Are you really protective styling your natural hair?

In the past, I rarely used protective styles to actually protect my natural hair. A lot of times I went from protective style, to protective style with no break in between. Consequently, my hair was not thriving and frustration quickly set in. I eventually decided to get deeper with my hair; I learned its likes, dislikes, wants, and needs. Intentional hair care is still a work in progress but I’m happy to say that today, I use protective styles the right way: to protect and grow my natural hair.

What about you, are you really protective styling your natural hair?