I was natural for about 3 years and relaxed about 3.5 years ago because I had so much hair and I didn't know what to do with it. I also had a hard time finding a natural hair stylist that I could afford at the time. When I relaxed I was fine until my "great" hair stylist got pregnant and moved to another state. As I experimented with new stylists my hair became way too damaged and therefore, I am natural again and happy. My last relaxer was about a year ago and I hated the anemic status of my hair. I don't think I will ever relax again because I don't want to feel dependent upon anyone else again for the health of my hair and I don't feel comfortable relaxing my own hair.
When my hair gets really long this time I think I will be better informed from these websites to make better styling options. For some reason, I feel that there are more naturals and better information for taking care of longer natural hair now. I am not sure if that is true or I didn't know where to find information the last time.
In reference to styling options, the only times I have long styling days are when I experiment or on the wash days that I apply henna. Whether I am straight or natural, I will apply oil before I wash, shampoo, condition and deep condition. After I wash, I put my hair in flat twists. The next day I wear a flat twist out. If my hair was straight then I would roll my hair. Either way they both take time. On wash day, the flat twists may take a half an hour longer.
I think staying natural is a personal preference and some people will find a way to make it work, others will not and others just prefer straight hair and whatever someone decides to do, it is all good.
Sorry for the long post.
My significant other is my biggest supporter so that makes me feel even better about my choice.