Hello Myrica,
Welcome to the board /images/graemlins/grin.gif
I use braids introduced in the, Crown & Glory techniques by Robin Wood, she grew her 4a/4b hair to her waist in two years, her site
www.growafrohairlong.com is very helpful, encouraging and insightful into braiding, hair handling techniques, vitamins etc.
I cannot demonstrate for certain in terms of what methods work considerably well for growing long hair, its a matter of individual preferences. However, I'd like to add, braids and weaves which comprises of using glue does not promote long heathly strong hair.Personally, I have received good results using exstentions, once cared for properly it can aid in growing hair long.
Nevertheless, braids aren't for everyone, go with what works for you.
I wear exstentions indivduals for two months at a time. Daily, I moisturise my braids with African Pride Braid Sheen spray and add Infusium 23 original, this keeps hair soft manageable and strengthens it, with proteins to prevent split ends and breakage.
My exstentions are maintained through the process of once a week washing with creme of nature detangling shampoo, or any reputable shampoo that does not strip the afro textured hair. I squeeze out excess water with towel, then add braid spray and strengthener to saturate braids and scalp. I re-wrap braids with towel, to dry.
I started growing my hair seven months ago, using my natural hair. I continue a simlar regime, inclusive of the crown & glory tecniques, difference is i use exstentions recommended by Robin, because they keep style longer than natural hair.
I've always had quite long hair I can't say how long, but here are my photos.
http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/deniselhaynes
I hope this helps, good luck! /images/graemlins/smile.gif