasion where I decided not to use braid extensions, I was actually able to retain all my length and I was able to go in the front of my hair from BC to all the way past my chin (and I have a long face) in three years. Then I stupidly got heat damage and braid damage and then a relaxer which messed everything up.
Now, I am natural again and even though I am at that challenging awkward stage, I am going to master learning my hair without using the props.
Best,
Almond Eyes