I'm natural 4a too.
You could actually use weaves as a protective style. You did mention that you had success with this earlier so why change it up. You may also want to put it in a braid style, anything to leave it alone for a significant amount of style. Or try a technique like this
www.growafrohairlong.com
many have adored it.
or also someone I introduced the ladies here to this past fall in this thread longhairdon'tcare2011
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=395730&highlight=
this is the direct video2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6wFWeUg4r8
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I believe blackhairmasterpiece dedicated a thread to her earlier this year following some of her techniques that you may want to check out. I'm not sure if they have a challenge going on . I'll have to look that up.
But you can see here how staying braided up is worth it.
I hit mbl last year, been cutting out layers slowly, and in big chunks here and there, this past year, and have been utilizing braiding techniques without weave to help for a fast grow out. I posted longhairdon't care because I got the blowdrying addition from her. Something I wasn't doing before but as my hair gets to longer lengths, I wanted other options, though I haven't really blow dried often. But I can tell you I grew it out with jut braids alone. Simple and true.
I had so many layers to get out long and and a really short piece at the top that I had to grow out from a stylist. Went to a hair stylist who used a hot comb too hot and seared my hair in the middle top of my head. I saw the piece break, and she quickly tried to smooth it in. But It was like what the?!!! Naw! We need to talk Give me a mirror. I need to see the damage you did. That's why I usually do my own hair ( only trusted one other stylist and she's in California)..Get this Lady, she had the nerve to tell me that's what I get for moving!
I didn't move then but I sure did after she burnt m hair and tried to turn it on me. Fighting words! I promptly got up and left without paying. Lord it took all my will power not to KILL her) Had to chop that and grow it out too My goal is to get them out fast and then move on to wsl. Luckily though I have fine strand I have dense hair. I have so many strands that it could blend in. But I want my hair all one length (or maybe a couple longer layers butr that it) .
But braiding is the way I've grown it in the past and it is no joke if you work it!:grin