It's that time of year again when i do protective styles for 6 mos straight. However, last year when i did it, alhtough i notice TREMENDOUS growth adding the hair resulted in a lot of breakage around my edges and in the back. So i will not be adding any synthetic hair or at least not often. I've decided that i am going to stick with these mini box braids on my natural hair for the next 6-9 mos as much as possible. I will be switching it up and doing so styles with the braids in. But i just love this little stle. It's so versatile and still able to be moisturized easily and what not. i can get to my problem areas easily.