What is your current lenght?
I'm natural, currently somewhere around WL and TB length when pressed. The front is a little shorter than that.
What is your hair type?
Type 3-4. I think mostly 4A.
How often do you wear your hair down?
I wear it down a litte more often lately. I'd say about 2 weeks per month.
Do you retain a good amount of lenght when your hair is down?
I retain a good amount of length when my hair is simply left alone after it has been initially styled at the salon. I also retain the most length when its kept clean because dirty hair for me = breakage. In between visits, I rarely use a gang of products becasue I think oversaturation with a bunch of products does not allow your hair to breathe properly. And I dont overdo it on the burshing and combing. Once in the morning and once at night and that's it.
Do you think that protective stles are overrated
?
While I dont believe they are overrated, I do believe that they can be used too much. For example - if you wear an bun every day, there will eventually be breakage in the area of where the base of the bun is twisted. Its all relative.
Im not enjoying my hair
You should enjoy the fact that you have the hair to have a solid starting point. At least you have something to work with
I want to wear it down more often
Please give me hope
Aww...you have to just stay encouraged and dont micro-manage your hair like you're waiting for paint to dry. When I was frustrated because I felt like I was stuck at MBL, the crown & glory method really helped me get over that hump. Maybe you should try that. Best wishes.