Thanks for the compliments ladies.
After joining this board and really practicing good habits I am convinced it was chemicals that kept me from retaining length. Not neccesarily relaxers but color for me- even after stopped relaxing. I knew my ahir was growing but for some reason the length just wasnt there. IT WAS THE COLOR...
The knowledge I've gain here has truly help me to see the error of my ways. I will color again once I've reached my goal, but I am NOW equipped with knowing what chemicals to do to the hair(or what it takes away from the hair), so for me the lack of protein was it. No amount of moisture would/could fix what altering my color did to the health of my hair. I have found a wonderful balance with protein and moistore for my hair.
I think its about finding what it is your hair craves and needs to retain the lovely locs we all want. Unfortunately and fortunatley it requires a trial and error approach, but thanks to the ladies here we pretty much know which way to go based on others experiences and most effective research.