I work fake braided extensions for years. I grew my hair out natural that way, but I didn't retain nearly as much growth as I should have, because I did not treat my own hair well when it was down. I became so dependant on that fake hair, I didn't want to be seen without it.
I think the pulling the braids did, especially when I pulled them back, made my crown thin. Luckily it has grown back. I never had a problem with my edges.
The only time I had a weave style was when my aunt used bonding glue in my hair when I was a teen. That is the most f*cking stupid thing a person could do to their hair, and I remember how much it hurt trying to get it out.
Right now I never want to see another strand of fake hair, or hair that is not mine, ever again. The only exception I MIGHT make is some nice cornrows as a protective style. Other than that I am so happy to be nappy. I just feel like if I wore hair that wasn't mine I would be perpetrating a fraud, it's just not true to me anymore.