Length Retention & The Struggle

I have always struggled with length retention while keeping my hair out (i.e. not in extensions). On top of my hair growing at a slow rate and being prone to splits, I have suffered with retaining as much length as I would like. No matter what I do, my hair breaks. The things I have tried are:

1.  Mini Twists/2 Strand Twists
2. Updos
3. Mini braids
4. Low manipulation styles (i.e. Twist outs)

I even adopted a high protein regimen but I didn't stick with it long enough to see results. To me, it makes no sense in growing out my hair if all I can do to grow it is hide it with synthetic hair. I want to try to grow my hair without the aid of extensions. Today marks the start of my grow out challenge.

I'll give myself 1 month of low manipulation styles and a high protein regimen (my summer regimen) to see if I can do this without extensions. These are the things I will do:

1. Wash weekly.
2. Wash and go or 2 Strand Twist my hair (out style will be on days I go out).
3. Heavy ayuvedic powder based (I'm henna glossing every wash day and spraying moisturizing with my henna tea 3x a week).
4. Scalp massage everyday/every other day - Only because I love it.
5. Keep my hands out of my hair - especially while wearing a wng. I love to pull on my tiny coils and watch them snapback.

I measured my hair on June 28th. On July 28th, I'm hoping to retain at least a half inch.
  Starting measurements are as follows:

• Left Back (nape): 9.5in
• Middle Back (nape): 10.25in
• Right Back (nape): 9in
• Left Side: 9in
• Right Side: 9in
• Front 7.75-8in
• Crown: 7in

Let's see what this brings.