I took the braids out the second week in April after keeping them in for about 3 weeks. So it has been about 8-9 weeks and my hair is growing back. The amazing thing about it was that I had a tremendous amount of growth while I had the braids in. During that time, my hair grew at least an inch. I am used to getting maybe an inch a month if I am lucky, so this was really a great surprise. I was taking both biotin and l-cysteine at the time, so maybe that had something to do with it. As a matter of fact, I really do believe that was the cause because I just permed my hair about a month ago and I really need a perm now badly.
Bitesized, in order to get it growing, I pretty much relied on the vitamin E capsules and my supplements. At first while my hair was still in the braids, I kept putting aloe vera gel and vitamin E on my edges and scalp, so maybe that is why my scalp was not permanently damaged. I did not change very much about my regular regimen except that I was careful not to wear tight ponytails, use heat, or anything that would stress out my edges. I continue to do a weekly deep condition that has kept my hair in great shape, as well as keeping it moisturized daily with carrot oil (mainly on the ends).