If someone were to ask me for hair growth tips, I would simply tell them: stop braiding. I'll tell you my story soon. And when I say braiding, I usually mean knotless braids and all these styles that tug at your hair and can eventually cause traction alopecia. So, to the story. One time, I braided my hair. I’m usually very impatient with taking down braids, so I prefer when someone helps me take them down. But this time, I was alone. I started taking down the braids myself, and by the time I got to the front, I was already tired and impatient. I tried to be gentle, but the braids were already loose, and in the process of taking them out, they pulled out my front hair too. For several months, I walked around with a bald spot at the front of my hair. Months after I stopped doing knotless braids and started wearing my natural hair, using wigs occasionally, washing my hair weekly, and using products that didn’t clog my follicles or cause itching, my hair started growing back. So again, if you ask me how to grow your hair, I’ll tell you to stop braiding so-called “protective styles.” Most of them are not actually protective. The only styles I truly consider protective are simple braids done with your natural hair alone. And even then, avoid tugging at your edges or front hair. You're welcome.