Protective Styling and the great debate

So the opinion of protective styling is forever changing in the natural hair community. Some swear by it to retain length and moisture. By the use of weaves, braids, and twists no manipulation is done to the hair and therefore the hair is able to retain length and reduces breakage... if done right. On the other hand, some argue that protective styling it less stylish and is often looked down upon in a professional setting.

I personally love to wear my hair out in all of its glory, but I am definitely a fan of protective hair styling during the fall and winter months. One, because as the weather gets colder, my motivation to be cute declines and I can truely get lazy when it comes to caring for my hair. Secondly, I have made is a full year without using heat on my hair (blow dryer, flat iron) and my hair has been thriving, so I don't want to end up with pneumonia air drying my hair in the colder months. Third and most importantly, I know my hair and in the colder months it becomes dry and brittle. To combat that twists and braids help keep my strands protected and I dont have to manipulate brittle hair.

Some people have the exact opposite effects, hair retains moisture in the winter but gets extrememly dry during the spring and summer when its subjected to heat and direct sunlight. How abut your hair? Do you rock it out all the time or are you a protective style pro? Let's talk about it!