by
Black Girl With Long Hair
By Charing Ball of MadameNoire.com
This is not an anti-hair weave post but rather, this is a pro-truth post.
And the hardcore, nitty-gritty straight no chaser-kind truth is that a weave is not a protective style. A weave is just a weave.
Yeah I know, what business is it of mine what someone else puts on their head? It isn’t my business – until folks try to convince me that what I’m seeing is not what I am actually seeing. And that is what has been happening as of late in a couple of the natural hair social networking groups to which I belong. Perhaps because of the change of season, the sites have been awash with posts and pictures of self-proclaimed natural hair women, rocking the 23-inches of Brazilian wet and wavy cascading down their backs. They call it “protective styling,” a term coined to describe the process in which women (and men too) hide their hair from “harmful agents.” It used to just apply to those rocking the braids and cornrows, but some of our more ingenious womenfolks have found a loophole into TeamNatural by playing fast and loose with the lingo to make it more weave-tastic.
Technically, certain wig and weave styles, particularly the sew-in, allow the hair a break from the daily stresses some women do to their hair including processing and perming, tugging and over-styling. And technically certain wigs and weave styles, are a great way to promote growth because your hair is pretty much in a dormant state from such manipulation, thus more free to do what it does uninhibited. But also technically, you have someone else’s hair on your head. And no matter how you try to spin it, that just ain’t natural.
At the core of what bugs me the most about the weave classification as a “protective style” is the distorted, if not counterproductive motives behind it. Honestly natural hair shouldn’t be this high maintenance. And unless there are hair bandits on the loose, hoping to score on the black market with a handful of your natural coils, there is really nothing in our natural environment that we have to protect the hair from. Everything else is truly about accepting and learning how to deal with your own hair as it comes out of your head – whether it comes out extra kinky or extra fine; in the snow, sleet, rain, wind or through hot summers. Acceptance of our hair is supposed to teach us that not every style choice is meant for us but that’s okay because our hair is beautiful anyway. Yet throwing a weave or some braids in your head – while a cute style – teaches you nothing about your hair, especially when you wear it for 11 months out of the year (which many of these womenfolks in TeamNatural are professing to do). All it does is just tucks away the “problem,” some folks refuse to deal with upfront. Of course, the real problem isn’t so much the hair as it is the thinking.
Likewise, what used to be about freedom from more European-centric standards of beauty, which meant forgoing all the unnecessary manipulations we put our hair through in an effort to match, or exceed, those standards – has now turned into growth challenges; angry rants about “shrinkage” and stretching; saturating our hairs with products in hopes of “defining curls” and behind the back selfies of women tugging at a small section of their hair and measuring how close it is to reaching BSL, or bra-strap level. It seems that many women don’t just want healthy hair; they just want lots of hair. And I’m not talking about big kinky, curly hair like a Tracy Ross (but that too) but also long hair, the kind you can swing about like your name was Becky. It’s a sad thing to say but the more I observe this heightened emphasis among naturals for “length” and “protection,” the more I realize that many of us have carried much of the same baggage along with us into what was supposed to be a liberating movement.
It’s true whether or not folks are willing to admit to themselves. And no cutesy, made-up technical term is going to hide the fact that many of these weaved-up naturalists are no different than Shay Shay and her best girlfriend LaQuanita, who trek over to the neighborhood Korean beauty supply store and haggle with them over 18”inches of 100 percent Brazilian. They, like our “protective” stylers, want to wear a weave because they want long hair and their nappy, possibly short, hair won’t enable them to have it. Long hair, don’t care. And think I’m lying or misrepresenting? When was the last time you’ve seen someone with a “protective style” get a short nappy weave? Rest my case counselors.
It probably shouldn’t bother me as much as any of the thousands of other contradictory ways in which we choose to live (present company not excluding). But for the last month or so, I have watched as several well-meaning womenfolk, try genuinely to raise both the contradiction and overuse of the term protective styling issue in these hair groups, only to be ostracized and demonized under the hair-slur of Hair Nazi. More than anything, I wanted to write a post to let those sisters know that you’re not crazy or delusional or hating. Many of us have yet to get past the stage of our “transition” where we stop equating length with strength, healthy condition and overall beauty. That’s why we have to exercise some patience even as we continue to set the record straight about the joys of embracing one’s own curl patterns as our personal biology and genetics intended.
Alternatively for my weave-loving sisters: Who cares if you wear a weave? People stopped tripping about that sometime in the late 80s into the early 90s. If I was rocking a weave I would not hide behind Negro-correct terminologies like “protective styling.” I would wear my weave loudly and proudly, testifying to all of its lengthy, straight and flexibility of styling choices it allows me to achieve that I couldn’t achieve naturally. Seriously, it is truly okay. Just don’t try to con the rest of us into accepting your weave as some sort of amendment to natural hair. Truth is, that weave stopped being natural the day it left the head of its original owner.
Ladies, what are your thoughts?
444 Responses
Do ur thing and let others do theirs and don’t judge cos before we were born it has been there!
I ain’t “anti weave or wig” anything like that. But you gotta understand that everyone (individuals) has different opinions so respect it , and don’t throw a fit in their face.
I don’t like perm, weave, ext, or wig because of highly harm agents but nobody even family will listen to me. So I just let them wearing whatever they want. Even thru I am 100% natural. They kept asking how my hair so thick and long faster, I had to answer with truth brutally that came from natural products and natural hair is just easy to grow because it has nothing fraction or harm agents that held back. Not many ppl believe me, only admire the idea that thick or long may be on their head. That is why many ppl get weave. I just ingore and leave it be. It aint my own business or hair. Even if my mom, grandma, or aunt did it. It is for them to learn in hard way.
I agree with the writer’s points about “protective styling” being a problematic term. My sister’s and I all grew up with natural hair and when we styled our hair, that’s just what it was, a style. I know that as this millennium progresses society has exhibited a fascination and need to classify every and anything. But when it comes to hair, especially natural hair, all the labels are getting a little old. A style is a style. If your hair breaks off while it’s in that style, then maybe it’s not for you. Plenty of women can not wear some “protective styles” because their hair just won’t do it. So for them, a protective style ain’t protecting nothing. It’s all about what works for you.
Braids, weaves, and twists are all styles that allow some women to have a break from doing their hair. Nothing is wrong with that. But I wish that we didn’t have to operate under the guise of being super natural hair savvy all of the time just because of the way we choose to wear our hair. To me, natural hair care should not be this complicated. And as a community, we should not be so judgmental. So Brittany has got some nappy hair, who cares? And Kayla got a weave down past her kneecaps. How exactly is it affecting your life? It ain’t.
***PLEASE We need your support***
PLEASE Support God Kept Me Fundraiser The Jamal Strayhorn Accident Fund @ http://gfwd.at/151Z8ud On Facebook type God Kept me Fundraiser
On Facebook type in God kept me fundraiser and hit “like” that will and share to your wall. Thank you!
My reply to this ridiculous article on my hair blog.
http://babygirlhair.blogspot.com/2013/09/reply-to-opinion-weave-is-not.html
The main issue with this post is that you didn’t make your point. In the very beginning you state that weaves are NOT A protective style and then give many reasons why it is, hiding behind the word “technically”. Then you finally delve into the “point” by saying that its not natural. What point are you making? Is it a protective stye or is it not because its not “natural” to wear someone else’s hair on your head? You’re being disingenuous by this misleading title. What was that? Shock value? You did more to prove that weave Is a protective style while hiding behind your apparent bias of weave. Ridiculous.
I’m a man. The truth is, I’d f**k a girl with a weave…but I’d defiantly not wife her.Those kind of women disgust me!
Unlike the rest of you ladies! I wear kinky twist extension to grow my hair longer!!
I cant style my own hair and most NATURAL HAIR STYLES DONT LOOK RIGHT on me. Instead i’m growing my hair to the point where i can BUN it in it’s shrunken state. Where i wont need clips or grease. MY TRUTH!!!
@ eve-audrey I communicate just fine dear. Like she said, lets just agree to disagree because this will never ever end because you continue to try and insult me. Hence the word TRY. I am not upset, angry, nor am I insulted. I just posted a comment that got way too much attention from some people. Others just thumbs downed it and kept it moving. So how about this. Ignore all my other comments and let this statement replace them all. “I respectfully disagree with this article.” 🙂 Hope this helps!
Ladies, let us not resort to name calling and such. We all have different perspectives on hair and subject matter. I don’t want us to resort to name calling and put downs. We have enough in the world going against us…agree to disagree. Again, these are ONLY helpful suggestions! #HHJ
lol i guess you are right let’s just say we’re done. i should have known it’s relly hard to drive an angry person to calm down. that troll is telling me to read a book when i read enough books to be able to communicate in her language. i’m not sure she could be able to communicate in mine.
bref have a nice evening
Please do! And just an F.Y.I. Color is not considered natural sweetheart! Also, men are a joke because all the women they look at in the media have weave all down their back, and they LOVE them. I have been married for almost 8 years and MY MAN said that THE ONLY REAL REASON a man doesn’t want his women to wear extensions is because he is insecure and doesn’t want other men to look at or notice her. So I now disagree with your statement. My man loves me and my weave in every length, texture, and color that I wear it!
And why are YOU so angry about what other people do with their own hair? I have always been curious about why someone who is secure would sound as bitter angry and ignorant as you. Unless you feel personnally threatened by this post you should just go on a weave site looking for the next indian korean or brazilian hair you will put on your head. Your husband likes a woman who’s not only an angry troll but can’t leave her house without someone hair on her head because she feels ugly with her own. It’s his business not ours. and please i havé nothing against women who wear weaves but you might be kidding when you imply that they all look good. Just in case you don’t know other races are making fun you and think black women wear weaves because they HAVE TO not by choice. Women on this site make that belief untrue everyday if you don’t like it that’s your prerogative. Ps: please join a picture of your fabulous self with your next post so that we can see what your husband is so afraid of getting stolen
Sweetheart listen up, and listen good. I do not give a got damn how other women wear their hair. It was my understanding that whomever wrote this article cared more than I do. And please do not try to tell me what MY husband likes. lol Silly girl! I have been a loyal weave wearer long before I met my husband, and will continue to do so. Trust if he didn’t like it, he wouldn’t be here. Like I stated before, I don’t care what the next woman has on her head, her body, her mind, whatever! Not my business. So the next time you feel the need to try and judge and/or dawg someone for being a “Hair Nazi” please direct those comments towards the creator of this article, and also to those naiive people who agree with it.
if you were self confident you would let the others have their opinions even if their opinions are not in your favor. you’re just as agressive as someone who’s butt hurt grow up you’ll do yourself a favor.
and please no one cares about what your husband likes. if your are able do go nuts like that over a topic as useless as to wear a weave or not to wear a weave that just means you are not someone i’d like to know. stay a loyal weave wearer and learn how to beh
if you were self confident you would let the others have their opinions even if their opinions are not in your favor. you’re just as agressive as someone who’s butt hurt grow up you’ll do yourself a favor. a grown up knows that not everyone in the world is going to agree with you.
and please no one cares about what your husband likes. if your are able do go nuts like that over a topic as useless as “to wear a weave or not to wear a weave” that just means you are not someone i’d like to know. stay a loyal weave wearer and learn how to save your anger for topics more useful to the community.
ps: you said natural women were jealous of women who wear weaves i asked to see a picture of you where is it? the first feature of a troll to hide behind a computer to call people out of their names. that’s pathetic
and give up the use of the term “hair nazi” yesterday someone told about a real nazi in my town and trust me it’s not someone who would prevent himself from hurting you according to what you wear on your head. silly girl.
You are so pathetic girl! You are constantly commenting on my comments that I made towards the article. If you have such a strong opinion then why don’t you just leave a regular comment ABOUT THE ARTICLE, and leave me the hell alone! Secondly, you are trying to insult me using the same words and statements that I used in the previous comments. lmao Girl be original. Read some books, get some material, write it down before you begin type, because I’m a afraid that you will sound even more dumb if you don’t. About the photo… yeah I don’t have to prove anything to you because frankly, you’re no one! I don’t know you from a box of cereal. This is so very amusing to me though I cannot stop reading and laughing at you. Let me do this. I’ll be the bigger woman and apologize for hurting your feelings, and whomever else was offended by my statements. I never knew a STRANGER could have such a strong opinion about me. WHO KNEW! lol But you try and have a good day ok sweetie! 😉
ok you had me you are too smart i promise i’m going to read books and even try to write one. just know that if you are so fond of weaves and don’t stand people who don’t like them you are going to spend your life calling people names on this site.
I bet your man would love to pull your hair during intimate times…oh wait he can’t because you spend too much time catering to fake hair than your own. GIRL BYE
All you natural women are just upset that women with weave look 10 times better than you with your natural curls or locs. I mean, admit it! We don’t live in Africa. Why should we have to pretend to be extra natural when we don’t even practice our so-called native heritage. Most black people have assimilated to the white mans world anyway (religion, occupation, ways of life) Why should hair be any different? I have 2 thumbs up to the extensions. Anyone who has REAL black textured hair and is walking around nappy, need a little creamy crack, or a sew-in in their life asap. Furthermore, a lot of natural women get color or lighten their hair, so yall bishes don’t count as natural either. Natural is chemical free hair! How many people can say that! If you are natural forreal, then wash & condition your hair and keep it moving.
Smothering it with product after product is NOT healthy. Nor it it NATURAL!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Remi-Body-Wave-New-350×350.jpg[/img]
Weavehussy,Wow, reeeeally?? I just an informal text to my male friends and asked why don’t they like the weave on a women….the answers were shocking…some said not natural..stinks…looks fake, horse hair, she is hiding herself..etc. I was shocked. Seems like they like real hair color and all…they just want it to be her real hair and not sewn in or added in….deep! This is WHAT they said not me. I like weaves but some can abuse it and use it as a clutch too much. It is her choice but be “real” with it…literally #wow
Ps: Not all the men I texted in the informal text survey of “why don’t you like a weave on a woman” were black. THEY want it to be her own hair even with color added (hummmmm interesting). I need a few more answers but will keep you posted.
omg this article went IN!!! FINALLY someone has the guts to say this!!
To new naturals- I understand that you don’t know much about your hair right now but when you’re slapping on a weave 365 days of the year, you’re only sweeping the problem under a rug. Weave stopped being a “protective style” once you started to pay more attention to the impoverished Indian woman’s hair rather than your own. Take time to really get to learn YOUR hair and what works best for YOU and YOUR hair.
Let’s be real ladies. We wear weaves for the style, to “take a break” from our hair, to be creative, or just because we like the texture or feel of weave. Weaves most of the time aren’t “protective styling” because the cornrows underneath the weave are protection enough. Hair added is for extra ascetics. Also, WHY do all black women (EVEN IN the natural community) lust after the straight/wavy Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian, Mongolian, Martian hair?? If you were really trying to “protect” your hair, why isn’t anyone wearing short, kinky weaves? Yeah. Wearing weaves in all honesty does more harm than good (most of the time) physically and mentally. I know many of you will say “Well white people wear weave” or “weave done right is beneficial”.
1. White people wear weave of their own ethnicity.
2. But what exactly is “done right”? Braided loosely so not to tug on our natural hair and not to pull on our edges? But if that’s the case, the tracks would fall out and the style would look a hot mess.
A weave with no leave out?
Hair with/without glue?
Weave that lasts only a short amount of time so to care for hair underneath?
Someone explain to me what “done right” and then explain it to the majority of black hairdressers.
Don’t get me wrong; I love weave as much as the next black woman but let’s be upfront about our motives behind it lol
For quality customized poems for almost any occasion, visit us at http://www.trulyyourspoetry.com
Contact us at tr**************@***il.com
Not judging but there is nothing natural about taking something that was chopped off of someone else and attatching it to your body because you like the look..kinda creepy
Of course you’re judging, be honest.
Your depiction of women who wear weave makes you seem impossibly arrogant, as if naturalistas are worlds above low-class, hood chicks who gawk over Brazilian.
“And no cutesy, made-up technical term is going to hide the fact that many of these weaved-up naturalists are no different than Shay Shay and her best girlfriend LaQuanita, who trek over to the neighborhood Korean beauty supply store and haggle with them over 18”inches of 100 percent Brazilian.”
..Shay Shay and LaQuanita? Really? This wouldn’t be an issue if it wasn’t clear that you were trying to include names that would be perceived as “ghetto.” Replace those names with “Jennifer and Ashley” and your point wouldn’t have the same effect.
You claim that going natural is supposed to be a liberating movement about accepting your kinky curly hair despite what the world around you may think. A notion that is almost discredited by that fact that you so clearly pass judgement on other women who chose to wear their hair in a different style than you do.
I agree with a number of things that you mention, but it’s extremely hard to enjoy an article when blinded by the fact that the author may hold negative biases against other women of color whom may possibly be of a lower class.
As a hairstylist, I will have to respectfully disagree. I do believe that a Weave and/or wigs ARE in fact protective styles for a persons hair. Mainly because they do just that, PROTECT our hair from harmful chemicals and prolonged heat damage, etc. When a woman wears her hair in its natural state, it can be difficult to manage at times. Humidity tears my hair UP! I mean almost instantaneously it shrivels up to nothing. So I wear a weave to protect my hair from MYSELF! Because when my hair reacts to the weather or elements, I want to put some heat on it, or worse, A RELAXER! So I wear a weave in order to keep from doing any damage to it. I also plan to one day wear my hair in its natural state when it gets to an acceptable length for me. That way when it shrivels up, it will still have some length to it. God Bless the WEAVE! It pays my bills!
Ok there are quite a few flawed statements here. 1.) you asked what are you protecting your hair from; well the elements of course and depending on whether you have fine, course, dry, dense hair ect. it may be appropriate to do so dependent upon the climate/season. Just as you would protect your skin (ALL YEAR AROUND) with some type of SPF and/or lotion from free-radicals, dryness and the overall health of yor body. 2.) some people wear weaves/wigs/braids to avoid over manipulating their hair and say you live in a climate where certain seasons are extremely humid and your favorite styles if any can’t hold up they may opt to “protect” it. 3.) some women may want to wear their hair straight but may not want to use excessive heat on their natural hair to do so…And in conclusion not all weaves and/or wigs are from “someone else’s head” or down to their ankles.
@ Lo…you have some valid points it but can quickly become excuses and a crutch for NOT wearing the natural hair out. There are OTHER protective styles besides weaves, wigs, and braids. Again, I like a good weave too, but let us NOT us it as a crutch! #educateNOThatetheweave
This post honestly makes me not want to come on this website anymore. So STUPID and negative for anyone to try and classify whats protective for someone else? And people who actually refer to themselves as “natural nazis” sound silly as hell. Grow up. At the end of the day its just hair and it shouldn’t bother anyone how someone else chooses to wear and CARE for their hair. All that “you’re not natural if you…. blah blah blah” you sound like insecure ass women who NEED A LIFE- all the natural “nazis” who care so much about someone elses head clearly need to get laid more often. good day.
Says the woman sporting hair from an impoverished Indian child
I’m in love with your comment lollll, however the response you got from carra looked pretty stupid, racist and judgemental. Yet again we black people fighting down each other as if we don’t get it enough from other races how FOOLISH. Everyone has a choice!!!!!! stop acting so illiterate people. Why the hell would anyone care what someone else puts on their head if it’s not on yours you shouldn’t give a F**K, go get a LIFE.
Hi. My name is Monica and I’m a Natural Hair Nazi. As such, I truly agree with most of the points in this post. It’s my opinion that being a naturalista isn’t for everyone. If you truly think that your hair is difficult to manage and should be hidden under tons of someone else’s hair, maybe this natural thing is not for you. If you think you need tons of products, time and money just to make your hair presentable, again maybe this natural thing isn’t for you.
For me, the whole point of being natural is to celebrate your blessings be it your nose, your ears or your hair.
Umm.. are you serious? The “natural thing” is for everyone because that is the hair that grows out of OUR scalps. How dare someone else tell me that my own natural hair isn’t “for me” simply because I choose to change up my style. Relaxed women spend tons of money on products to make their hair look their best and so do women of other races. How come natural women can’t do the same without being judged. Seriously this whole debate is so stupid to me. Live and let live. Just because you view being natural as a celebration, not everyone else does. I do it just for the health of my hair. Others do it because they have never known anything else and it is not that big of a deal for them. Just get over it and stop telling people what they should and shouldn’t do. You sound so judgmental and definitely like a “Nazi.” (Idk how anyone can associate themselves with that word proudly… smdh) Continuing to try and separate us over arbitrary things.
You and everyone else who believes what this retarded ass hoe is saying needs to be smacked smfh.
I just think its creepy that a lot of girls choose to wear someone else’s dead hair or trash and think it better than their own. If you hide under a helmet of discarded trash dont claim you’re are wearing your natural hair. You ate simply covering it with garbage.
….So braids and twists with extensions are considered natural?
Hmmm… wait…did someone say taking care of and styling natural hair is easy?! Hahahahahaha I just did a henna treatment and it was quite time consuming. First I had to make it up and add stuff to it then let it sit for several hours to release color. I had to make sure my hair was free of product build up, apply henna, then leave henna in hair for several hours, then rinse and co-wash, then deep condition and finally style (twist/braid) and put a satin scarf/wrap (whew) Good thing I love playing in my hair but easy HA! And I won’t even start on Wash and ummmm “Go” LOL. So at the end of this month I’m ‘Protective Styling’ with Havanna Twists! Then when I miss playing in my hair I will remove them. Hahaha…natural hair is easy LOL! That funny.
Any way ladies (and gents if any on here)how ever you style your hair… just enjoy it and be you and do you regardless of what others think. You know what makes you happy with you. Don’t let any one shame you into being someone you’re not to prove something. That doesn’t just have to be about hair either…
Much Blessings To All
Ok wow, not sure where to begin. Well, for starters anyone who said that this naturual hair journey is easy is highly mistaken. It’s great and liberating when you do the big chop, but once your hair reaches 6 months to a year, depending on your hair growth. It’s awkward. You can’t do all the styles you see on youtube because your hair isn’t long enough. Every woman wants to feel and look beautiful so if a woman decides to ‘change’ up her style by wearing a weave to allow her hair some growth so be it. This has been my regiment as I’ve gone from wearing braids, to my own natural hair to a weave and vise versa. Everyone’s hair journey is different in experience and support or lack of it. I say lets not judge women who wear weaves, but let a woman find her way through this natural hair journey.
I’ve always been “natural” in that I’ve never had any chemicals on my head, but my mom and then I (when I moved to college) pretty much always kept it straight. I think the beautiful thing that’s come out of the natural hair movement (would you call it that?) is that it has helped me love my hair and manage my hair in it’s naturally kinky-curly state.
And while I agree that having a sew-in is literally a protective style, I do see the authors point in how wearing someone else’s hair feels like a really important part of the entire thing is missing.
That being said, it’s really all semantics.
If -like many celebrities – you have natural hair but are wearing a weave, it’s not really a natural hair style. The natural hair style is the braids under the sew-in. While the hair will grow longer because of long-term low manipulation, the hair STYLE you don everyday is not your natural hair.
For me, a “protective STYLE” is a style done to my natural hair that protects the ends and is observable. While the hair is braided and protected the weave/wig, the observable style in not natural.
When we talk about style aren’t we kind of referring to the phenotype?
I’m sorry this is going in circles…
You are making perfect sense. There are some people here who are determined to be obtuse regarding the matter.
My thoughts are that you care way too much about what’s happening in someone else’s head. Three paragraphs into the article, I stopped reading because it was ridiculous how silly and judgmental you sound. I haven’t worn a weave in my life and when I see another woman with one, I keep it moving. You should try the same.
I’ve always hated wigs and weaves and I think some folks preoccupation with ps is ridiculous. Women-of any race/ethnicity-who hide behind fake hair, nails, eyelashes, eyes, a ton of makeup- are uncomfortable in their own skin, don’t like what they see in the mirror or want to be someone other than who they are. It isn’t dificult to take care of natural hair. And if your hair won’t retain length bc you touch it, maybe there’s something wrong with your health.
I wear weave for 6 months then wear twist out for the other 6. With weave your protecting your hair from breaking and gaining length. I think most women will disagree with this article. I know how to handle my “natural hair” and my Brazilian! !!
preach it sis! I call these kind of women “covert natural”
themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
@ Man Captain I love your blog and 31 day hair challenge! I love the hair styles! What do you use on your face? It is so smooth! Thanks and have a great day!
Most women wear a weave because:
1. They need a break from doing their real hair for awhile.
2. They don’t know how to do their own hair and prefer a weave style.
3. They like the weave possibly over their real hair and prefer the weave look.
I like a weave as much as the next woman. They can be fast, fun, and flirty, but it can become a crutch and excuse when a person refuses to rock their own hair some time in this lifetime. we make time for everything and everyone else why not our own REAL hair? Most of us haven’t learned how to do it and rely on the stylist to do. Trust me, I do respect her choice if it’s weave-wonderful or relaxed and texed or natural and free and everything in between. I wonder why did “Superfical Hal” get sooooooo mad when she out in that fake hair even though she explained and justified her reasons why? Maybe he just wanted wanted to admire her beautiful hair in all its kinky curly long or short glory? It is a mindset that most have been programmed to believe that the European style of beauty is tight and right. Black real hair is ugly, unkempt, not versatile and unprofessional ALL LIES! weaves are cool just don’t use it as a crutch for NOT doing your own hair or that “I need a weave” all the time to look pretty and feel beautiful MENTALITY. Have a HHJ!
Its good to see such a blog ..Nice stuff. every body have different views . I think its up to you that how you take .I have many wigs some are colored, some are natural human hair and synthetic wigs but I loved natural Remy hair. I feel comfortable on using these wigs. It Looks pretty good and make me proud..I love using wigs ..So if you are comfortable with wigs then its a good makeover option for you..try them….!!
Wigs are great. My mom wears them all the time. She could care less about whether or not it’s protective or natural. When she doesn’t feel like doing her hair or she hasn’t had a chance to go to the salon she just puts on one of her wigs. A few years back, before all this natural hair pride was popular,I even wore wigs when my hair was not at it’s best and I loved them. And….they were protective because they guarded my weak breaking hair (at the time) and my hair grew quite a bit. If I were in a bind and needed a quick style I would not be opposed to wearing one even now. Since I’m loving curly hair ‘right now’ I would probably find one or two close to my texture.
So Elliebeauty, you wear your wigs and wear them with pride. Blessings to you
Here we go again. I lost my hair because of an illness and strong medication. I did the big chop long before it was popular. I wear weaves and have for many years. My natural hair is now mid back. When you lose your hair like I did, you want to protect it like a baby. I’ve worn twists, wigs – I do what I want to do. When will black women just accept each other for who we are and not what we do to our hair? When will black women just realize that we are just creative beings who want to be and do our best with who we are and what we have? When will black women stop attacking each other? Isn’t it enough that the world attacks us from all sides – we have to hear we have ” ghetto asses;” we have to be stereotyped as brazen witches, difficult to deal with with that wagging finger 1 inch from being put in a persons face for any reason, complete with the body bob and weave. We have to be sexualized by men the world over who think we are nothing but tits and asses, to be used for their pleasure and dumped like an empty soda can after they are done. ENOUGH! I have a dream that one day black women will respect the choices of other black women without judging them. Black men judge us, heck the world judges us. As black women, can’t we start at a place of non judgement about what we do with our hair? Please we are talking about hair as if it’s defining one’s character. Surely we can’t be THAT superficial.
what about you and others start not giving a damn about people who think you have ghetto asses and start choosing wisely the men you hang out with? if a man thinks you’re nothing more than an ass and tits to be used for his pleasure then he’s an asshole that does not deserve your time plain and simple you move on.
i am tired of women who complain about the lack of unity on superficial topics like hair but then when the topic is serious you see less people. women who don’t see weaves as a protective style are not all trying to put other women down. they just think that “natural” is not an honorary title that should be given to wants to be called natural. you are natural when you wear your own hair on your head it’s as simple as that. and i really don’t care if a woman chooses to wear a weave or not it’s her body. just don’t demand to be called natural when the hair you have on is not attached to your scalp by the roots. and sorry for the long post
*natural is not an honorary title that should be given to any woman to wants to be called natural* sorry for the typo
When I decided to grow out of a relaxer, I was too chicken to go a big chop, so I wore a weave for 3 years until my hair was relaxer free, thick, long and lushious (I spelled it like that on purpose)…so to ME, a weave IS a protective style. Also, a woman has a right to wear her hair any way she wants. That is the freedom we have as human beings…however you are entitled to your opinion. You can do you….but let everyone else do what the hell they want with their hair without judgment
I’m not understanding why this received negative votes. I feel like many people on here are very bias when it comes to hair.
Wow. Hit dogs certainly holler! This article was on point. The truth hurts sometimes. The sooner some of you quit lying to yourselves, the better off you’ll be.
I totally get the point of this post. Nobody really cares whether someone wears a weave or not, but it has become fashionable for black women to be able to claim being natural without actually wearing their natural texture… which is why you rarely see short nappy weaves.
That “straight-haired natural” nonsense fits into the same category. Natural refers to “natural texture.” If you have altered the texture of your hair (by any means), it’s not “natural.” That’s not judgmental, that’s the truth.
Some of us want the props without putting in the work. (Yeah, I said it)
ShadowQueen…
If YOU feel your weave is protective, then that’s exactly what it is. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Hell that goes for all y’all on here..being natural is about self expression (yea I stole that from Chrisette Michelle). Naturally Do you ladies!
This is so interesting because this is a conversation I had with a coworker just the other day. I’ve been at my job since March of 2012. I’ve always worn my 4a/b back length hair out in a braid out, roller set or in a bun. This summer I decided to do something different and get a weave as a protective hair style for the summer. I usually get braids.
I purchased kinky hair. In fact this hair looks just like the pictures of LongHairDontCare2011 which is my hair idol. Because this hair is so much like my natural texture I don’t have to apply any heat at all to the leave out. Its waist length and I’m in love with it. I’ve never hid this from anybody and I even discussed the type of hair I wanted to buy with 2 coworkers, who are friends in the same circle.
Now this coworker whom has known me since March of 2012 and met me with natural hair- just realized I put a weave in my hair this past June. He gets upset and calls me fake- and obviously it hurts my feelings. Since my own natural hair is also long and thick- why is he upset that my hair- which looks like the weave isn’t waist length? I realized he preferred the less kinky/curly version of hair. When I explained to him that this was a protective hairstyle he just didnt seem to understand or didnt want too. It didnt matter to me. Some black men….SMH. #Shallow Hal.
So when does a weave become just a weave? Is it when the weave texture doesn’t match their natural texture? Is it when the weave is insanely longer than their hair? Is it when they lie to people and say its their own natural hair when people ask? Is it only if they wear their own natural hair out 3 months out of the year? 6 months?
A weave is just a weave when it becomes a crutch. When you can’t go without your weave without feeling naked or “unprofessional”. When you have to rock your weave to hide bald spots or a receding hairline, or fading edges- is when a weave is just a weave.
But since no women in her rightly self secure mind is THAT concerned with some other chicks scalp habits- how about just letting a chick and her weave be happy without slapping her down with self righteous and often times mis-informed opinions?
I wash my hair every 2 to 3 weeks. I don’t wash it with the weave in. I take it out, wash it while its still braided and deep condition it. I let it air dry. I then take down the braids and rebraid the hair in a new pattern changing the part so that the previous leave out gets protected too. My hair has already grown 2 inches!!! How can you fight with results like that? I’m so pleased! I will probably do this every summer until I reach my goal of waist length.
Basically just do YOU. Like honestly. Glad to know that works for you. If I ever try a weave, maybe I should try your method of braiding a different pattern.
But the point is DO YOU! *kevin hart voice* do you booboo LOL
Protective
1. Something that protects
2. Adapted or intended to afford protection
3. Something that protects
just a few from the free dictionary online
Very well-written, first off, I LOVE your style. I always thought weave was a protective style, but I understand your point. I guess the confusion comes in because people are saying their actual hair is protected, not that the weave (the fake hair) itself is a protective style, if that makes sense. I enjoyed your points, though… Made me recall the reasons I sometimes wear weave. And, yes, a part of the reason is length and the other reason right now is time!! I love my hair, and I how to find the techniques to best take care if it (and, grow it, too… Lol :))
Weave wearing is a protective style, it protects your hair underneath which is then aided in the help of it having a higher chance of retaining its length, it protects your hair from sun exposure, tugging and a lot of pressure applied to the hair
If you leave your hair alone, it tends to grow more, wearing your hair natural should be a choice not a fashion statement or a badge of pride, your hair shouldn’t define you because it’s only hair and you are more then hair so wearing natural hair doesn’t always mean better
Have seen natural sister’s that do not have the healthiest hair and relaxed sisters that have very healthy, well maintained hair..it goes both ways
If you do homework on the weave wearing, you will use the necessary hair spray moisturizers that are very easy to apply to your own hair under the weave..therefore resulting in growth..the beauty ideal for women had always seen. Long hair as a sign of beauty, why should black women want any different..especially when it’s deemed that most black women can’t achieve long hair.
Here we go again: Black women attacking black women, Black women putting other black women down to prove their point. We have got to stop this non-sense. Why would you put a limit on how a woman can express herself just because you don’t like weaves. Weaves have saved a lot of black women’s hair…just like the Jerri Curl did in the 80’s…lol ( Don’t trip some of us didn’t have retention until that daily moisture from the activator saved our ends and our hair grew down our back…greasy and all) I have never heard a white woman criticize another white woman because her extension were to long or her highlights didn’t match. I am natural and loving it but when I want a long silky mane -weave is the answer. Natural aint for everybody…accept that…enjoy your natural and let others enjoy their weaves, braids, side pony, finger waves…whatever.
Whoop there it is!
Nobody attacked anybody, nor did anyone say that everybody had to be natural. But if you aren’t wearing your natural texture, don’t say your hair is natural, or that you’re just wearing a weave because it protects your natural hair. If you just wanted to protect your natural hair, you wouldn’t have opted for a long straight weave.
And white women DO attack one another’s weaves, clothing, plastic surgery… everything. Trust.
It is all personal preference. It is good to have an opinion but at the end of the day. It is how you feel about yourself & what you are comfortable with the decision that a person makes on style preference does not negate that fact that they do not chemically process their hair from a cosmetology perspective colored hair is chemically altered. Make healthy choices & it’s not always what you put on your head that counts it is what you put in it. Enjoyed the bias article to say that least.
woosah…
tell em how you really feel next time.
while i understand your point of view, and agree with you for the most part – this post was FULL of judgement. from head (pun intended) to toe.
this is why there is always so much discord between black women and our community at large.
depending on how recent one’s journey to natural hair started, their budget, their time, their willpower – it’s hard to all of a sudden see your natural hair as beautiful.
not everyone is has the insight that you have now. i daresay, you didn’t have that insight when you started.
i’ve been natural for years now, but one really bad cut threw me off. then i got pregnant. and with breastfeeding came lots of hair loss and stunted growth. and im a single mom, so i opted for twists for the majority of the time i’ve been on mat leave because there are days (esp in early days) when you are LUCKY to shower much less do a twist out.
im honest about my lazyness, but also know that anyone that knows me wouldn’t judge me as they aren’t in my shoes (or coming over to do bantu knots).
instead of throwing all the shade, how bout hosting groups to try and help women on their journey? ask blog hosts to stop using/referring to the terminology that offends you so.
is it sad that many of us see one standard of beauty? sure. but being bombarded ones whole life (you assume people grow up surrounded with people who look like them) is sure to penetrate the psyche at some point.
everyone has their own path to walk. whatever makes you feel confident – do it. every so often, question WHY that is. but never let anyone (men OR women) make you feel like you aren’t doing YOUR life right.
I agree with this post. There are women who proudly proclaim to the world that they’re natural, yet we always ever see them wearing silky straight weaves. “Oh, it’s just protective styling.”, they say. To me that just seems hiding behind a team-natural-approved label.
On a further note, I love the versatility of natural hair. Braids, twist, afro’s, puffs and out-styles. But some naturals seem obsessed by loose curls and curl definition when their own natural type 4 hair doesn’t naturally exhibit this certain type of curl pattern. Those women may proudly proclaim being natural, but their loose-curl-pattern-obsession suggests to me a lack of pride and joy in the way their hair grows out of their head.
I think the writer is just saying that it’s ‘okay to do you’. Just don’t present it as anything it’s not. I wholeheartedly agree.
This post is natural nazi generated and natural nazi approved (judging by the comments) smdh.
You have a point to a certain extent to many women put in weaves and call it protective styling, when in actuality they simply love the length and flexibility it provides. This makes it difficult for those of us that actually hate weaves but use it ever so often to protect our hair/ give it a break from the daily maintenance. Currently I have weave sewn into my hair but not because i like it per say because i really don’t. I do it however because there are times when I’m laying in a hospital bed for weeks at a time and the last thing I want to worry about is my hair breaking because I’m not caring for it. Thus you really need to reconsider this whole idea that weave isn’t protective styling because for some of us it is. I personally don’t like weaves because it doesn’t feel natural and the things they have to do i.e. gluing in tracks in the front, for a natural look actually causes more harm in some cases.
Wow, what a post. I have always been fascinated with weaves, but I have never been able to wear them for an extended period of time due to itching and maintenance. I also had an unfortunate accident that lead to breakage around the crown area and there was no going back. I have contemplated learning how to install weaves on my own head with all the YouTube tutorials out there (I don’t let anyone touch my hair since the breakage situation of 2008), but I figure I am still refining my skills with my own texture and learning another texture seems like a daunting task.
Now for my two cents, I think people should do what they feel comfortable doing with their hair and everyone should just accept it. There are ladies and gentlemen out there who are natural, and rock their 20 to 42 inches of natural hair pressed or flat ironed. I’ve seen weaves put to shame by beautiful (long & healthy) natural hair and I think making comments about how people choose to care for their hair is just divisive. Most naturals love the versatility of their hair and how you decide to care for your hair is your own business.
Furthermore, in my experience I have found that there are other ways besides weaves to tuck your hair away that is accepted by most naturals, but hindered me from learning how to properly care for my hair. I lived in head wraps and braided extensions for years. Truth be told, I mainly lived in head wraps and people always wondered what I was hiding under the wrap or if my hair was made of fabric. :0). It took time, research, and patience for me to learn my hair. Please note that there were times I wanted to go running back to my comfort zone, because I didn’t want my hair to break off from improper care and it was the encouragement / inspiration of my peers that helped me stay the course.
For me, it wasn’t until I saw ladies with my length rocking their 4 textured hair and sharing their routines that I was able to truly embrace caring for my natural hair 24/7. It wasn’t easy, but it was positive reinforment, encouragement, and celebrating my accomplishments after learning from my mistakes that truly helped me embrace my hair journey. So, I encourage everyone, including myself, to celebrate our natural hair and focus on the positive.
When we focus on weaves not being protective styles, what are we teaching the youth? In a way, aren’t we just promoting the same message about not loving black people who don’t look like us or conform to our standards of beauty. Not every black person has the same curl pattern. If you love your hair, rock it with pride and inspire others. Not everyone was blessed with the skill to be able to properly care for their hair 24/7 and they do what works for them. Being able to care for your hair 24/7 is a blessing and we need to be humble about it by sharing the routine that made it possible. We shouldn’t make people feel negative about their routine because it is not the way we would do it or the term we would use to describe it.
We are making room for naturals on the main stage and redefining our standard of beauty, not taking the European standard of beauty captive. We are all human and beautiful in our own unique way. That is the message I want to be teaching the youth. Please note that I respect your opinion and appreciate your post, I just have a different opinion.
Not everything mentioned in this article was an opinion. When it comes to a weave it isn’t yours, therefore, it isn’t natural. That’s a fact! It came from something or someone else. Black women need to stop becoming so defensive about their weaves, like what I just stated isn’t the truth. Just admit you either don’t like the look or length of what God gave you, you prefer a different look, or you may need a break from maintaining your natural hair, defend that truth bc it is what it is. When you have your hair always or predominantly in an altered state, you are approaching natural hair with a “permed” mentality. Do you by all means, but be real with yourself about the reasons why.
Yikes. The problem is that this author is presenting her personal truth as the absolute truth. What people need to realize is that not every black young girl was taught to hate her skin, her hair, or herself. Not every black woman suffers from the “bluest eye syndrome”. Once you accept this and stop making blanket statements and assumptions about where people are coming from, you can make room in your heart and mind to accept the fact that some women really are wearing weaves or braids or whatever for protective reasons or to avoid spending time doing their hair for non-nefarious self-hating reasons. I’ve been natural my entire life – nearly 35 years. I wore cornrows, pulled my hair back in puffs, etc. until college at which point I discovered braids and wore them almost exclusively until after graduate school, when my hair had grown too long for the extensions to be put in. Friends who knew I was natural accused me of hiding my hair and hating myself, which I had a hard time understanding. I had never had a perm, wore my hair out until college, when I discovered something that took my hair care routine from 15-30 mins in the morning to zero. It wasn’t until I spoke more to my friends and understood the way in which they grew up – how they were told they were too dark, or how they tried to bleach their skin, or how they were told their hair was nappy and ugly. No one ever told me those things.I grew up in a very black affirming household. My parents went out of their way to tell us how beautiful we were from head to toe. My sisters and I never asked to perm our hair, in part because we always thought it seemed so damaging. At the time, we’d never really seen anyone with a perm who looked like their hair, scalp and edges were healthy. When I started to understand where my friends were coming from, I understood why they were saying the things that they had said. From their experiences, when they wore braids they really were hiding their hair. Because I did not have that same experience, I did not see myself as hiding my hair. Even now, with my natural hair out, it’s generally ‘hidden’. I wear buns and ponytails (that I don’t disturb for sometimes 1.5 weeks). I still am not sure I understand how showing/displaying one’s natural hair by leaving it ‘out’ automatically signifies that one is at peace/loves one’s hair or self. I’m sure there are plenty of people who leave their hair out, but still at some core level don’t love themselves or their hair. I’ve never been the type of person who likes spending lots of time on hair, which isn’t the same thing as hating my hair, which I love (along with myself). From a very young age, I realized that my hair responded best to low manipulation. The more I leave it alone, adding moisture and water, the happier it is. Maybe some of the women who wear weaves that this author is raking across the coals realized this too. I hope the author reads this post for some perspective.
I cannot stand the idea of hiding and not being genuine. It’s not that some wigs, weaves, or braids don’t look nice. I just do not like the façade. Ultimately, one is just fooling themselves and hurting themselves inside of these self imposed prisons. One is only giving their hard earned money over to the god of their belly and the alter of their own vanity. All a self imposed form of incarceration. A prison I was blessed to be freed from. Therefore, I understand WHY women do this and desire to fool themselves or others. I just don’t think any of it is one bit necessary! Furthermore, whether one knows it or not, we are all subconsciously affecting the minds and psyche of other black peoples with the decisions we make concerning our outward selves. More of us should take personal responsibility for that — that way as a people we can begin to heal from the damage society has inflicted upon us. Society will NEVER hand it to us. We have to take it for ourselves and not be afraid (in any way) of doing so.
Shalom
I LOVE THIS ARTICLE! My last relaxer was in April 2012. I wore a straight, silky weave for 6 months because I was pregnant and refused to expose my baby to those chemicals. When I took the weave out, I was shocked at how much new growth I had! I fell in love with the strong kinks growing out of my scalp (4b/4c for sure) compared to the limp, lifeless, weak relaxed ends. So upon encouragement from my wonderful husband, I decided to remain natural after having my baby in January! I made the mistake of going to a “professional” to flat iron my hair because I was CLUELESS about styling my mane. Now I have bone straight, heat damaged hair covering about 70% of my head! 🙁 I have been thinking of “protective styling” by covering it all with a straight, silky weave again while the damaged part grows out, but this article has changed my mind. I am essentially transitioning again but this time will do so by actually BEING the natural chic I so proudly profess to be! 🙂 No more Euro-centric “fitting in” for this Black girl.
Congrats on the new transition, husband and baby 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
most people natural or relaxed need a break from doing their hair..ok great weave away!
Maybe the real question is when does the weave STOP being a protective style and it is being used just FOR the style itself, 1,2,3 years wearing a weave continuously? (excluding cancer patients, chemo, illnesses and other serious skin or hair problems).
I personally feel that sometimes weave can allow people to hide their hair for a year or two, if that is you you’re not natural. it isn’t a protective hair style if it’s your only hair style. I would love to do braids for the summer (July and August) and do weave (December-February)but that is not likely. There are other protective hair styles, flat twists are a good one.
How do you label the article opinion , but then state it is the truth, as if fact ?
I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand your comment!
I’m saying this blog is an opinion, an opinion that is trying to be passed of as truth.
There is nothing wrong with an opinion, it’s a God given right, but when you try and pass it off as a truth or fact, that is a problem!
I think assuming people are not proud of their hair because they don’t always show it is a little ignorant.
I’m someone who doesn’t usually expose their real hair. I’ve been natural for 3 years and even when my hair was relaxed and much longer length than it is now, it still wasn’t left out the majority of time. Nothing to do with how I feel about it but everything to do with me and time. I’m very laid back, I like to get up, shower get dressed and leave. I don’t even wear make up on normal day, adding hair to my routine is something I find time consuming. That’s me and I know a lot of women like this, relaxed or natural. I’m not a constant weave wearer, I’ve had 2 weaves in the past 2 years, one kinky one straight. I tend to put my hair in braids because I workout 3/4 times a week, it’s easier for me.
Who gets to decide what is a protective style or not? Do not judge everyone by your own opinion or by what you’ve noticed of a few people. It’s a bold statement you are trying to pass of as truth and that is wrong!
There are so many other things going on in the world yet hair has become such a debate for black women? Honestly sometimes when I see blogs like this from “naturalista” I just want to get a relaxer. Women with relaxed hair just go about their business and don’t have their opinions all up in other people’s scalp!
I’m so glad you responded because you said everything I was going to say. I don’t wear weave or wigs, but they certainly do count as protective styles for the very fact that the ends are tucked away and the hair isn’t being manipulated; the very definition of a protective style. To say certain wigs and weaves aren’t protective styles is just like saying senegalese twists or kinky twists or any use of marley hair isn’t a protective style. It’s just plain ignorant and this post IS passing off an ignorant OPINION as fact. From my perspective, the whole post comes off as the rant of a natural nazi.
We can use the recent increase of celebrities showing what their natural hair is like under the weave. They must be doing something right to be retaining the length that they do. Kinky hair types need some form of protective styling to maximize length retention and if weave does that for some people, then WHO are YOU to say what is or is not a protective style?
People, stop getting butthurt because some women are using wigs and weaves. Get over it! No one is ashamed of their hair, no one is trying to hide it. It’s just a break from dealing with all the work that goes into caring for natural hair (don’t sit here and act like you don’t spend a couple hours at a time fooling with your hair on wash day). And for the people upset about the weaves/wigs being straight or wavy, have a seat. In fact, have the whole first row of seats. If someone would rather get a sew-in or a wig than put heat to their hair, that’s their business. You flat iron to your little heart’s content, honey, if that’s how you feel. To top it off, I have seen PLENTY of women wearing kinky-curly wigs so it is NOT just straight and wavy hair that they are using. Mind your business and take that natural nazi nonsense elsewhere.
It is so unfortunate that reading comprehension is no longer taught in public schools.
So many of these “responses” read the title and skimmed over choice sections of the essay, too lazy to read the essay in it’s entirety but eager to spout half baked interpretations.
And using the word “nazi” in such an inappropriate context is not only inappropriate but also downright ignorant.
I get the author’s point…saying “I am natural under this weave I wear 24/7” is like saying “I am a fitness model underneath this extra 150 pounds of fat on my obese body”…
If I may ask you, senile human being, what exactly is negro-correct terminology ?
No one still hasn’t touched on the one theme I keep seeing with weaves….
Why do they always have to be straight or wavy?
Men I’ve talked to say they don’t have a problem with weaves,its just that some women aren’t smart enough to wear weave hair that matched the texture. Some love to bring up white women wear weaves,and sure they do. Do you ever see white women putting a different texture into their hair???
Lastly,some are complaining about the price of kinky weave.
It doesn’t cost anymore than the cheap yaki. Bohyme Brazilian wave costs $80/pack. You only need one.
Wow, I’m really late to the convo lol
I wore weaves only a few times in my lifetime and actually liked it VERY much until I had to take it out and look at my own hair which was damaged. I relaxed my hair for many years and really didn’t need to and I also colored it. Not one hairdresser ever told me that it was too much on my tresses so when I went to weave for a protective style it was already a hot mess and looking at myself after the take down really hurt the way I viewed my hair…I hated it but it also made me vow to learn to take care of my hair myself so I ditched the weave. I don’t have a problem with weave but like most of us if I never see your hair I think YOU have a problem with weave and the perception of yoursel. I have relatives whose hair I have not seen since they were in middle school!!! That blows my mind considering they are over 35! When a woman refuses to ever show her natural hair whether it be relaxed ro natural it makes me wonder how damaged their thought process really is when it comes to them looking in the mirror without fake hair on their head. I think its sad
I hear ya girl, once in a while wearing weave or a wig is fine, but to the point where you have never seen the person’s real hair, then, “Houston, we have a problem”, lol!! One of my aunts is like that. From what my mom has told me she has nice hair, but she is currently in her seventies and in my 33 years of living I don’t think that I have ever seen her real hair, and the trip is that her daughter, whose in her 50’s, is the exact same way!! Pretty amazing. This article is definitely a tough pill to swallow, but I can’t say that I disagree with it too much.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/image-26.jpg[/img]
My daughters kinky protective style. About every 6 months we put it in just to give her a break. She enjoys it for about a month and half. Then she miss seeing her own hair. 4 years ago she could last 2 months. Not so much now. We don’t call it protective styling. We call it “I need a break”. Yes not not my hair needs a break, but our hands and neck need one too. Or I want to go hardcore at the gym for a month every other day and. Wash the salt out without all the work.
“I need a Break”. Lol
My niece has natural hair and she hides behind her weaves 365 days of the year. It is definitely a problem because I feel like she hates her 4c hair. 🙁
If my hair is completely protected, it’s in a protective style.
If my natural hair was braided to my scalp would you consider that a protective style? Why then, if I add the accessory of long weave atop those same braids, is it no longer protective?
Exactly! i couldn’t have said it better!
YES a weave is a protective hair style!!!!!!!!!!
A style I might add that you have a choice to wear or not to wear. I could not care less about (in your words) ‘trying to con anyone’ by saying i’m wearing a protective style
When wearing a weave or wig your hair is (usually) braided underneath and is being kept away from external elements that may cause (mainly) mechanical/physical damage i.e rubbing, pulling etc etc, in order to reduce breakage.
What is clear from your article is that your definition of ‘being natural’ is being blurred with the definition of ‘having natural hair that is not chemically treated’
Many women want to preserve and have natural hair while BEING FREE to experiment and wear whatever styles they want.
WE DO NOT ALL HAVE TO LOOK LIKE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON WHO WEARS, PLAITS, TWISTS OR WHAT EVER.
What you need to do is separate Styling from Protection and both from the natural or chemically treated state of the hair. They are 3 separate things which any women of any color can choose to vary however they want to and whenever they want to in order to achieve healthy hair or their own hair goals.
It is clear from your article that you aren’t just angry at weave being called a protective style, your also angry at length checks and people wanting to define their curls????????
Whats wrong with you??????
Are you aware of the fact that many women have different reasons for being on a hair journey and different goals to achieve???
i.e. some want longer hair, some want only healthy hair, some want relaxed healthy hair, some want locks, and some want to wear their hair in its natural state while some just want to stop using chemicals etc etc etc
If you were aware of this I think you would have given more thought towards the content of your article.
Leave people alone to do exactly what they want to do in order for them to fulfill their personal hair goals.
People like you are causing segregation within the hair community with your divisive thinking and bitter opinions. To be honest all you sound like is one of those people who try very hard to keep people out of their ‘exclusive societies’ and would probably just keep ‘moving the marker point’ to stop anyone from reaching it.
I began reading your article and was thinking hmmmm OK, then as it progressed, it became this absolutely subjective rant based solely on your opinion and what you think a ‘natural’ should look like (you probably judge our make up looks too lol) You then ended with the bit aimed at weave wearers with a silly sarcastic tone assuming all weave wearers are thinking the same thing.
You aren’t a natural hair Nazi. YOU’RE A HAIR NAZI PERIOD!!!!!
How dare you mock girls doing length checks??? how dare you have a problem with people who actually don’t want to put weave in their hair(which YOU should be happy at), so are styling and defining their curls?????
It is clear there is no pleasing you and I don’t know you so I could not care less about your silly bitter, jealous girl syndrome sounding article. HOWEVER I do care about all of the enthusiastic open minded girls who want to start their healthy hair journeys that may be thrown off by your opinion that ‘WEAVE IS NOT A PROTECTIVE STYLE’
because it is people!
It is an easy protective style and as one progresses along their hair journey, whether they are relaxed, natural, long or short they they will discover that there are thousands of ideas, styles and preferences. No one persons opinion is gospel.
And for the record I am natural, was relaxed, had a curly perm, have had nearly a skin head, wore braids for years and love my wigs and weaves. I am free to wear my hair however I like and urge everyone else to be the same way.
Just as you said that no one is going out there getting short Afro like curly weaves/ wigs, is the same way I don’t believe you would have a problem if they did – even though it would still be a weave – and still a protective style.
Your problem clearly lies with how the hair looks and you would probably still have a problem with Afro hair that has been heat straightened.
And for the record again, PLENTY of us black girls have hair that ‘swangs’ too! not just whites – as your little dig suggests. kmt
You need to understand that choosing different styling options DOES NOT mean you are not natural or that you are not protective styling!
#Team Freetodowhateverwelikewithourhair
Thanks
please what exactly is she jealous of..may i know?..you totally lost me when you said “jealous girl syndrome” ..anybody can buy a weave, so where does the jealousy part come in :s
Thank you! You said exactly what I was thinking!
I think that a lot of responses to this article are willfully ignorant. Generalizations are only bad when people ignore they reference a majority (51%+), which is what I understood the post did. Noting every exception of a handful of individuals’ experiences or that of their like-minded social group, adds nothing to the greater discussion. An earlier poster mentioned how Black people, particularly Black women, who account for such a tiny percentage of the US population, are almost single-handedly supporting a billion dollar cosmetics industry with the fake hair subset. And of the fake hair subset “weave/track” hair is probably the most expensive.
I think that part of the charged discussion is from people on both sides of the conversation taking the opinions or choices as a personal indictment, as if you’re less of a Black person or less of a person period. I do not feel it is quite that serious.
There’s a ton of socioeconomic disparity on the local, national, and global level, the least of which has to do with hair. The same people bashing weave wearers for their enabling of third world oppression with human hair sport sweatshop apparel, so get off your high horse.
I do believe that a majority, maybe a slim majority, of Black women who wear weaves are struggling with self-love/the remnants of slave mentality/general identity disassociation. I say majority because the majority of weaves being sold are straight/wavy/loose curl. And those of you blaming anything but a lack of demand are tripping. The laws of supply and demand dictate that just like weaves were too expensive for the average pocketbook 20 years ago, demand has increased and technology has improved. When the market for kinkier/coilier/coarser weave is stronger, you’d better believe it will have greater availability and at a cheaper price.
The only thing I feel strongly about is the need for women, whether natural, relaxed, weaved up perpetually (braids, sew-ins, or tracks), or whatever, to lie about their hair or their hair choices. Yes, some of us feel rocking our natural hair a majority of the time is a reflection of our self-love/a desire to be healthier/a desire to contribute to the national agenda of accepting yourself the way you are. Some of us are just tired of relaxers. Some of us wear weaves cause we’re too lazy to deal with our hair. For others, its a secret self hatred and shame. Yes, our hair choices can be motivated by reasons simple, complicated, and every shade between. But the point of the article, I felt, was to highlight the dishonesty and shame a lot, and probably a slim majority, of Black weave-wearers are part of. If you wear something that is not growing out of your scalp a majority of the time for reasons beyond medical and laziness, that is your PREFERRED hairstyle. And that is ok. But you are not fooling the people around you when you call it “protective,” you’re only fooling yourself.
Without getting offensive, let’s talk about why we/some wear the weave so much. What other protective styles are there BESIDES the beloved weave? #Godeeper
What’s wrong with a natural looking weave?
I think the issue with most weaves is that they still are,for the most part,straight and wavy styles.
No one can tell I’m wearing one when I wear 4c hair. I never really wear straight styles or wavy.
I wear Afro hair,but its big vs long most times.
My biggest issue is natural women with straight weaves.
100% agree. I have one in right now and i don’t know if i will honesty ever want a bone straight weave. I have have been complimented so many times since i had mine in. Endless compliments form men and the hair is curly kinky , it’s basically the braid kanekalon hair but yes it does look like mines. I love it! I’m transitioning. It’s weird because all men of all races don’t mind it they in fact are in love with it and also the women , that i was really shocked about. I think black women like their hair but are too scared or aren’t really indivduals enough to wear it out. They just always see straight hair so they think they must wear it. I feel like if i wear a straight weave people will for sure know it’s fake and as i love my own hair and it’s texture i don’t want to give off that perception.
I AM INEFFABLE, IT IS NOT SERIOUS !!
THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN HAIR. WORRYING ABOUT THE DICTION ONE CHOOSES TO DESCRIBE WEARING A WEAVE, FOR PETE’S SAKE,ISN’T GOING TO MAKE YOU ANY BETTER TOMORROW !!
A weave CAN be protective, but many women do not wear it as a ‘protective style’. That is not the intent, so that is not what it is. In the same way you wouldn’t say some basketballer with cornrows is in a ‘protective style’. Lol!
I agree with the article about 80% of the way.
To be honest, ALL this hair stuff is really not that deep. Women are different some see weave as protective hairstyles, some don’t. They just like to wear and its NOT a big deal. Having natural hair doesnt make you more black,more moral or cultural than a girl with weave in her hair. This is a subconscious mindset that people feel. How can having natural hair be seen as a ”movement” come on now . is this what the world is coming to, if a movement is as basic as what texture your hair is then people need to get educated.
THANK YOU
people have been saying this since naturl hair started picking up traction.
Just because its not deep to you does not mean its not deep to many other people. Can we all accept that once and for all!
Lies. If it wasn’t “that deep,” then why are there 200+ comments in response?
sorry ‘wants’ not ‘once’. I need to go to bed … or eat.
The idea of putting someone else’s hair on my head, freaks me out, but if anyone else once to do it and call it a protective style (or give it any other moniker that sounds cute), they should go right ahead.
I feel like you only find it weird when you think of black women doing it… if you knew white woman did it would you find it any weirder.
Is the idea of Locks of Love freaky to you? or any other organization were people donate the actual hair off their scalp to make wigs for cancer patients or children who lost their hair for various reasons…
That must be it. Because CANCER patients and others with ILLNESSES who have LOST their hair rocking wigs is equivalent to a group of healthy women in DROVES HIDING their own hair with another race of women’s hair. Okay.
I could care less what a white woman does but if she wears another woman’s hair yes it’s weird too.. especially when we don’t know how the woman’s hair got there 🙁
*sigh* I don’t even know why this is an issue. It’s one thing if a Black woman is CONSISTENTLY wearing weave back to back because they’re hiding behind it and don’t have the confidence to rock their actual hair (braids/twists including) and then it’s another thing to occasionally wear weaves/braids/twists to give your hair a break and not manipulate their hair- and it depends on the lifestyle of the person as well. Not EVERY single Black woman has that much time on their hands (although it could be argued that they can find the time if they really wanted to) and if they care about their hair’s health and take care of their natural hair underneath I don’t see what the problem is. This is just a pointless argument and I don’t think this article needed to posted on here tbh *shrugs*
included*
Some of you on both sides of this argument are acting mad silly.
Yes there is a struggle that black people have dealt with for CENTURIES. And there are a lot of people that dont know about it, or dont care, or whatever.
Belittling them, whoever they are wont make them understand.
And once again, you cant assume shit about people that you don’t know.
I like to straighten my hair sometimes, just to have a change. It has nothing to do with me accepting “euro-centric” ideals. You can’t just assume things about people.
The struggle is bigger than how we look, its only a small part. And if we focus on who done it it will only have us fighting amongst ourselves unable to focus on the big shit. The blessing and curse of our country is that we see so many different people everyday, and so many things are available to us to do what we want with ourselves.
You “natural nazis” need to cool it. when you say rude things like this it doesn’t show how “enlightened” you are. You look no better that than “the man” who tries to push their ideals on us, its almost equally as unpleasant, to be honest.
Get it together people, seriously. There so many other things we need to fight about and this aint on of them.
Why do women claim to go natural but still consistently wear any type of fake hair (wigs, braided-extensions, weaves)? Now they want to be a part of the “natural hair movement”; so they want to expand the definition of natural. Quitting relaxers is one thing, but the “movement” is about accepting what is natural about the appearance of black people. If you want to wear a weave, fine. But stop pretending you’re a part of a liberating movement with that impoverished Indian child’s hair on your head.
A reason could be that… shocker!!! They Cut ALL their hair off!!!
I for one, do not like my hair short. I miss how long my hair used to be when it was relaxed, when I could just throw it up in a bun each day, but even when I was relaxed I wore weaves. Why is it that girls who are relaxed that were weaves aren’t told that they’re not real “relaxed heads” because they hardly show their real hair. But if someone chooses to cover their natural hair often, they’re not really natural. I don’t know anyone who wears weaves consistently and claims to be part of the natural hair movement. I’m natural, I wear my real hair out, but I never claim to be part of a movement. I like my hair, I think it’s pretty, although short, which I don’t like, but it’s hard to do. I do were my hair out enough to try to learn what works for it, but sometimes it seems like nothing works. And it’s annoying to do. With a weave or my relaxed hair, I could literally roll out of bed and go to class. So I can see why someone would want a weave, and a straight weave at that, since it’s way easier to care for than a curly or kinky weave.
I just want my hair to be long (and not relaxed) and I know barely touching it helps me retain length, since when I manipulate it everyday, I experience breakage.
I agree Leslie, you and I are in the same situation. Sometimes wearing a wig/weave isn’t all that big of a deal, especially when your hair is short and you just did the big chop. Personally, I’m not a big fan of wigs or weaves, but I just did the BC about two months ago and with 4c hair, it’s hard for me to style this short in it’s natural state, so I’m doing little manipulating so it can grow to where I can handle it. It’s really that simple 🙂
But being natural is an individual experience and not using relaxers makes a person natural. This is crazy that everyone thinks about this as a movement with rules and guidelines when it is someone’s hair, what they do to preserve their hair should not affect anyone else and definitely does not mean they are any less a part of the natural hair community.
Right on!
I was addressing the idea of “team natural” as presented in the article. I didn’t say someone can’t grow out their natural hair unless they do x,y, and z. Rather, I asked, why claim you’re a part of a group whose core idea is to accept what is natural about black people, while continuously wearing fake hair (that often doesn’t resemble your own)?
I agree. I love short hair. It looks good on me and I’ve always really worn it short, however, I love seeing my hair grow and want to see how long it will get now that I really know how to take care of it. I wear braids for 6 months, rotating styles every 8 weeks…for the other 6 I twist or coil out…does that make me any more or less natural than another woman who chooses to wear a weave for the same protection for a year? As long as you are taking care of what you naturally have you should be ok…that’s my opinion. A style is a style and some people like looking glamorous with weaves, fake lashes, makeup and more…it is what it is, style, not natural versus fake.
However I do understand how some people are caught up in the illusion and do not sometime love themselves for who they are naturally. There are vain people who exist in all races, I.e. Kim from Atlanta Housewives who is obsessed with weaves and doesn’t like the look of natural hair, and there are people who don’t know anything other than wearing a relaxer, why do we have to have this conversation? It is true that some people think Afro hair is ugly or are unaware of how to properly care for it but why do we get to define that very personal reason for others? Why? Just why?
I think the problem is thinking everybody went natural to be part of a “movement”..I cut my hair cuz I felt lie it,not because I’m black
Can we retire the phrase “natural nazi”. Also the idea that black women/people are the only people who put each other down? This is the internet. People have strong opinions and they express them loudly. This happens on EVERY site. I read a tennis website almost daily and u would be shocked at the insulting things ppl say over a TENNIS match.
Also the idea that only black ppl put black ppl down is doing exactly what ur criticizing others for. And btw it’s not true. Other races are not as monolithic as we think.
This.
I hate reading something, thinking they are making a good point then seeing “Natural Nazi.” I automatically assume the person is a fool and scroll on.
If you want to say someone is militant about something, use the word “Militant” or “adamant” or heck, “judgmental.” Using the word nazi just makes you an ignorant parrot.
I agree, do people really think about the word “Nazi” before they use it and what it really represents before spouting off dumb ish????
I totally agree with the post.
vertmoot.blogspot.com
If you have a problem with weave, just don’t wear it. Leave each to their own. It’s as simple as that!
Honestly who cares, another ramification and classification. There will always be diversity in the Black, Brown, whatever community about how women choose to wear there hair. I know women how wear weaves ALL the time. And are classified as natural because they indeed have natural (no chemically treated hair) under their weaves. But like the article said, how am I or any black woman, man, or whomever to tell her what she is or isnt. Especially in a forum like this dedicated to the empowerment and diversity of Black women. Who seriously cares about the technical classification, or why she chooses to label herself natural, with 32 inches of Brazilian hair in her head. Conversations like this are great debates, but im not down at the expesnse of how women feel about themselves. Like seriously. I gave the side when she said straight no chaser. Please, straight your opinion…. not uninhibited truth, like it was presented.. And that is the truth. If you wanna get on here and any other natural website to learn how best to care for you hair in the most organic natural way, no matter if in a twist out or weave… DO IT, DO YOU, and keep the judgement of others to yourself, or to cocktails with your friends.
I don’t think the issue is other women wearing weaves, but there is an issue with not defining it correctly. You can be natural UNDER a weave, but these chicks who walking around saying they’re natural with someone else’s hair on their head, gives a false portrayal of what they really have and can be misleading. As you stated they are women (grown) so why not be grown abt it and call it what it REALLY is since that’s what GROWN people do? Grown ppl accept their decisions despite what others have to say abt it.
CHECK OUT MY VIDEO I HATE MYSELF SO MUCH THAT’S WHY I WEAR WEAVE! I’M TEAM EVERYBODY I AM TEAM LOVE YOURSELF I AM TEAM I LOVE MYSELF AND BEING AFRICAN. STOP FRIGGING DIVIDING!!!! AND SO WHAT IF A RELAX GIRL COMES ON HERE! SHES BLACK AND WANTS TO BE A PART OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY!
@ Amaka nice video…but at some point a person has to admit that they are not JUST PROTECTIVE styling and they are wearing a weave for the style itself …because they don’t want to do or deal with their real hair on a regular basis.
WOW, I would took your actor friend’s comment about why you don’t wear your real hair out and made it into a teaching lesson vice using the f-word and getting mad because he asked.
I like a good weave just as much as the next woman, but at some point, when do we get to see the REAL hair?! That’s a good question, why do we wear weaves so much and why don’t we see our natural hair out more? How many buy 4A, B, C, or G weaves? #hummmmquestionthehype
Lots of people buy or at least want to buy 4a/b/c weaves. But it is hard to find. There was heatfreehair but they were EXTREMELY overpriced!! and now their quality has gone down so low because of the demand! There are other sites that sell “Kinky Curly” hair, but it’s wicked expensive!!! for hair that was extremely processed just to match our hair! I want that, so I can have leave out! but it’s expensive. And if you try to get KC hair for cheap on a site like aliexpress, it ends up being really crappy. Not only is KC hair expensive, but it’s a lot of work! So if you want a break from styling your hair, you’re not going to get it w/ KC hair. You have to twist, detangle, and wash just like your natural hair. BUT, if you already have kinky hair, why is it so wrong to want to rock straight hair. No one’s complaining about straight naturals who wear their hair out like Domin of Longhairdontcare2011. Not everyone wants to straighten their natural hair. It is weird (and kind of fake) to rep #TeamNatural if no one ever sees your natural hair anyway.
Thank u but honestly I wasn’t being negative I was just being pro black but if you all want to continue the division then be my guest. I truly love being a back woman and I will never judge anyone regardless of how they look. I AM NOT MY HAIR, I AM NOT THIS SKIN, I AM THE SOUL THAT LIVES WITHIN AND GODBLESS YOU ALL IM OUT!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/image-24.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/image-25.jpg[/img]
#teamnigerian
I wasn’t going to respond back…but @Is this a question said it best. It is NOT judging or division geez! If you want to wear a weave, relaxed, a horse tail or a monkey’s tail with eight colors..heeeey cool and if you want to be natural that’s all gravy too. There are other ways to protective style besides that lovely Remy or Remi weave! I am personally trying to to get back to a healthier way especially with my REAL hair. #could’vesavedmyselfsomuchmoney
please..why did you put #teamnigerian there.. while i was reading your post i was praying after i saw “African” that you wouldn’t go further n tell people you were Nigerian..why do you choose to do this to us :'( ..people will now think all nigerians are arrogant and behave like you..is it fair? TEARS
Yeah. You can tell she is VERY young. I rolled my eyes when I saw her posts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9VZS5IM1pc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9VZS5IM1pc&feature=c4-overview&list=UUpgrBMJbsbUQgysgNOR7ncA
If I’m honest, I find this ‘dependency’ that a lot of women have on weaves to be quite at odds with how most of us were taught to care for our hair from a young age (unless you were introduced to the creamy crack early on).
I think we tend to forget that although weaves may be commonplace now, back in the late 80’s – early 90’s when I was just a kid, weaves were a relatively new thing (especially here in the UK) and were not cheap.
Therefore it was the norm for Mama to take care of our hair – and take care of it she did! I received weekly/2 weekly washes, conditioning treatments, steaming and got a lovely scalp massage after oil was applied – all for FREE! Lol. This was then followed by some form of intricate cornrow style (or twists or braids on occasion) – which would keep my hair protected for up to 2 weeks at a time. All of this was done each Sunday just in time for the school week ahead – and I LOVED it! (Except for the washing part and water in my ears/nose).
This grooming ritual is something that I’ve carried with me over the years and it’s become almost second nature for me to sit down of an evening and twist my hair or massage my scalp with oil whilst in front of the TV. As a result of this, I’ve always had thick, strong, healthy and lengthy hair which people have always remarked upon. I hope to pass this ritual on to my daughters (if I have any in the future), as this form of grooming is what taught me to appreciate and understand my hair and all its foibles.
After several love affairs with relaxer, braids/twists, a weave and a Lupus diagnosis which made my hair fall out, I have nursed my hair and body back to health over the last 2-3 years using the hair care rituals that my Mum taught me, and a few others I’ve picked up along the way. The maintenance of my hair is never deemed a challenge or too time consuming as I have developed an understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
I don’t think I would have this kind of affinity with my hair if it was constantly shrouded in weaves – although I bear no malice towards anyone who chooses to wear them.
wonderful comment.
Yikes….another angry black woman, lol. Don’t have a stroke over an opinion you created as your reality.
Wigs/weaves done properly are protective styles, whether you accept it or not.
Had your opinion been expressed with more tact and less anger, perhaps you could have had some positive influence….You draw more flies with honey, not vinegar…..Let that be a lesson to yourself. Toodles
Dear author of this article: amen.
Those responding to negatively still aren’t thinking about these Euro beauty standards and how they’ve affected us. You say your weave is just protective as a natural? Get a curly weave- not some very unnatural-looking straight foolishness. The issue the author is bringing to our attention is that we still strive for Euro beauty standards with our dreams of length, and we need to reframe and learn to embrace and love how OUR hair looks (our at the individual level) No matter what stage it is at.
I pray my future daughters will be able to grow up in a world where there is a nappy beauty standard in addition to all the others that exist. I want them to appreciate their own hair by learning from the previous generation (that’s us) how to love oneself.
That being said, I believe you should be able to do whatever with your hair. Relax it, bleach it, weave it, whatever- but I feel that it should no longer seem like a neccesity. It shouldn’t be the standard to modify oneself.
“…but also long hair, the kind you can swing about like your name was Becky.” Girl, you betta PREACH!! LOL. Seriously, these females out here kill me with this weave business. And you are SO right about how weave stopped bein natural when it left it’s owner’s head. LMAO 😀 I just wish we could take a good look at ourselves and see how residuals of the brainwashing are still present within us. We really need to get outta this mindset of thinking we need to look like them. Why can’t we just look like ourselves and be confident in knowing that this is the way we were meant to look. India Arie said it best: “I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes.”
I honestly feel that we’re loosing focus on why have we decided to rock our natural hair. Majority of naturalistas are doing the same type of bashing that women with relaxers or weaves used to do back when they’ve seen someone with natural hair. I’ve had natural hair for 15 years, and only had an relaxer for a year and a half. Now I’ve been transitioning for 1 1/2 years, and looking at natural websites now makes me think “Gee, where were you guys 3 years ago when I was in high school facing pressures of relaxing my hair? Oh that’s right encouraging me to get a relaxer or put some Remy in my head” The focus is making sure that everybody is comfortable in what they feel comfortable with. Like I said, a handful naturalistas are loosing sight of that.
I say to each her own. Everyone has their reason to stop getting a relaxer or chemical treatment. Last time I checked that was what natural hair means. So if u want to cover it, braid it, weave it, wig it. its really ur hair. I find this article to be bashing persons and their personal choices. We have to understand and sensitize with persons. Not every one has the patience or the skill to care their hair themselves. In this fast paced world, doing that can be difficult for some. We also need to understand that some persons have yet to develop the confidence in wearing their natural hair. Some workplaces discriminate against the afro and kinks. There is really no point in this article, I think we need to encourage one another, say then, if ur going to cover ur hair, ensure its moisturised. Ensure that this wig or weave is not too tight. Try to wear your hair out 1 week out of the month. I wear wigs and weaves to give my hair a break from manipulation. Which is something that is encouraged “low manipulation styles” so as not to break off ur ends. So if wearing a wig is what they do, then fine! its not length obsession. but whats the point in doing all this, if we dont want to see growth? Some ppl leave their hair low, bcuz whats it gets too long its not easy for them to handle. Why not bash those persons? See makes no sense. Its all personal choices
Its up to us ..What we feel on wearing such stuff.I always used to wigs so its just like my own hair..They never feel me un natural . If you are comfortable with them than its natural …”Natural is what …feel u Natural”
Thanks for feeling me special .I love to wear wigs and Extensions. I am also working in this niche that’s why always looking for such a handy blogs. I also wrote many blogs in easy and knowledgeable material for the beginners .Its always my pleasure to share my experience with the interested users in my niche…
@TWA4now, believe honey I can never bash another sister for being natural. I did the BC waayy before being natural was considered “in” so I remember all too well the strange stares and comments I received. From that experience alone I’ve learned to embrace my own hair for what it is and how it defines me. I’m not afraid to let anyone know who ask whether I’m wearing a weave or not. All I’m saying is that we should be inspired by different styles we see on our fellow natural whether they chose to wear weave or not; remember we’re all aiming for the same goal at the end: HEALTH
I see what your saying in a lot of that, and it might be true for some women out here but…
It don’t have to be that serious.
I think we should stop putting each other down for the decisions we make with OUR bodies.
I mean, How can this speak for all black women. I think its protective styling depending on the wearer, and the intention. If a woman, is experiencing breakage and need to give it a break, she puts it in braids, Maybe said woman wants a change, a change that could totally fry her hair. So she gets a weave, doesn’t make her any less natural. She just got a weave.
I wear twists with weave when I want to give my hair a break, granted they look like my natural hair because I use kinky hair and bigger parts, but it still aint mine. I don’t do it because I want longer hair I do it because, it gives me a break and it last longer, than my really hair would.
Maybe “protective styling” is the way that these women have learned to take care of there hair. Some people want long hair and its a mission for them relaxed or natural. Some people dont care about length, relaxed or natural. I the think the “natural nazi” comes in when you try to speak for everybody and assume why people do things without asking them, just for you cause.
Everyone is different, everyone likes different things. Just because its not how you wanna do it, doesnt make it wrong.
And what makes you think that this article wont embarass some women who really use this method to gain length? Why you want to put them on blast like that? Look down their journey? It would be hard for me to make some of these statements with out talking to women.
Black dont rub off, no matter what you choose to do with the dead material on your is your business. Your still black, dealing with the crap that comes with that color. Not everyone out here is “down for the cause” everyone has a different way of being “natural” and we have to respect that.
Black is beautiful, weave or no weave.
the only thing i wonder is why is that every time an article like this pops out there are so many comments in such short times with the same people arguing over the same things again and again? i could see that kind of article ten times a year and ten times a year people will go crazy over it come on now.
ps: to the (relaxed) person who basically stated that women who recently went natural are doing it to follow a trend grow the f*ck up you don’t want people to be divisive and judgemental but you’re being just that yourself. one doesn’t have to have been natural her whole life to be a “true” natural. people really need to concentrate on important things in life (having a job sending your kids to school/university giving them a safe environment to grow up, building strong communities etc.)
If weaves are not a form of protective styling, single braided extensions shouldn’t be considered as one neither. In my opinion anything that is not done with your hair should not be considered as though. I love my kinky curly natural hair but I also like an occasional weave or Senegalese twists because I get bored. My hair is still healthy and shinny. Although their are people out their that think their natural hair isn’t beautiful, I don’t think it is anyones business how a person chooses to wear their hair.
I feel like honestly in a natural Nazi’s mind, Extensions such as braids and twists are more “cultured” and “Afrocentric” in some cases. Whereas a weave has been considered for a long time to be “European influenced”, and whoever wears weave “doesn’t love themselves”. Smh.
I was confused why this sort of drama stirring post was here then saw its from madamenoire…nuff said…
The truth is hair has always been a symbol of feminism& beauty. I feel many blk women don’t truly see their kinky coily fros as beautiful. There is this odd obsession with many naturals for length,length& more length.and truthfully everytime I see a self pic of someone pulling on their hair to show progress I ask why the fuck did it matter so much she had 2 share this pic? Bc to her its not just healthy hair. Many naturals want it ALL.THEY WANT LONG HAIR…ON THEIR OWN TERMS.the idea that blk hair doesn’t grow is offensive.few ppl buy kinky weaves.why? Bc kinky isn’t a goal! Women still feel “a womans hair is her crowning glory”.problem is we’ve definded hair that hangs as beautiful.whether its kinky,wavy,bushy..as long as it hangs or can be stretched to hang. So in truth many naturals will not be satified til they can swing it,feel it on their necks,backs,waist! I feel to each its own but everyone has a reason for wearing weaves. Some r more duplicite than others.it helps growth for mnay but truthfully for the fake naturals,the growth is just a bonus, a fluke. They rock yaki stright more than for protection.they wear it bc they like how it looks&makes them feel.now only a psychologist can dig deep& uncover what’s up with that.but its a truth. Not the only truth but I don’t pretend to not know ppl who feel unkempt & fugly if their hair ain’t fried,dyed and laying to the side 24/7! I feel the fakers like their yaki,brizilian,etc and could truly care les abt how healthy their hair is underneath without the aid of their stylists bc it was never abt that.its abt THE FLOW of the mane! I don’t call em out bc I could care less UNLESS they r being celebrated forbeing a socalled “natural”. I put in the work.don’t u dare accept the accolades when they nevr truly rock it natural.if u don’t want to deal with ur hair,say so. Just don’t pretend u understand the reasons most naturals make this life choice in a society that still makes our hair a liability. A weave is what it is. A coverup for many.a healthy hair tool for some. Be annoyed abt it but weaves r here to stay. White don’t apologize for extentions n wigs bc it it highlights THEIR NATURAL TEXTURE. We r either manipulating ours with creamy crack or sewing it in our heads so its NOT really the same. We r altering a fundamnetal part of our physical appearance and its not so easy to categorize it as a fashion choice. For some they just don’t like textured hair,especially if it doesn’t hang n swing bc many still covet what they can’t have naturally. our hair is beautiful yet no ones weaving 3-4 type hair into their heads.
Actually people are weaving in 3-4 type hair these days, and locs are also a big thing, being stolen right off the head in SA. And wearing weaves is protective styling … O and maintaining natural hair is super high maintenance, I have been natural since 2006 and I can tell you the temptation to start wearing a relaxer again has been so high, the reason I haven’t is I don’t like limp hair which is how mine gets after a while. So let’s get over ourselves and our high horses and really, really let people be.
There is this odd obsession with many naturals for length,length& more length.and truthfully everytime I see a self pic of someone pulling on their hair to show progress I ask why the fuck did it matter so much she had 2 share this pic? Bc to her its not just healthy hair. Many naturals want it ALL.THEY WANT LONG HAIR…ON THEIR OWN TERMS.the idea that blk hair doesn’t grow is offensive.few ppl buy kinky weaves.why? Bc kinky isn’t a goal! Women still feel “a womans hair is her crowning glory”.problem is we’ve definded hair that hangs as beautiful.whether its kinky,wavy,bushy..as long as it hangs or can be stretched to hang”
had to quote this because you took me to church with this right here! This whole process of getting truly acquainted with our hair individually and collectively will take time. If we continue in the direction of growing self love and acceptance outside of the non-black/white gaze, maybe things can be different in coming generations.
I didn’t read all this because it was excessive. but I always find if funny when women say this… like why is it wrong to want long hair… as if other races don’t want long hair as well? Even relaxed girls want long hair and they have sites for black women w/ long hair be it relaxed or natural. You’re on a site called Black Girl Long Hair for christs sake!
Also your last statement is false and the fact that you got 10 thumbs up is baffling.
I think there is a long hair community website for type 2-3 hair. So regardless of race or texture, many women want long hair.
Sorry you’re baffled.I never said wanting long hair was wrong. My point is so many naturals spend quality time trying to fight a natural characteristic of natural hair…shrinkage! we know our hair can grow but many also know the shrinkage is a bitch! If ur fortunate enough to have kinky long hair that’s great.but the obsessive amt of time some spend trying to undo what comes natural to our tresses…that annoys me & I’m entitled to say so.if the ultimate goal is to embrace ur natural hair,constantly looking for it to do something it doesn’t do naturally seems almost pointless& tedious. If u want to spend hrs pulling on ur hair from the back so show what it would look like had it not been for shrinkage..ok…but that seems like NOT accepting what IS ur hair.blowouts and twist outs r a great styling tool that allows naturals to be diverse bc i like length sometimes but weave wearers aren’t rocking kinky short weaves ,they’re rockin silky long weaves and that’s my point. Calling urself natural while rockin a yaki weave 24/7 is pure bull. And naturals who spend their days stretching their hair is also baffling to me. …so I guess were both baffled!
The fourth paragraph which begins with “Technically…,” contradicts the title of the article and everything else the author attempted to say. Weaves worn a certain way can be protective styles, period. Basically, the point of contention here is whether they can be or not and they can be so that is the end of the argument!
I don’t think wearing one’s hair naturally is a trend. I think that weaves were a trend for a long time that fell off and have gained popularity again.
To speak on this particular article, I don’t think that women who wear weaves and call it protective styling are trying to con anyone. Either you believe their reasons and motives for wearing a weave or you don’t. And why you care in the first place is just odd.
A woman wearing a weave depending on where she lives may not need to protect her hair from her natural environment but may need to protect her hair from mechanical manipulation that comes with everyday styling and moisturizing. Or just to protect her hair from hand-in-head syndrome.
I also disagree with the statement that natural hair shouldn’t be this high maintenance. A woman has to do and is entitled to do with her hair whatever works for it in relation to what she’s trying to achieve for her hair. Some women are wash and go queens, I am not. Some women are henna experts, I am not.
And the author makes the assumption that most women wear real hair when they’re sporting weaves. That may be true, but not all women do. Although real hair may be easier to take care of, personally I would wear synthetic hair because I wouldn’t want someone’s negative energy to carry around with me or to be sewed into my head.
I just don’t know why it matters to the author what women who wear weaves choose to call that choice.
I am becoming more and more convinced that we all think wayyyy too much about our hair. My white friends wear their weaves without a second thought. They complain about their hair not growing and put crap in their hair to make it straight/wavy/curly without worry of being accused of trying to emulate another race. Why is wanting long hair a “European-centric standard of beauty”? Why isn’t it just a “female-centric standard of beauty”? That to me is the same as telling a black person that they speak like a white person. Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize white people had cornered the market on long hair and the English language. And yes, we accept that our hair can’t do certain things, which is why just like every other friggin race on the planet we manipulate it!! If a naturally straight haired white person curled their hair would we accuse them of trying to be black? Heck, what about white people with dreads? No one says their trying to be black, they just happen to want their hair in that style. We are the only ones who have this complex that if we dare attempt to change anything about ourselves we must hate our selves and wish we were white. I get the history. I do think some of us go over board. I do think some of us have trouble accepting our hair/ourselves. But seriously with the nit-picking! Yes weave isn’t natural hair, but neither are the bobby pins in my hair! If anything it’s an accessory to my own hair. What’s with these “my hair is more natural than yours” debates? Natural hair is a made up terminology which I at least have chosen to define as someone with out a perm. That’s it. Because if you want to get strict then anyone who puts anything other than water in their hair is no longer natural. You have put something in your hair to alter its natural state. And definitely forget about anyone who has colored their hair or blows it out (damn self-hating european wannabes). I mean seriously everyone, lighten up!
“Why is wanting long hair a “European-centric standard of beauty”? Why isn’t it just a “female-centric standard of beauty”
All I have to say is amen and amen to this statement. Preach!
OMG Aly I love you. I was very disappointed in bglh for actually putting up this article. I understand people have their opinions but this is a site to share hair ideas and be positive!
Everything you said was spot on! couldn’t have said it any better!
Bless you!
Wow…. One of the best responses I’ve read so far. You have defenitely spoken my thoughts.
Saying it’s a female-centric standard of beauty would be inaccurate… it’d be more accurate to say human-centric standard of beauty, but even that is inaccurate…
It is Euro-centric or at least non-African centric standard of Beauty.
This could only be true, if straight hair on every continent, before colonization was the most common.
Obviously African women liked their hair texture before… are they less female?
Great response. I’m also confused at why the author of this article chooses to attack women who desire long hair on a site called “Black Girl Long Hair”.
Natural is a made up terminology? LOL. Okay.
Lol! This article was RUDE, but she right though! Hair that did not grow out of your head is not “natural” no matter how you want to phrase it.
Ammmmm,Madametj, who ever said that it was natural? The fact is, it is an OPTION! If someone chooses to exercise that option it is their business and should not be subjected to scrutiny or ridicule. I find it rather insulting that anyone would think that it is necessary to explain to us beautiful, intelligent, educated sistas out there that “if it does not grow out of your head it is not natural”. There is nothing more “natural” than freedom. . . freedom to do as I damn well choose when I damn well want to.
Amen.
I have relaxed hair and I’m PROUD! Unlike some, my hair was first relaxed when I was 13. Old enough to know what my natural hair is and what it was like. I have NOTHING against weaves, but I like to wear my REAL RELAXED hair and rather use the money and take care of my own hair. As I was sifting through the comments and reading the article I couldn’t help but agree to some/most statements. I’ve been saying this from the jump—BLACK people are their OWN WORST ENEMY. We keep putting down those who wear a relaxer, weaves, wigs, makeup, etc. Who fucking cares what the hell you do to your God damn hair. This damn natural hair trend is out of control, literally. People get mad when I call it a trend and not some journey/movement. I’m sure it is too, but it’s a damn trend. I’m sure most if not all of you know people (if not yourself) that has ‘gone natural’ since the last a few years. I wonder why? Because everybody else is fucking doing it. MORE props to the ladies who’ve been natural their whole entire life or those who’ve been natural before this bandwagon. You have the natural hair nazis swearing they know it ALL. Just because you a new found natural doesn’t make you an expert. What works for one will not work everyone. We keep talking about TEAM NATURAL, TEAM WEAVES, TEAM DARKSKIN, TEAM LIGHTSKIN or whatever else, we NEED to STOP with the damn teams. We continue to bring each other down by doing this. We are so concerned about the white people and how they’ve kept us oppressed for SO long but yet the white people don’t care about us. We black women are our own worst enemy. We will put someone down for wearing a relaxer and claiming it as self-hate. Oh because YOU KNOW that person HATES themselves right??? OK! GTFOH. Have you ignorant ass people ever thought about this is what someone PREFERS?! Whether they weave it, relax it, color it, or etc. Being black doesn’t come with NO damn handbook. We want to preach about not falling for one standard of beauty (Eurocentric) BUT, when Black women want to be versatile with their hair or choose something DIFFERENT from you, we are quick to claim self-hatred…weren’t we just preaching about not falling into one standard of beauty? Until we get that-all these Black issues (hair and colorism, etc) will NOT end. CHANGE STARTS WITHIN! Stop forcing your opinions and ideologies on people. I love my hair straight and honestly not one person can tell me I hate myself because I’m too damn confident in who I am, how I am and how I look. NO ONE can take my confidence from me because I CHOOSE to wear my hair a certain way. We are SOOO oppressed that the issues we face in the Black community will never let go. Just because someone doesn’t like their texture doesn’t mean it’s self hate. But, we can tell someone who doesn’t like the fact that they’re on the heavier side to diet and lose weight (changing themselves) but the hair issue we have to attack like a bunch of lions! Black people are so damn contradicting, ignorant and swear they know it all. You CAN NOT tell someone how to live their life or what to do to their hair. IT’s HAIR! There are bigger issues in the world than to fight about someone not ACCEPTING their roots, says who? Just like you all will continue to call each other nigga but soon as someone who isn’t Black says it, you’re ready to pop off. We continue to keep ourselves oppressed. I don’t want to hear it, that it’s a word for only Blacks to use. How about we start uplifting each other. Once WE ACCEPT OUR FLAWS-NO ONE CAN USE THEM AGAINST US. Let me leave you with this: Don’t judge me by my skin color,my hair color,my body size and my outer beauty. If you do,you will miss entirely who I am–antibullying12 IG. “Don’t expect others to understand your grind, when God didn’t give them your vision”.
Stay Blessed!
I do agree that black women are their own worst enemy. We see it all the time, dark skinned women vs light skinned women, and now natural vs relaxed. And yes, we do need to stop this cause we’re the only race that does this. You never see white people actin like this–them mf’s stick together. LOL.
But, then, if you relaxed, what the hell are you doin on a natural hair website? Geared toward natural women? Envy? Hmmmm…..
Still, nobody is against relaxers on here. And you’re right, it is a personal preference. I, for one, happen to love my little ringlets. Somebody else might not like theirs as much or just feel like being natural is too much unnecessary work. Whatever the case, they’re choosing to do what’s best for them. So, if you wanna relax, cool. Whatever floats your boat. If you like it, we love it.
But, yes, it truly is a movement. Not a fad and certainly not a trend. And mark my words, if things keep moving in this direction, you’ll be hoppin on the bandwagon with the rest of us 😉
And you know something? It’s not really about self-love or self-hate. It’s about your perception of beauty. Why do you find straight, silky hair more attractive than kinky curly hair? Is it because you genuinely love straight hair? Or should you dig a bit deeper and see that the real why is that we’ve been surrounded by “their” idea of beauty for so long–commercials with girls swinging their shiny, long hair around–that we have adopted this idea a beauty as well?
Did you know for a while it was illegal for black people to wear their hair “out” in New Orleans? People would be arrested for showing their hair in it’s afro state. That’s crazy. And what’s really sad is that people still to this day dislike our hair. They still look at us and describe us as ‘liberal’ or ‘creative’ when they see a woman with a fro.
So, my natural hair, the way I was born, is radical? I was born a radical or a troublemaker? That’s BS.
But, that’s why there is a “movement” of sorts right now. That’s the reason people are choosing to not hide who they are. And because you relax doesn’t mean you’re hiding. It just means you don’t know.
although I agree with a lot of the points you are making one thing that I can disagree with is the fact that you stated that this is a “trend” for those who have recently done it. For some it is. They just want to try it out or do it until their hair reaches a certain length before they chemically process it. For others this is not the case. I’ve always known that black women can have healthy long hair once it is properly cared for. A lot of my aunts, cousins, and even some uncles have gorgeous hair that will give most females a run for their money. The issue came down to when the older generation began to pass down the stigma that straight hair is desirable while kinky hair isn’t. with the beloved YouTubers that we have as an encouragement with numerous hair topics such as health, the science behind hair, and especially styles (because a lot of people didn’t believe that you can do much with kinky hair), it opened the eyes to many women that our hair in its natural state is versatile, can be healthy, and is desirable. I’ve watched videos of women who have only been natural for 3 yrs and their hair is glorious and healthier than how it used to be when they had is processed. Now think about it. If you have had damaged, thin hair your whole life that wouldn’t grow past your neck and you decide to chop it off and go natural; after years of the right practices and seeing your hair down to your back, would you want to go back to what was not working for it? I don’t have a thing against perms. I have always had a head of healthy permed hair and I’m sure it will be just as healthy in its natural state, but I will not go back to chemically processed hair. Simply because I am new to it does not mean it is merely a trend for me. I have learned a lot about health, in general, and more about myself through this short journey that I have had and I’m sure another person who has hair down to her back in its natural state will not go back to a perm when she was struggling to grow her strands past her ears when it was in that state. You make a lot of great points. Wanting to be versatile is not a form of self hate. As women we love to do different things with ourselves. I argue this all of the time. The self hate was mainly with the older generation. With us it was about seeing our peers with straight hair and wanting to fit in so bad that we asked for it, or our elders perming our hair without our clear consent. Nobody argues about how unnatural it is when we work out to get thin, muscular, toned, e.c.t. They don’t argue how unnatural it is when we take multivitamins as opposed to simply eating healthier. So trust me when I say I understand where you’re coming from. Unfortunately you’ve failed to deliver your dyslogistic once you became the person who judged newly naturals as fakes simply because they were new to it, you write a rant about how proud you are of having a perm, and although you have nothing against weaves you “like to wear my REAL RELAXED hair”. I’m sorry love (and I mean this with the up most respect) you sound just as judgmental and angry as the writer. Nothing natural is a trend. Trends come and go, natural is forever. What people DO is a trend so all in all perms are a trend. A trend cannot take place unless it is created by man (sorry if I sound like I’m preaching but I just want to get my point across). If beauty supply stores were to blow up and chemical processors were all destroyed, everyone would have no choice but to wear their natural hair. It would be a pretty nappy situation without product, but without the chemicals that MAN has made the trend of relaxed hair would be a thing of the past. I hope I didn’t offend you but I’m always up for a healthy debate.
“Conking” was also considered a trend when it started…
Why is it that black women wanting to were their natural hair out considered a trend but woman relaxing their hair isn’t a trend?
You are one of the enemies you are referring to.
Do straight haired white people say about curly haired white people “Ugh, curly hair is such a fad” yet here you are judging again.
Making a statement based on NO proof.
I heard a quote the other day that made me pause…..”That lye on your head can’t handle the truth.
i seriously disagree with this weave bashing. 4 years ago before i started wearing weaves, my hair grew real slow…braids did not work for me. after i started wearing weaves in 2010, my hair sky rocketed.
so nop. i totally disagree
I truly have to beg to differ on this topic, mainly because I’ve done weaves as a “protective style” in the beginning of my transition and I know both the UPS and downs. In my opinion, if u braid the entire head under the weave and continue to TREAT it right (moisturize, seal, oil etc.) then it WILL retain length, thus serving the same purpose as a protective style. But what I’ve learned is the results is soley based on the treatment. Black women, learn to care about things other than hair. The reason why I became natural was to embrace my difference and learn to care for all my kinks and curls. So please don’t bash weaves, wigs or braids. At the end of the day, healthy hair is the ultimate goal for us all.
@ Roxy..true but don’t pretend that weave is your own hair….just own up to it…if that’s they style you want to wear cool…and on the same note (as many have), don’t tease me, call me names, make comments about me, or look at me like a zoo animal for being natural just because you’re not or differ from me. #headgamestiredofit
Uh, did I miss something? Where did Roxy say or imply the weave was her real hair and where did she call anybody names? Was it in a previous post?
@ Roxy I’m not bashing weaves. I wore a weave too. If they want to wear a
cool if not still cool…
Yes, I too, wore a weave at the beginning of my hair journey too, but unlike you, I didn’t really know how to care for my REAL hair so after 7 months I stopped and rediscovered my OWN hair.
At some point, a person has to admit, they are NOT protective styling with a weave and just wearing it for the style…and that’s ok if that’s their 1st choice in the matter. Besides, a weave isn’t the ONLY way to protective style! #iknowbetternow
Long hair, short hair, weave, braids or whatever doesn’t matter. Just love yourselves ladies and remember this is an opinion article.
Although I agree with SD, THEY have to actually see their hair and style it to appreciate their own hair…They have to know what it likes and DISLIKES and appreciate the true texture of it from wavy to kinky curly and all that in between. Being a former weave addicted, I loved my Remi or Remy weave sometimes I would wish it was my own but feel proud whenever someone asked is that my REAL here…oh boy would I say yes I paid for it. The weave was a crutch for me because I knew very little about my own hair.
I loved it for the style not as a protective style only…protect what? Maybe my ego every time I had to deal with my REAL hair…but now…loving my real hair…weaves are ok but not for months at a time…not for me any more…..i still have a standby wig but I haven’t worn it in a year! 😀 Peace and hair grease oops coconut oil<3
This article is nothing but the truth. I don’t see it as creating division. The difference between white women and black women wearing weave is that white women cover a larger percentage of the population than black women however black women wear weaves in a much higher percentage than white women. The reasons may vary but facts is facts. Black women love them some weaves, the virgin Indian/Brazilian wet and wavy weave. How many black women would willingly rock an affordable kinky/nappy weave? Folks traded in perms for a weave.
That article was a mouthful. The author had length-check issues, manipulation issues, curl enhancing product issues, just a bunch of issues. According to her(apparently the validator of all things natural), you should be “accepting and learning how to deal with your own hair as it comes out of your head”. Stop ladies! Put down the blow dryers, hair bands, no more braids or twists. Everybody wash and go! After all, that’s how it comes out of your head.
She mentioned “natural hair women, rocking 23-inches of Brazilian wet and wavy cascading down their backs”. Do natural women with 2b/3a texture not deserve to give their hair a rest? Is it unnatural because you assume it’s not their texture? Or is it the length that bothers you? I personally have a biracial friend that sought out weave to match her “naturally” curly hair. Guess she’s out the club.
“Having someone else’s hair on your head isn’t natural”. Is color unnatural? Beads? Should the hair be man made? Is that better? Is it better if the hair is kinky looking? Does that suffice? According to her, NOBODY wants “nappy” hair. Anybody ever heard of Khamit Kinks? Heatfreehair.com? Marley twists? The Finger comber unit? Those companies all cater to women who want to celebrate their own texture, while using “protective styles”. Sorry, I guess it’s not “natural”.
I am a weave/wig wearer, twist rocker, woman who doesn’t use a relaxer to straighten my hair. I also use a blow dryer, and (dare I say it?) sometimes a flat iron?!? Clutch the pearls! Uh-oh. I’m out the natural club. Sad face.
Over the past 13 years since I gave up relaxers, my hair has gone through many stages. The worst of it was 3 years ago when it just started falling out. I found an amazing natural stylist, Loving Your Hair with Natural Care’s own Felicia Leatherwood. First thing we did? Protective twists. My hair needed rest. I needed to work on my own health so my hair would be healthy. What caused it to fall out? A myriad of things, including but not limited to the dry California desert climate, harsh sun exposure, and hard LA water. Oops, my bad. The article says there is “nothing in our natural environment that we have to protect our hair from”. Uh huh. “Throwing some braids in your hair teaches you nothing about your hair”. What are we all supposed to be learning? What mysteries of the universe are we trying to unearth in our hair that braids keep from us? After about 2 years natural, you know just about all you need to know about your hair. Everything else is just fun! And please, tell Cicely Tyson and Nina Simone their braids weren’t natural…don’t worry I’ll wait.
“Natural” is defined as “existing or produced in nature”, “not artificial”, “marked by easy simplicity and freedom from artificiality, affectation, or constraint”, “not altered, treated, or disguised”, and “Afro”. You can use all of these definitions as an affirmation or a deconstruction towards how you style your hair. Don’t allow bloggers or anyone else to define you. She’s tearing down length checks(which are indicators of hair health, and a way to encourage black women that, “yes! Our hair can grow!”) and her article is posted on bglh-marketplace.com. Whatever.
Wow really. Speaking of natural drama. I’ve been natural for 15 years out of my small 20. My mother was not a good caretaker of my hair (bless her heart) so I go it relaxed in 7th grade. I’ve only had weave in my hair possibly five times in my 20 yrs. However I grew up in a community where having good longs soft pretty hair was crucial. My mom is half-white and I was born with 4b/4c hair and so were most of my sisters but it was always a shocker that we didn’t have long flowing hair. Personally I hated weave because I was scared it would fall out or be exposed somehow. Well recently I did want to get over my fear of wearing weave and trying something with my texture. Yes I said it there are youtube video’s with women putting crochet braids in their hair using kinky weave! Why are we always even bringing up the European culture when clearly we are the only one’s really fighting amongst ourselves. That’s exactly why we were so easily oppressed. I understand that the author was getting tired of people pretending to accept themselves but the problem runs much deeper then a hair weave. You cannot solve a problem by cutting off its branches. You have to get to the roots. There were several remarks that could have been left out of this article. I’ve spent my entire life being bashed by my own race and accepted by Europeans and for what….for it to become even more obvious to me why black women want to follow the societal standards of beauty. Every culture deals with their own beauty standards being marked high. Including Koreans. Which in case you weren’t aware there’s a problem in S. Korea with girls wanting double eyelids and pale skin. I mean why are we comparing ourselves to other races anyway. Soooo…. ridiculous. I’m Black, Proud, love my hair skin and personality and my culture. I love the laughs because I’m totally aware that it comes from ignorance. Like a child who hasn’t discovered the beauty in the unknown. Stop fighting each other we already have to put so much energy in showing others how special we are. “Ain’t NOBODY GOT TIME for that”!
I am wearing a weave now but I hadn’t had one in about 2 years. I consider myself very natural. I have never had a perm so after 21 years I get tired of braids and my fro. I think a weave is a great option for switching it up for a month. Since I’ve never had my hair permanently straightened it can be fun to experiment with having straight hair at times (using heat on my hair is pointless it will last a week tops, and that’s in the winter… not worth it). It doesn’t mean I don’t love the hair underneath. A weave is a healthier option than perming or dying my hair. I will say what I usually say IT IS JUST HAIR! When people get over the whole natural not natural and just see it as hair so many issues will be resolved. Love your hair and if you feel like you want to “accessorize” with someone else’s hair go for it!
Excellent post! I’m glad somebody spoke up! If you want to wear weaves and wigs the majority of the time, then what is the point of going natural? Black women need to stop making excuses for their underlying obsession and relationship with fake hair. It’s really sad. Wigs and weaves are the easy solution versus actually taking the time to learn how to style your own hair in and protect the ends at the same time. Black women act like it can’t be done without wearing a wig smh. It makes no sense to have a good amount of your own hair on your head, only to put a damn wig/weave on it and claim you’re doing it to protect your own hair..what?!! Wake up and realize how silly that is. These type of black women are simply addicted to fake hair and calling it a protective style is a loophole to lean onto the fake hair crutch.
I got to tell you, fabgenes, your wrong on this one. I am natural. I am also a cosmetologist. My greatest passion in life is creating artwork with hair, whether that be my own hair or someone else’s. However, there is a phenomenon called “the beautician’s curse” that is when you learn new things and you want to experiment and do them all. But you can’t do all that stuff on your own natural hair! If we attempted everything we learned on our own hair it would fall out! So if we learn a new cut, we might want to rock that so we get a weave and cut THAT! If we learn about a new coloring technique, we might do that on a weave. And, aside from mouth-to-mouth, we (hairstylists) are our own best advertisements! I cannot tell you how many times people have asked me “who did your hair” and I might wear four different hairstyles in one month! I LOVE IT!!! It is part of being a woman! It is part of being girly-girl (that’s why all the drag queens want to be like us – woman, that is)! It’s not about some mental hang-up! Actually, I have had, and seen, more black woman come into my salon suite who seemed to not know their own identities who DIDN’T comb their hair and it looked atrocious! Young black girls or college co-eds that go to school with mostly white girls who pull their natural hair back in ponytail all the time and don’t put any products in it or comb it then finally decide to go to a hairdresser and they have a big dreadlock in their hair from not doing anything with their hair! Women who wear weaves don’t have issues, they have just come to the realization that they HAVE OPTIONS that did not exist before! Just like nail art has become more intricate; just like women have hundreds of pairs of shoes instead of just one; just like changing your damn clothes everyday!!! People want to look different – so what?!!! Ain’t nobody addicted to nothing! You throw all your clothes away and wear the same white, futuristic jump-suit on everyday and pull your hair back in a ponytail and then you can say somebody is addicted to something!
Andrea, this article must have struck a nerve with you, but your slippery-slope arguments about clothing (i.e. “… wear the same white, futuristic jump-suit on everyday and pull your hair back in a ponytail…”) are absolutely absurd. They are not even closely related to the consistent use of weaves by black women.
Clothing is meant to cover an otherwise naked body. Weaves are meant to cover up hair. The idea that black women ought to wear weaves/extensions to “protect” or “grow” their hair is said because black women still think that their natural, nappy hair isn’t good enough on its own. They think they need a “break” from it like it’s a full-time job w/ no benefits. SMH! Women wear weaves because they do not want to take care of the hair underneath; they’d rather cover it up. That says something about how that woman perceives her hair, whether she’s black, white, latina, whatever.
Your argument doesn’t make sense. Although I can see why you are passionate about it…it effects your pocket book.
I don’t wear weave, but I respect peoples right to chose and identify how they choose. What frustrates me is the judgement that comes with the hair choices others make (wigs, weaves, color, etc.) We all go natural for our own deeply personal reasons. Unless we can see into someones soul or know them personally we don’t TRULY know WHY they choose to wear a wig or weave (i.e. if they crave long hair or a more European look). The comments on natural hair blogs frustrate me because some people use it as an opportunity to disparage others or to set the GOLD STANDARD for what is TRULY natural. If wearing a wig/weave on their natural hair is what someone considers natural SO WHAT? They are entitled to their opinion. They are not hurting me or anyone else so I don’t feel the need to convince them otherwise. I am not defending weaves or wigs I am APPLAUDING any woman who strives to keep her hair healthy and chemical free regardless of the method she uses. I am SOOOOOO OVER passing judgement on other peoples hair. Just do you and I’ll continue to do me. *Stepping off the soapbox now*
OOOOh, Afrodite, I’m am so with you on this one, AMEN!!!
Lol. Wow,are you serious ? Why does someone always have to come out with a topic to divide up us naturalistas. Although in my opinion; weaves, sew-ins,or whatever you want to call them are protective styles, who cares? Its a choice. Its not like if you decide to weave it up for a month or two, your not natural. Maybe the people like myself, who do decide to put in weaves or braids for a period of time just want something low maintenance for a little bit.
And about ” Shay Shay and LaQuanita “. Ponder on this, Shay Shay and LaQuanita are no different that Becky and her best friend Ashley. Why do white females wear extensions? Hell, even sew-ins? Because, like you said they want longer hair and feel their tresses are too thick and ‘nappy’ to handle. I just dont understand why everything has to be stereotyped to black females. It really disturbs me when i read articles like this. Do me a favor, and please, cut it out.
except the beckys and the ashleys wear extentions that mimic their own hair texture and black women tend to wear weaves that mimic other races texture don’t act like you don’t understand. how many black women do you see with type 4 weaves?
First of all, women most definitely DO wear type 4 weave, look it up. Secondly, do you honestly think you’d be able to tell if they were wearing a weave. If the weave that they are wearing looks like natural hair, even if you saw a woman with a type 4 weave, you probably weren’t able to tell that it was a weave.
how do i know lots of black women wear weaves that don’t mimic their hair types? because at least where i live i see many of them with straight/wavy weaves that really don’t look like their hair type unless you want to explain to me how lots of black women were born with straight/wavy hair?
Where you’re from? Give me a break. You’re not even willing to look it up to dispel the MYTHS you believe about black women. Black women do wear type four weaves all the time. My closet is full of beautiful type four hair!
Kinky curly is one of the most popular textures there is and many places have a hard time keeping it in stock! Check my blog for pics! But you’d rather just say that women in YOUR neighborhood WHERE YOU LIVE wear hair like that so that means what you’re SEEING must be the gospel truth! Wow. Stay in ignorance. From some of these responses, a lot of you are comfortable there along with the author.
well this thread is a bit old but i’m going to answer to you anyway. to be completely fair i don’t live in the US but in France and the majority of black women here who wear weaves wear straight weaves (mostly because they think they’ll be looking like all the black american celebrities we see from here). if the reality is different in the US then i like it even more. my bad if i sounded ignorant to you.
I love this article and want to frame it. I’ll say it again. Tell a black woman you hate weave and they will act like you cursed out they mama lol. The love of weave and fake hair among us has just gone way too far in recent years. What use to be a harmless option has become black women’s scape goat for poor hair care and low texture self esteem. I hear the phrase ” girl just slap a weave in it and keep moving” way too much. Instead of dealing with our hair in a normal basis we take to binding it cause we need a so called “break”. Negros please.A break is getting a hair cut cause you realize you ain’t got time to care for longer hair. A break is putting your hair in a simple French braid using your own hair. A break is putting on a hat. A weave is not a break as it requires its own crazy set of matinence and extra cash. This is my favorite topic in the natural hair community cause it seems like no one wants to admit what it really is about.
My big ass thumbs and this touch screen! I meant to give you a thumb WAY UP
Absolutly!!!! Weaves are high maintennce. It tangles alot, gets matted easy and after a while can stink. If you wash it too much you loosen it and have to go back to the stylist to get it “tighten up”. Which is fine with her…kaching$$$
It has gotten to the point now when I see a woman who has relied on weaves and braids…her hair line starts way back on her head. I work with several in my office. They keep putting in those tight hair stlyes…weaves and extensions now out of necessity instead of by choice. That is why this article has set off like a time bomb. Look at all the comments. Really…wear your weave and what have you…it’s a free country. But, realize as a protective style…it is not the best choice.
I LOL’d and LOL’d some more at Shay Shay and her best girlfriend LaQuanita because I realized a while ago that the majority of BGLH features are named similarly. =/ but that’s another topic all together. Carry on 🙂
Black women for some reason are THE ethnic group that regularly wear fake hair. Fake hair is such a requirement that, now, suddenly, even my natural hair “needs” to be protected periodically with the use of fake hair. Odd…
I’m not going to go all the way in like the author of the piece did, but you have got to wonder why 6.5 percent of the U.S. population accounts for a huge majority of consumers of hair products, especially fake hair products. When you wear a weave, it’s about more than protective styling. The cornrows under your weave are also a protective style. So the hair on top is totally unnecessary and is more to portray something of fashion or beauty to others. Just be real about it though.
Yeah, but it is not something we have to go around explaining to everybody! Different people wear weaves for different reasons and no one person can pretend to know what all those reasons are because only GOD is omniscient! Nobody can assume that this person is wearing a weave because of this or that…I mean really, what difference does it make?!!! Do you wear the same shoes all the time? The same black shirt?!!! Then let the people who get bored with the same old look do something different with their hair if they want to! Good grief!!!
I’ve had braids, twists, sew-ins, wigs, etc. I’ve also been natural for over 5 years. I’d have to say I disagree with your argument overall. Yes, sometimes weave is just weave, but I also remember that entire first year that I went natural I used weaves and braids to PROTECT my hair and grew it out.(I refused to do the Big Chop, my head is too big for that) My point is it can be both. True sometimes the term “protective styling” is a bit overused, but to completely disregard a complete form of it is ridiculous.
And what is the problem checking for length and fighting against shrinkage? If healthy hair is the name of the game, then checking for length is the measuring tape. Guess what? Healthy hair grows!! How do we keep hair healthy? By taking care of it, you know, protecting it… And please don’t try to cover obvious dislike for the use of weave (Its quite obvious, aka “Shay Shay”) by telling us “its OK” as if permission is needed. Just state your opinion and be true to it. And though we may disagree, I believe most ppl can respect it.
This was very offensive. IDK why people want to always be different and divide. I use to love this article but this is clearly woman bashing. and what if SHAY SHAY OR LAQUITA read this article what would they say? So they are ghetto because of their names what is your problem? this blog is called black girl LONG hair not healthy. I have been natural for years and even almost bald sometimes you get tired of short and want to wear long. I am sure you wear makeup and its tested on humans animals and so forth does that make you fake? I say no. As women we enjoy trying new things and for me after being short for so long and finally letting my hair grow i am always concerned about health and length and another reason to wear weave is because you want to dye flat iron curl your hair but thats not healthy so why not do that damage to a weave and keep your healthy! BOOM! #TEAMWEAVE #TEAM BEATFACE #TEAMNATURAL ALL DAY ERRR DAY!
I’d hope Shay Shay and Laquita would make better choices for their kids than their respective mamas.
Couldn’t agree more with EVERYTHING you wrote, Amaka!
Thank you Andrea 🙂
Yikes! Some of this was offensive, “Shay Shay” and “LaQuita”. I hear you, on keeping the integrity of the movement but the same can be said of the Beckys of the world who want length and volume so they can have Kardashian hair (which is a farse) and so on and so forth. Does this mean that the Anglos are seeking to conform to the Armenian/EuroAsian ideals and not embracing their less full-bodied folicals?
Your argument is valid, but the delivery was muddied. Kinky Twists is a protective style using weave – I use real human hair and I’m team natural. Who cares if teamweave wants to jump on board? Admiration is just a few steps from assimilation, perhaps saying their natural will cause them to embrace it for real. I would and am taking it as a compliment – “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery”.
I love your passion, apply it towards converting #teamweave.
And I’m sorry I have very high maintenance natural hair. I need a break sometimes and I love my hair like no other! Just keeping it 100!
I’ve been relaxer free for 3 years and while I have occasionally worn different braided extensions, I normally rock my own hair. This summer though, I have decided to get serious about whole body health and have decided to get a weave while I sweat it out two times a day at the gym. And while I did opt for a more “eurpoean” texture, my weave is shorter than my natural hair, with shrinkage. I have over 100lbs to lose and for me personally, it would be easier to keep my hair under a weave while I focus on something more important to me at this stage of my life. I have a 2year old little girl who needs her hair done every day, a 6 year old, a husband with locks, a full time job, blah blah blah… I love my hair most of the time but I will admit my journey has been trying. I grew up getting relaxers since I was 5 so I have had to learn my hair from scratch. In the beginning, it seemed like everyday I would learn that I was using the wrong comb or the wrong moisturizer, or that I needed to seal or if I use this or that product I’m not technically natural anymore. After reading this article, quite frankly I’m over it. I will no longer strive to be a part of this natural community. To imply that all women who decide to hide their hair under a weave are all trying to be something they aren’t is absurd. I’m not trying to appear European with my weave. I love my hair but I’m done trying to prove how natural I am. If wearing a weave means I’m not on team natural anymore, then I politely bow out.
Why is your blog named “Black Girl Long Hair” instead of “Black Girl Healthy Hair”?
I cut my hair almost two years ago and learning to maintain my natural texture has been a journey. My hair is high maintenance, but we’re finally getting each other. I didn’t cut it with the intention of growing it, nor did I really know what being “natural” meant.
Along the way, I decided to set a length goal because I like challenges. I also want to show girls/women know that they can have long healthy hair of their own.
It’s really sad that instead of uniting we are dividing. More time should be spent on the teaching, sharing ideas and celebrating our hair.
I get some of your concern but the validity was lost in the presentation.
xoxo
I think the site name is to make the statement that black women can grow long hair (IF they want to). It’s a bold statement disproving the belief that “black girl, long hair” is a paradox.
I swear we take this natural hair thing too serious! We focus on every damn thing and make a debate about it to more separate ourselves!!..What is next!!??
You better PREACH!!! I’ve been natural for 3 years. But, I never did the big chop until recently (2 weeks ago). I spent the past 3 years getting blow outs (by choice). Recently, I became tired of doing my hair and decided to chop it off. Regardless of how I chose to wear my hair, I still felt liberated, because I loved my hair as it is/was. I must admit it takes less than 30 seconds to do my hair now and I love it!!! But, when I cut it, I told myself I would not go through all the processes that I read about on FB and YouTube. I have no regiment; I don’t co-wash (whatever that is); I don’t cover my hair at night; I don’t twist (no matter how many strands); and I could care less about shrinkage and stretching. I feel if you have to do all that, then you’re no freer than when you relaxed your hair.
Cowashing, hair covering, or twisting aren’t any sort of rigorous, ‘over maintenance’ of hair. It’s proper grooming (not saying there aren’t other ways to groom, but, these are tried and true.) Especially hair covering–black people have been covering their hair since we were born in Africa. To say we’re not ‘liberated’ if we do something we’ve been doing for centuries is silly. Some people like having lots of steps in doing their hair, just like some people like to wear make up, or some people like to wear really stylish clothes. I understand you like to keep it simple, and that’s just fine…but, forreal, I’m baffled that you don’t cover your hair at night?
i bet ur hair grows slow. and about covering your hair that u should do.
ever since i started using a satin scarf, my back hair grew back like weed.
God cursed us with fragile hair so yes we do need to do all that for it to thrive
Our hair is not a curse from God. He loves each and every one of us and he doesn’t make mistakes.
Wow, what have you started here? I agree that a weave is not a protective style and I will tell you why. First of all if you have a sew in, everytime you comb the hair, you are yanking your own hair underneath, and since weave hair tangles easily, you are still pulling on your own hair underneath. Keeping a weave in the hair for eleven months is not good for your own hair because it does need to “breathe” in order to grow. It really should be moisturized on a daily basis. And in MY opinion, I feel the hair should be hydrated (wet) at least three times per week in order for it to be truly hydrated for growth. Trust me, I know. I have natural hair and it has grown past my bra strap.
Like one commenter said, hair should have light and air for it to do it’s thing. That is if you want it to be strong.
Weave is NOT a protective style. If you choose to wear one, then wear it, but don’t be fooled into thinking you are protecting your own hair.
Learn to love your own hair and be proud of it. And don’t tell me how long your natural hair is if you are going to keep hiding it under a weave.
No hair-do is meant to be worn for 11 months. Whether you have a weave or not, you are still tugging on your natural hair to comb and brush it. Sew-in’s are particularly good for the hair in comparison to other weave options because you have access to your scalp and hair and it can be washed and moisturized despite being in a sew-in. I am a cosmetologist and I have several clients who get sew-in’s or crotchet weaves and come in for regular maintenance (wash, condition and special moisturizing technique) whose hair has benefited and grown since first coming to me when they didn’t wear their hair in such a style. So the point is this, if your care for your hair properly, it will maintain it’s health and grow,
I don’t think sewing anything on your hair is a good option. Sorry totally disagree. Especially when a stlylist does it…it is usually very tight so it stays in place and I can’t see how that can be healthy for your hair follicle. Once that follicle is damaged you can say bye bye to your hair and hello bald spot. Lace front wigs are much better option vs. a sew-in. I think most women know this intuitively.
Excellent view point.I understand what she is saying. I obsevered a lot of naturals who get weaves emphasize on the weave being a protective style. I also realized that they are not any different from the people who relax their hair then put a weave in it.I am guilty of calling a weave a protective style.During the winter time I had gotten a straight weave and alot of people said that my natural hair looks better than it. I felt like I was not myself with that weave.When I took out the weave, I had gotten a lot of compliments on my natural hair. Next time if I want to take a break from wearing my own hair, I will get a weave that actually looks like my natural hair texture or havana twists which looks lovely.
“…Part of the mechanics of oppressing people is to pervert them to the extent that they become the instruments of their own oppression.”
The same argument can be made for box braids in that case. Why don’t we all just wear protective styles with our own hair “only” then?
I feel that box braids are more accepted than when a woman choses to wear a weave. What if we take a weave and braid it? (it would be untidy so not going to be done, but) would a weave be more acceptable as a protective style then? and the ladies who have managed to grow really long natural hair and when they straighten it, the texture and movement is a lot similar to brazilian hair. What if those ladies want to keep that look for 6 months to a year without damaging their hair? a weave is an option to maintain that look as long as you want without the damage and the time is it not? since well we have proven that black women’s hair can look similar to many of the weaves out there, why not explore that look without having to stick with the consequences of making the hair permanently that way, as long as its in good taste.
If women go around feeling the need to hyde behind protective styling, we need to as women take a step back and asses what it is we are doing to each other that make others feel like they need to duck and dive, lest they suffer our remarks about what they truly like.
I enjoyed the article and I agree that natural hair wearers have to know what styles work for us and accept it. I love twist outs but I don’t have the texture for it as they will unravel, I have accepted that and wear my hair fro like and I don’t do all of this banding and stuff because my hair will almost be straight unless I spritz with water. I don’t really care for my hair blowing every time there is a breeze but like I told my daughter I won’t complain about it but will be content with it. I’ve never been on the long hair trip, I love to keep it shaped and I’m good.
This is the most ignorant article about natural hair that I have ever read. In one breath the writer contradicts herself by touting the benefits of limited manipulation to the hair that a weave offers, but then continues to claim it is not a protective style. Why, because it is not your hair. She makes so many assumptions, that natural weave wearers are only out to wear silky remy or Brazilian loose waves to their butt and have not embraced their true texture or length. Well if that was the case the rise in kinky curly or kinky straight hair textures from hair suppliers would not be necessary, because natural women wouldn’t dare get a weave with a texture that mirrors their own. Then she makes the statement that she has never seen anyone get a “short nappy weave.” Well this writer continues to show her ignorance, because protective styling isn’t really necessary for short hair because the ends aren’t rubbing against clothes. It is when your hair gets longer when protective styling is worth considering. Besides hair is generally not sold shorter than 10 inches and I can’t speak for anyone else but I don’t have nappy hair so no I wouldn’t get a short nappy weave. What kills me about the whole thing, is that she has no complaints about braids, which can be far more damaging to your hair than weaves. Last I checked box braids or sengalese twists to the butt require hair (whether real or synthetic) to be added to make that style. That is okay right because it is not straight. How many women have no edges because of bad braid installation? I am sick of these “Natural Nazis” trying to define this experience and journey for everyone else. If you don’t want to wear a weave, that is cool. If you want to wear it on occasion or stay weaved up all the time, that is your prerogative. But questioning someone’s authenticity if they consider anything other than rocking a big fro, which for some of us requires a lot of manipulation to create, is just ridiculous
Agreed! I was also wondering why she didn’t mention other forms of protective styling such as box braids. Additionally, kinky weaves are all the rage now. Hell, I’m on the waiting list for Heat Free Hair!
to be fair she does briefly mention braids: “Yet throwing a weave or some braids in your head – while a cute style – teaches you nothing about your hair…”
Oh TyM! Thank you for your reply!!! It is the most insightful and logical responses I have read so far and your points show prove that you read the article without bias and noticed all the same inconsistencies and contradictions that I did! I feel exactly the same way as you do about this article and the assumptions the author made…it’s ridiculous!
At the Heart of it natural movement is self-acceptance, and if you are wearing a weave 90% of the time, how is that accepting your natural self?
You are not you hair!
Personally I find this toxic as a person of Fulani origin its in our history to wear things on our head because of the heat, wigs made from animal fibres you names it. I think this is seriously a problem within the african american community. this article was written blindly, the intent of a person defines the matter of their cause. if a person chooses primarily to wear hair of any kind on their head because they want to protect it foremost but then decide to do it whilst looking good for themselves then the dominant intent would dictate that they did this for the purpose of maintaining their hairs health. As a person of 4b textured hair I find any method of protecting a blessing and i don’t wear weaves I wear wigs whats more i am currently wearing what you define as “nappy” ( personally i find this more derogatory) instead of straight and short in fact the exact same length as the hair on my head. I find it shocking that as a society you just don’t celebrate the achievements of women of colour and the choice to begin to embrace their hair and the culture that comes with it . this is to early and fast to begin defining terms that we ALL have a say in. Let people do what is best for them without making it political. just like what was stated in this polemic I also don’t like things being shoved in my face and unfortunately this was. please don’t put people off before they’ve even embraced their journey.
I agree with this article. People use weaves as a crutch to be a “bad bitch” yet claim to be naturals. A real natural isnt ashamed of wearing her hair out after a sew in no matter what the hair type is. Hair typing also discourages many women. They grow their hair out expecting to look like Traci Ellis Ross but get disappointed because its kinkier than expected & cover their hair up or perm it. Society shouldn’t decide what’s beautiful. If we are comfortable with what we are born with we’ll show society what beauty really is.
This was not what i expected when i started reading this article. I found it completely not helpful in any way and it just comes out as one of those hair nazi rants and it disappointed me.Is there something wrong with wanting long hair? That makes you less black in some way? and last i checked having natural hair was just about your own hair not being chemically processed. So however we achieve that and however our journey may go we should not be tearing each other down and judging how we chose to deal with it. If you feel your way is more authentic kudos for you. You are queen of the black people, wanna cookie?
Exactly, me too!
I just wanted to note this quote from the article: “Acceptance of our hair is supposed to teach us that not every style choice is meant for us but that’s okay because our hair is beautiful anyway.” –Weaves may not be the author’s style choice, but they may work for someone else.
Now I dont wear weaves myself, but i have friends that do, and these ladies dont wear them because they dont think their own hair is beautiful. They wear them because it is their prerogative and their own way of protecting their hair from the elements(living in a state that has 5 months of winter) or over manipulation. Who are we to judge how a person chooses to protect their hair, whether its with a wig or braids or a scarf? And why should the length of time they wear it matter?
What we should be doing is educating women on how to keep hair healthy while doing whatever protective style they choose, whether it be braids or weaves. Wearing weaves in moderation is not harmful to your hair and i don’t think women who chose to braid up their natural hair and wear extensions on top of it should be criticized for choosing to do so.
wow, great article..
i totally agree, if you’re going to wear a weave, rock it! i avoid the YouTube videos that talk about length…
reading this has made me re think my hair journey..length is not strength..it’s all about healthy hair..
thanks
My issue with weaves is the increased chance of suffering from tension alopecia, which is real. Just yesterday I was in my local Sally’s and when I was ready to purchase my item, the pretty young lady behind the desk had a weave in her hair. However, the alopecia was horrific…the worst I’ve seen in a while. Her weave began where her ears started and the part in her hair was so wide you could drive a mac truck through it. No exaggeration. The majority of her head had no hair in the front and absolutely no edges at all. The weave was “combed” over like bald men do when they have no hair. It looked riduculous and I felt bad for her. This is why I won’t wear weaves or tight extensions. I’ve seen too many women sporting long weaves with no edges. Their only solution is to keep putting tension styles on their head exascerbating the problem. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Weaves can be a really cute acessory but only for a short time. I don’t know any stylist who can put in a weave without it being tight as a drum. Resulting in hair loss. Ladies when that alopecia is the result of tension styles…it’s a bi$$$ch to get that hair back if it comes back at all.
Not for anything, but, doesn’t your hair need air, moisture and sunlight etc. How is hidding your hair under a weave 11 months out of the year helping your hair to grow? Ask Naomi if you think I’m kidding!
I agree, but will add that the SCALP needs air and more frequent washing. THIS is what we should be talking about – not “who is truly ‘team natural’ “.
Actually, Mianka64, someone doesn’t have to have a weave to suffer traction or manipulation alopecia. Traction alopecia derives from hair being pulled to tightly whether from braids, ponytails or other styles that do not necessarily include a sew-in. Manipulation alopecia occurs when the hair is pulled like maybe from a nervous condition (have you seen some girls continually twist their hair around their fingers) or even pull it out deliberately, strand by strand or when the hair is tugged to hard when combed or brushed. Never assume it is simply from weaves and sew-in’s.
Yes, you are absolutely right. That hair pulling you referred to is known as Trichotillomania. You make an excellent point about ponytails, or any other style that can produce the same miserable outcome. I only focused on weaves because the issue was weaves. We all need to be mindful of all hairstlyes that pull on our edges.
I laughed all the way through the article-mostly because a lot of it can be seen as truth from a certain standpoint. But, this article is just one of many opinions and at the end of the day, you will do what is best for you…
lets be honest if anyone of us left our hair un detangled for 1 to 2 months we would probably have dreads. just don’t lie and claim to be on a healthy hair journey but don’t even know how to seal your ends. And even if you go to stylist to get it done a lot of them will still mess your hair up in some way. facts . I damn sure don’t see females getting afro weaves or nything remotely close to their hair. and when you wear a weave it takes the smell of everything you’ve been around ladies
Female what?
Actually, Jess, you should visit your local beauty salon or hair supply and you’d see that your statement is not true. More and more now, especially with the natural hair movement, even synthetic hair is made to mimic our natural black hair such as afros, Marley hair (hair that is made to look as if braids or twists were just taken down) or Jheri curls.
This article should have been called, “Girls who wear weaves shouldn’t consider themselves Team Natural”.I thought I was about to read some facts about how sew-in weaves can scar the scalp. Or how the glue on capped weaves can to chemical harm and pull out your hair… SOMETHING! This was a long (too long for its little substance) rant throwing shade at girls with unchemically processed hair that choose to wear weaves. Yawn. Do better next time, please.
Your response gets all the awards
I defo don’t agree with this article but everyone is different.
I wear a weave/wig as a protective style in the sense that my hair drastically grows when I leave it alone for a bit.
Also I loooove hair. All types of hair. And I love the way different hairstyles look on me. That is where the wigs and weaves come to play. That doesn’t make me any less natural than than the next person, it just means I like versatility.
It also doesn’t mean I’m ‘conning’ people. There are NO rules to natural hair NONE, you do what works for your hair. I went natural because my relaxed hair was a disaster and didn’t wanna be left bald or hiding behind extentions for life. I embarked on this natural journey to nurture my hair, and wearing wigs or weaves should never detract from that period.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Babz, even though I don’t wear weaves (I don’t have the money or patience) I fully understand the need for versatility.
she’s talking about women who wear hair all year round trying to front saying its protective styling. ex 1 your edges can definitely get ripped out in a weave your leave out will break off from excessive heat. you cant even moisturize your hair properly. im no stranger to weave smh, yes you still might be natural under the weave but you don’t know how to care for your hair . Yes hair will break from everyday manipulation from brushing to detangling to braiding but is that a good reason to be weaved up for a year and most women with weave don’t even go for hair texture that’s closest to ours so blending will be easy they decide to get some silky straight European hair that’s the farest from our own type. If your not a hair hat all year round you shouldn’t be in your feelings. now a days most girls are trying to be natural to grow their hair then go right back to perming or they straighten the mess out of it. were still setting ourselves back some years . if I cant have beautiful loose curls ill have waist length hair this is just like when girls were tryna pass off their jetty curls as their own hair smh. if you want a protective style get some box braids they very classy and stylish or Havana twists. that way you can still clean and moisturize your scalp. yall aint low tryna say that’s protective styling. im just being real .
Amen
Realest article i have read in while. Most naturals are still not happy with their hair in its natural state. So many spend hours seeking the perfect curl and now hair type is the new definition of what good hair is..smh.
Like she said a weave stop being natural the moment it left someone else’s head. just call it what it is.
I just would like to add one more comment in addition to the long Bible that I just wrote. I have a lot of ppl in my family who have beautiful, long, thick, locs on their head. Locs do not grow out of ones head and SOME ppl who have them do so because they feel that their hair would not be so long w/o it. No one ever argues how unnatural locs are. Why is that???
‘cuz it comes out of their head. This isn’t about growing one’s own hair long. It’s about slapping on somebody else’s hair PRETENDING like your hair is long. U wanna grow out your hair? More power to ya. You wanna wear somebody else’s hair….that’s a little strange. Sorry folks. It is.
I completely get that and agree 100%. Although this is off topic from the article, the reason why I mentioned it is because some naturals argue that when you are using certain products or twisting/ braiding your hair to define your curls, you are no longer considered natural. Like I said, it is off topic but I wanted an explanation as to why people think that
That was something I didn’t understand either. I would love for someone to explain it.
Is wearing make-up “slapping on” somebody else’s face? (not all weave is human hair).
At the end of the day, who is she to say or judge other women? If some woman wants to feel like the weaved hair is really HER hair then who is anyone to say? Save the psych evaluation please. It’s just like judging a Jew for getting a nose job! Really if it makes a person feel more pretty and comfortable who cares. I think it’s great if someone can accept their flaws, but let’s face it, most people don’t. If their idea of an improvement means a weave, or collagen in the lips or butt then why let it worry you. Life is too short to write pieces like this one, when it is no one’s business what someones hang ups are. No one has a right to analyze WHY someone wears a weave! We all have hang ups. Big deal.
Did you really just say, “It’s just like judging a Jew for getting a nose job!” ?!
SMH. Maybe you should also consider what you are saying before you say it. Your point could have been made without making a stereotypical reference to ANOTHER race. My husband is Jewish and his nose, as all of his families noses, are perfectly fine. Funny how you felt it was appropriate though to use that as a comparable example. Weave vs nose jobs? Girl come on.
Honestly, I would judge a Jew for getting a nose job, simply because their nose is stigmatized. Jews, like African-Americans should be proud of their physical features. Neither group should change their appearance to achieve some arbitrary beauty standard set by western Europeans. If a person does chose to change, it does convey something about that person’s character or self-perception.
The problem with the OP’s statement is that it (like this article with weave) is based on a stereotype. Not every person of Jewish descent has a big nose and not every non-Jewish person has a small nose. It is simple an ignorant statement, that to be honest, pretty much ruined an otherwise positive comment.
I will also say, while there is a lot sociological and psychological reasons to why people get plastic surgery, it doesn’t negate the fact that they are doing as they please with their body and their money. It is really no one’s business but their own if they want to change what they find unacceptable on their own bodies.
If that wasn’t a rant I don’t know what is. So if a silky straight Brazilian weave isn’t a protective style, what about an afro textured weave? What about kinky twists…or box braids???
I do appreciate that the title clearly stated that this was an opinion piece, everyone is entitled to their own. I will say though that in MY opinion, ANYTHING that a woman chooses to do to her locks is her business. If your texture is your texture, to me, you are natural!
I noticed that for everyone who has an opinion in opposition to what the author is saying, their comment is getting a thumbs down. If they are praising what the author is saying they get a thumbs up. Is it you Charing Ball who is doing this because you dislike when people disagree with you?
LOL!!! Yeah, and she did it to you three times!
I have been natural for 2 years, my hair is very healthy. I am taking good care of it, I have learned to style it, from flat twistsed updo’s, to cornrows, bantu knots out, i rock it. I do wear braid extensions every once in a while, to let my hair rest, and let myself rest. I wear it out most of the year as well. I do believe that braid extensions is a good protective style if done correctly, it can help avoid some damage to the hair, and help keep the moisture in the hair. The reason i wear braids is because sometimes, I like to take a break from my extremely thick and coily hair, I’d rather do that then treat it bad and damage it. This is not self-hate, It has nothing to do with hiding, or not knowing how to take care of it. I am not addicted to fake hair, nor am I obsessed with having becky’s hair, I just do what works for me! Stop taking hair extentions and weaves so seriously, this is ridiculous!
I actually get this article. Call a weave a weave, not “protective styling”. I spent years in a weave with a relaxer. When I decided to go natural, I could not figure out how to style it and just ended up keeping the weave, and burying my hair underneath. And whoever says it is protective, I call bs. My edges were being destroyed, it was unhealthy, and did not grow. My edges were so bad, my stylist who made a small fortune off of me, took me to see “Good Hair” and suggested I lock it. The best hair decision I could have ever made. But even that was wrought with avoidance. I wore lace fronts for over a year after locking until a friend told me I was beautiful without it and one day I believed him. Sad that I needed external validation. Black women are born into a world that tells them that their hair (and everything about their physical appearance) is wrong. It took me 30 years to overcome that programming and truly embrace my natural state. I hope other women’s journeys are much shorter.
I could only laugh after reading the first couple of sentences. You naturalistas REALLY need to calm down. This hair movement is not that serious. If someone wants to call wearing a weave a protective style SO WHAT! Who are you to tell anyone any differently? Don’t say this is not an anti-weave post when clearly it is.
I agree with the post, yet I agree with it from my personal experience being natural. This may not apply to all women, but it does to the women I have encountered. When I first went natural, all I would hear is ” girl I don’t know how you do it, I couldn’t be natural, my hair is too nappy. I have to wear a weave.” Now this didn’t bother me at all but it more showed me how much these women didn’t like their natural hair. It seems now days that No one really likes to wear their natural hair. Maybe it’s because they feel it’s a lot of work to do it or possibly they feel less confident, but I have seen women freak out about wearing their natural hair. I tried the weave thing and didn’t feel quite myself. I even tried getting a kinky wig and still felt out of place. It doesn’t matter how you wear your hair. To me it’s more about your reasoning behind getting a weave. Are you doing because your trying to be accepted ? I know plenty of black women with long natural hair, who didn’t have to wear weaves. Of course we all want nice long hair, we are a vain society lol but when it all comes down to it, we all want to be consider beautiful in the skin we are in. That beauty comes from inner self and being comfortable with you rather you are rocking a fade, short hair, long hair, whatever. Lil Wayne messed it up for all of us with this long hair don’t care movement. Let’s reverse that and say ” healthy hair don’t care.” Some of the comments on this post, seem to be taking it a little too personal. To sum it up its all about loving yourself the way God made you and God doesn’t make mistakes.
I agree that this article could have been more straightforward with less disdain of weave.
However, I also agree that there are a lot of naturals who claim “the natural world” as their own, yet you only ever see their real hair in between weaves (normally a fleeting hour between sew-ins).
I’m not going to comment on whether this is due to a lack of love for their hair or not. I don’t know because I’m not them.
But what I DO know is that you can’t call something a “protective style” if you’re not wearing it for the purpose of protecting your hair. To me, if you NEVER wear your real hair out, I am going to question what you’re actually trying to protect: Is it your hair or your idea that [insert characteristic here] hair is better than your own?
Just because someone wears weaves (whether it is all the time, one week or more) does not mean that they are not natural! I am a cosmetologist and when people call me for an appointment, before they come in for a consultation, that is one of my first questions: “Are you natural, relaxed or other?” If you don’t have chemicals in your hair that permanently change the state of your hair, THEN YOU ARE NATURAL!!!
From some of these comments, I am getting the impression that a person who wears weaves or braids does not know how to handle their hair. since when did wearing extensions = can not handle natural hair? I find that is an inaccurate assumption or some persons might call it ignorant. Yes some persons can not handle and take care of their natural hair and are weave wearers just like some persons who do not wear weave are in the same boat and can not handle their hair either. Stop making generalizations and be very specific about your statements. This post and some of the comments would be totally valid without any issues if such generalizations were not made.
I kind of agree with the author & understand some of her annoyances. I personally love the diversity of having fun w/ your hair, weaving it up & coloring it (although I’ve never done so). On another note, when women get texturizers & lie about it claiming “team natural” that does bug me a bit, so I get what she is saying. When one has a long head of Brazilian, Chinese, Lucky Charms, w/e head of a mystical person’s hair on their head & you NEVER see what their hair looks like underneath it, the moment when they declare boldly how proud they are about their natural hair, I want to tell them to “shh” (LoL). To each is own though & underneath it their natural hair is still there. Unprocessed, chemical free, virgin hair. I am 7 months natural & went all out with my big chop. I went to the barber and he gave me a Caesar. Ladies when I tell you how cold my scalp was during the winter (mind you I live in BK) you would not believe me. So naturally to protect my little 132 lb ass from phenomena & head colds I wore scarves & hats through out the winter. There were days where I really wanted to show off my bald so I went out in the cold w/o a thing on my head. Does that makes me unnatural? After 4 months I was able to do twists. Because they took me 3 hrs to do every Monday (my wash days) I kept them in until Saturday morning (because I’m not about that sitting for 3 hrs every night to re-twists & over manipulate my hair life) & proudly rocked my hair. Does that make me unnatural? Finally the summer is here & I was super stoked to have fun & show off my hair. It now only takes me 45 minutes to an hr to do twists & I was ecstatic about “letting my hair down” w/o the blistering cold or worrying about sitting in my room for the second night in a row, twisting my hair for another 3 hrs. Now that it is month 7 I am able to rock a fro, tie a head band around it to make it look like a puffy pony tail, I am learning that there is still a lot of over manipulation with these styles. I personally DETEST having to rake a comb through my hair on a day to day basis. When I was in my early teens my mother taught me that constantly doing so will cause my hair to be more prone to split ends. As I became older (with a perm in) I would run a comb through my hair once, maybe twice, a week & finger comb when ever I needed to. Because of this I would only have to trim my hair once a year & even then I was able to get away with holding it off for the next couple of months. My hair was super thick, bouncy, and most importantly healthy (I hate strings of hair & will chop it off in a heart beat if my hair ever begins to look like that). With that being said, the idea of me now having natural hair & having to continuously comb out my fro or continuously finger combing my twists made me cringe. This is a habit I am not used to so mentally I am thinking that I am harming my hair. With that being said, I sat in my room for 8 hrs & did my Marley Twists. Let me tell you ladies this, I HATE sitting for hrs at a time (PERIOD) to do my hair. The last time I had braids installed I was 12. Because it took me 5 hrs I vowed to never again do it. I HATE IT!!! (Lmbo). I am concerned about the health of my lovely locs though so I felt it be best to thug it out & do them. If any of you ladies know Marley hair, you know that it is kinky & very close to the type 4 hair. I am in love with how afro centric they look & most importantly how different they look. I don’t look like the next black girl on the street with the Brazilian weave in her head. Not that I have anything against it because between you & me, I used to rock the mess out of some Yaki weave. My point is, I am giving my hair, as well as myself, a break. I am not bothering it, I am not picking at it with a pic to make my twa full & big, I am not twisting it every night, nothing. I know what some are saying, “why don’t you wear your mini twists. Well, on me, those mini twists are not so cute. I refuse to wear doodoo twist out in public. No, I refuse, you can’t make me (LoL). To make a long story short my Marley twists will stay in for (hopefully) a month (itchy scalp issues) & then I will get back to my regular schedule. Sheesh, it’s like taking care of 7 month old baby. I needed a break y’all. So all in all it’s not because I hate my natural hair, don’t know how to manage it, and don’t know how to embrace it. Prior to my Marley twists I was rocking it OUT and LOVING IT, I just did not want to pay the consequence with split ends, breakage, and over manipulation. These twists are not about hating my hair, it is about loving my hair. At the end of the day, this is my protective style.
I agree with you especially since it’s not like you wear weaves often. you’re obviously not ashamed of your hair and with it being the summer time every one wants to look presentable or just be cute without putting in a lot of effort into it
I am a writer and this is just constructive feedback. Your argument is all over the place. Weaves can be used as a protective style which you even admitted.It seems like you were really trying to get at weaves being used as an undercover way to hide your hair because you are ashamed of it or you don’t like it or you are trying to be something you are not. The whole article should have been set up differently which would have made it more compelling. To start with a title, which is flawed from the get go, just set you up for disdain from your readers.
I’m just gonna go on a limb here and speculate that the person who WROTE this piece is a WRITER, too. The article made perfect sense. Furthermore, intelligent argumentative pieces often include counterarguments and an awareness that there is an alternative opinion that is valid. That doesn’t equal “all over the place.” And judging by the lively discussion, I’d wager that her argument was plenty compelling to boot.
Your smug snark is really offputting and actually just wrong.
I agree… The way that it was written was fine. It wasnt the title of the article that was wrong, it was the controversial topic of the article. The title got us all to do what she wanted us to do… Read it!
No, the article did not make sense because the author went against her own title argument and contradicted herself in paragraph number 4. The premise of the article is whether weave is or is not a protective style. The fact that it CAN BE (sometimes) makes her point moot!
The author IS all over the place and never fully explained the point made in the title period. Guest 1234 you’re wrong. The author stated herself that weaves ARE a protective style hiding behind the word “technically” then she introduced bias as fact. Seriously? Stop being intellectually dishonest.
Much of what I wanted to say has been already said BUT the author seems incredibly judgmental. Prior to going natural, I had hair down to the middle of my back that I ended up chopping off six months after my last relaxer. So as someone who had a great deal of length before my 6 years of relaxer and pre-BC, of course I’m eager to grow my natural hair back out! Since my time with a relaxer was relatively short compared to most, I can remember the practices that got me to the length and helped maintain it while relaxed, protective styling. Back then, it was mostly braids and styles with minimal manipulation of my hair. Now that I’m natural, it’s generally a combination of braids and sew-ins that have me at BSL hair 2.5 years after my BC. Do these protective styles mean I don’t know how to care for my hair? Of course not because if this were true, I wouldn’t have the length retention that I have. If you don’t know how to care for your hair before protective styling, you won’t know how to during and after.
Being interested in length, protective styling, etc. in no way changes the fact that you’re natural and definitely doesn’t imply hating or not knowing how to care for your natural hair.
This writer is entitled to their opinion, as we all are. I do not particularly agree with this opinion, and here is my take. I have been natural for 10 years or more. I choose to be naturally free of chemicals because that is MY choice. I am also a cosmetologist with a PASSION for healthy hair. In the past year, I gave up my entire life to start a business and blog to get naturals OUT of this way of thinking and into a place where they take care of their natural hair and scalp no matter what style they choose. Weaves can DEFINITELY be a healthy style when done and maintained PROPERLY. The problem is, most stylists don’t take the time to do the necessary maintenance for these particular styles. Being that a weave (whether sewn in or clipped/combed on…glue is NEVER an option with me)can be heavy on hair causing breakage, you have to be knowledgeable about hair types and the technicalities that are involved when wearing a weave. I personalize CUSTOM hair pieces for damage control as well as for maintenance. I take into consideration EVERYTHING and I REQUIRE a consultation for every customized style that I do. Weight of the extensions -vs- Hair Type (fine hair cannot hold as much weight as coarse hair, damaged hair should not be weighed down, etc), Type of extension (weft hair, a customized unit, etc), and most of all HEALTH AND MAINTENANCE. There are RULES to this hair thing. The rules are NOT to be broken. This is one of the main problems in this industry, the rules are in place for reasons, but people do not follow them, resulting in damaged hair and scalp. My goal is to incorporate these rules along with natural hair practices into wearing extensions, if this is the path someone chooses. We must remember, this is a personal choice. Not everyone is comfortable rocking their own natural hair at a current length. There should be an option for everyone. This is why i created a “What’s Your Natural Personality?” questionnaire to help naturals embrace not only their natural hair, but comfortability in the style that they choose. I create regimens for ALL of my clients who wear extensions. No matter the ethnicity of a client, health is always our priority and I am NEVER willing to do something a client requests if it will damage their hair. I am dancing on a fine line and I know it. But, I’m okay with it, and I won’t ever stop until people realize that how you wear your hair is a CHOICE and there are rules to it NO MATTER HOW you wear it. Improper maintenance is one of the MAIN reasons people have damaged tresses. I have some natural clients who have hair more damaged than some of my clients who choose to relax their hair. How do you explain that then? You see…it’s not about HOW you choose to wear your hair, it’s knowing your hair and knowing what it CAN and CANNOT withstand. Know your hair, know the rules, and have a healthy head of hair that YOU choose to either rock with a weave, without or weave or BOTH. http://www.pollyandjae.com
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/logo.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/logo-1.jpg[/img]
If you want to PS you don’t need a weave to do it. If you are wearing a weave you are wearing to have a different, style/texture/length that what you have. She didn’t say it was bad, but she did say it isn’t natural. Furthermore, the post was not directed at those who rock a weave to change it up, but to those who stayed weaved up like 90% of the time in the name of PSing and claim they are just doing to protect their hair. No you’re not boo, and you prefer to wear hair that isn’t your own. Be real about it.
So true, you don’t need added hair to protective style, added hair costs more money and time so essentially using your own hair would be best right? It has to be the aesthetic because we could really just wear weave-less corn rows or twists for protection lol
What she said that there. Ditto and amen.
Uh oh… The title alone will start a war on ANY natural hair website lmao! Kudos for having the guts to post this.
Anyway, I don’t judge people for wearing extensions or weave in their hair, but there is some truth to this article. I agree mainly with the point that when you wear extensions you are not learning how to handle your hair. So although, your hair may retain length due to lack of retention, what will happen when you aren’t wearing extensions? Breakage can happen at any length. Either way, you still have to learn how to grow your own hair. I also notice that sometimes extensions are so tight they inhibit growth by causing traction alopecia.
retain length due to lack of manipulation***
Stop trying to shame women into thinking their hair choices are “unnatural” or wrong. It’s just hair and we’re all free to do as we please. Post like this just offer division between the black women who all share a love of hair, regardless of the style.
Grow up.
I agree completely, as a former weave wearer I will tell you that I personally could not take care of my hair the way that I do now under a weave, and after a while I did not even care to.. why should I when I can just put another weave in? Then it became a crutch. This was in my teens however and since then I’ve gone natural and have no intentions of wearing a weave again, I personally believe that weave is such an impersonal way of styling your hair.. it’s still a choice but it is just so much clearer to me now. I didn’t care about my hair underneath or whose head the weave even came from, I didn’t stop to think this is some woman’s hair and i’m not chronically ill so I can grow my own freaking hair I just rocked it. Now that I’ve stopped I want to see, feel, and appreciate all the hard work that i’ve put into MY hair, I want to tough it out in those winter months and establish my own protective methods so that I won’t ever need to cling to someone else’s strands for protection. I put all this work into my hair and for me to just go wear someone else’s hair like it’s better or just even for a change, oh hell no.. are they purchasing my type of hair? My hair is gorgeous, efficient, and most importantly MINE. However if you want to wear a weave do you boo, it’s just not for me anymore.
Maybe it’s just me but I don’t think it’s that serious. Yes everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I myself do not wear weaves but what I choose to call it is what I choose to call it. Just like when we were all getting relaxers, we used to call it a perm when in acutallity it was a relaxer. A perm curls the hair a relaxer straightens it. Does it matter what someone calls something? I honestly just want healthy hair, I come on these sites to get an idea on what to do next. There are some people in this natural community that take it too far and then people wonder why some go back to the creamy crack. SO am I no longer natural because I choose to wear a weave to give my hair a break? Or how about when I add synthetic hair to my braids? There is a fine line to everything but sometimes people are just too much. Don’t worry about why I want length maybe it’s because rocking a TWA in the military while in Afghanistan is hard. Hair is an accessory not a necessity, let people just do them and you do you.
Very well put, Nicole. Very well put.
I have so many problems with this article that has already been discussed, so I won’t go into it. But seriously, “womenfolk,” “sisters.”
Maybe your problem is that you think all of us the same. So here is a “pro-truth” for you, telling women how they should look and feel isn’t a career you should invest in.
I agree…her article left a bad taste in my mouth. It came off more hostile and even ignorant from another black woman. This is the first time I read an articla on this website that I’m thinking this needs to be taken down
I so agree with you!!!
There are people that agreed with her just as there are those that disagreed. I think that she said some things that a lot of people think, but don’t say because of fear of negative backlash… Much like that of which she is receiving. There is nothing wrong with debate… Why should it be taken down?
I agree, the tone of this article simply wasn’t positive. Think about the best teachers when I say that (whether she is wrong or right) you should correct or teach in love. This article didn’t feel loving, it wasn’t uplifting or building up any woman in any way. Had she taken the time to make sure that love was in their, I believe this article would have been written and delivered in a much different way and in return embraced and accepted more.
It’s like going off on a racists and still being mad that they disagree, won’t hear you and still think that you are judgmental ect… People will not reflect on things like this if the tone isn’t right.
LOL, AMEN!!!
“Honestly natural hair shouldn’t be this high maintenance”. Oh but it can be, from finding the right products for your hair to learning twist outs, etc. I have been natural since 2010 and maintenance has been high. Currently a re-flat twist every night so that my hair is manageable the next day. Just today I made a wig and am now rocking it yes, as a protective style. I have my hair braided underneath and plan on going two weeks without twisting my hair every night. So, because I have in 18″ that no longer makes me a member of team natural? How about instead of writing articles premoting divisiveness and judgment, we stick to articles promoting hair health and inclusion?
I don’t agree with this article at all but to each it’s own.
Whether a person decides to wear a weave or protective style inorder to retain length, the truth remains the same. Our historical methods of self care have been hidden from us. Many would argue that we willingly conceeded to giving them away.
Amidst slavery, madam CJ walker, colonization, assimilation, soul glow, we forgot how to care for our actual hair the way it grows out of scalp. We are now attempting to relearn the best techniques to improve the health of our hair. It is liberating in a sense to learn that our hair can and will grown HEALTHFULLY if we invest into it. it us liberating to know that we dont have to style our hair every single day and be a slave to that process.
My contention is that even the no weave, no protective styling, no curl chasing naturals struggle to answer the same question that most of us do and that is…what is healthy for not only my hair but my whole person (mind, soul, spirit)? Believe me we are all still trying to figure it out, which I why I find this article somewhat judgemental.
Off the back I thought the title was misleading: I would argue that a weave is in fact a protective style. The author seems to think that “Natural” women own the term. Quite frankly they do not.
Now the real point of this writers article is calling to question if anyone that uses additional hair and the obsession with length retention thru protective styling are relics of a colonized mind, obsessed with white standards of beauty.
Hair is art to me. Even when looking at photos of women in pre colonized areas of Africa I would notice hair extensions added as a way to garnish and highlight hair styles. We as a people enjoy versatility. I am no exception. I have gone thru periods where I would vehemently oppose any sort of added hair. I have gone thru periods of what I’d like to call psuedo wig addiction. Now, I am somewhere in the middle. Life is about balance and doing what feels right to you. I feel free to make a choice in any direction. That is what this here journey is about for me. Not allowing others to define what I do, how I do it and when I do it. I am still natural.
The author has a right to her own opinion but I would encourage her to open her mind a little. Perhaps meet and talk to more people and find out what there experiences have been. For me, natural hair is not really about natural hair at all but more about getting to know myself better, health, and setting and determining my own standard of beauty. The rhetoric in this article reminds me of a mindset of those who sought to control and colonize the minds of others through out history.
That article was just too long to read. Are we really talking about whether or not a weave is a protective style??? If it’s covering the hair to keep it from the elements and too much manipulation, I would say it’s protective, just as wearing a silk bonnet at night, unless you want to see more silk bonnets out in the streets.
I love this post! When I first decided to stop pressing my hair, read several articles about protective styles. I was surprised to see that weaves and braids were on the list. How could these things that require excessive tugging, don’t allow your real hair to breathe, and cause your edges to fall out be called “protective”? To those who choose to use these methods as protective styles, please do so with extra caution and care!
This article has left me quite confused as well. While I understand and agree with the author’s point of some women wishing to leave their ethnic or ‘nappy’ roots tucked away from view-—therefore not embracing the effects of a ‘protective style’, she plays it off as if every woman who wears a weave is trying to rock Indian Remy, or some other straight, long hairstyle b/c they are unhappy with their natural hair.
That is not true!
I currently am wearing a weave inspired by my favorite naturalistas–it’s big, poofy, and curly and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m in love with the look and I would want it for my own hair, but my hair has not reached the health stage (or length) where such a hairstyle is possible. Does this mean I hate my hair b/c I choose not to embrace my current length? No. In fact, I love my hair so much, I’m willing to put it in a protective style for months at a time to see it grow and flourish.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BirthdayPic2013.jpg[/img]
Hey there,
So I disagree with a big chunk of this post. I get it, you want very clear distinctions for things, and there is no-such thing as grey area—except there very much is.
Weaves protect your braids from overprocessing and working. In theory, it’s no different than getting braided extensions or just cornrowing your hair.
But that’s not even what’s troubling to me. What bothers me is this anxiety or fear with natural girls that they aren’t in control if they do anything to their hair or if their hair appears unlike what God intended. Let’s get one thing straight: it’s just hair. Stop policing people’s choices. Some people have weaves with natural hair underneath. Some people have weaves with a relaxer underneath. Some people wear wigs, some people are all natural all the time. Some people dye their hair. Some people braid their natural hair and you never see it in all of its fro-y glory. But let it go. You aren’t more natural for twisting your hair rather than wearing a weave. There’s no “more natural.” That’s a fallacy.
xo – Akilah
ww.ItsAkilahObviously.com
Terribly written.
I am somewhat confused about this article. The author stated from the beginning that a weave is not a protective style but yet within the article, I did not see much info that supported this claim. The author mentioned not embracing what grows straight out their scalp and the focus of length and big hair and Brazilian hair and the like.
I find this article centers around feelings about weaves regardless of why it is being used. If a person wears a weave or even braids maybe for a month to give her hair a break then wears her natural hair out for the rest of the year, it is a protective style. However, if a person wears a weave for the whole year with breaks in between to rest the hair before redoing the weave then it is just a style and not necessarily a protective style. There is a difference.
There are reasons why weaves may not be good for protective styling but the author did not make mention of them. The author did touch on healthy hair which could have been a point but still no detail that would highlight why weave isn’t suppose to be a protective style.
A weave is just a weave but it can be used as a protective style once done correctly. I find that we are taking this natural hair thing a little too serious. I think we should all focus more on having healthy hair and it should not matter what is done to the hair to achieve that.
Th author had some good points but not on the topic that was given as they did not really relate to each other as it was suppose to.
Wow, talk about a judgmental, natural hair, purist, I’ve been natural for 7 years and decided this summer to get extensions as a protective style. The way I see it, if I’m not touching it everyday to manipulate it into some sort of style, it’s protective styling.
The writer seems to have some sort of problem with weave in general, and that’s ok. We’re all entitled to our opinions, I just don’t understand someone being angry about someone else’s hair. Natural hair is NOT a movement to everyone. Some of us are not wearing our hair natural as a part of a political process. To some of us, it’s just our hair. I chose to wear my hair natural because I was tired of broken off permed hair, not because I wanted it reinforce my ethnicity. I’m my race regardless of the current state of my hair.
I agree wit this article an i agree wit one major point u made. Not everyone’s choice of returning natural was sparked by some great ‘self actualization, down with the European, kumbayah, sista-sista’ movement. Some were just tired of relaxed hair, or of damage or just wanted a change. Some slap on weave as a means of not loving their hair but others do it for protection. What we need to realize is that we should stop putting ppl into a box an say cuz ur natural, u have love for other Earth an stuff like that. However, some do the weaves cuz deep down, they arent proud. Different strokes for diff ppl. Just rememebr this when anyone says relaxed ppl hate their hair hence they put in chemicals
seriously i do not see any reason why a weave shouldnt be regarded as a protective style. this article seriously doesnt make any sense because if u are saying that having a weave on even when u have your natural hair isnt a prtective style then that simply means that colouring/dying your hair makes u to not be a natural. in my own words nobody is 100% natural if u claim u are then u should get rid of your make ups, and also get rid of your clothes and walk naked like adam and eve did. And please note that every individual has his and her own insecurities.
It’s just a matter of opinion. Being natural does not mean wearing your hair out all the time… There is a reasons people with kinky hair started braiding their hair centuries ago: they knew something about what was best for their hair type.
They didn’t have weave centuries ago either.
Reason why I mentioned braiding only.
Yes they did.
I do agree a weave is a weave but due to the lack of natural black hair extensions, we have to go with what’s out there to avoid over manipulating hair. I just found out a few weeks ago that you can actually buy our texture hair, called heat free hair. I plan to order the kinky because that is my hair type. So are you not being true if you wear a kinky nappy weave? What if your hair is wavy without chemicals? Either way I feel people should wear what they feel comfortable with and if someone else don’t like it so be it. It’s still their choice and they can call it what they want. You know what they say about opinions! =)
The problem is, people use these “protective styles” and never really learn how to style or take care of their natural hair. Yes, low manipulation may be important, but by the time they remove their “protective style” to take care of their hair, they get frustrated and slap a weave back on. How is that, in the end, learning about your hair? And why is afro-textured hair the only hair that need to be “hidden” to grow long and strong?
Interesting post. I would have totally agreed with this 6 months ago as I was strongly against wearing weaves. However, for me I am struggling to retain length due to daily manipulation. I am not good at braiding my own hair and after 2 years of developing my natural hair I have decided to wear a weave for a while. I am glad in the past I have rocked my natural hair as I have learned so much such as what oils work best in my hair and learning new hairstyles. However right now, I fancy exercising my ability to wear a weave and leaving my natural hair alone for a while.
is a wig considered a protective style?
Finally! Someone with some sense (and courage) spoke out on this site!!! PREACH!!!
I must disagree with this article. Most naturals wear weave or braids to reduce the constant multiplication on their hair and a lot of busy women can only maintain their natural hair by applying a protective style on top. Whether it’s a weave, braids, or the twisting of their own hair, it’s still considered a protective style. I must agree now in days we as women are making a big fuss on what products to use for natural hair and what is your length type of questions, but to critize those who choose to use and let others know that their weave is a procteive style for them is just plan crazy. I respect those who say that more than those who claim it’s their hair. Simply, I’m natural but due to my lifestyle I choose to add weave or a wig to PROTECT my hair underneath, sounds legit to me.
Someone wrote that they disagree and then referenced to Beyonce being a naturalista BUAHAHA…. prime example! When is the last time anyone has seen her hair? Nikki M is natural underneath to but she is not a naturalista. And I agree w this post!
Here is the thing. Whether you like it or not, if someone isn’t relaxed they are natural. By definition they are and you cannot take that away from them just because of the method in which they choose to deal or not deal with their hair. Whether we agree or not, we simply cannot take that away from black women. Nikki Minaj is a good example as you stated, she wore weaves and still does. However, she was natural under her weave, making her natural. Now is she a prime case of embracing your tresses, NO! However, she is still natural.
Let me get this straight…A woman who is totally natural underneath her sew-in is no longer natural while she is rocking her sew-in? lol…and please have a seat self appointed natural hair police! I agree,a weave is a weave. But how are you going to imply that one is not protecting their hair underneath it? Also, I have personally seen women get weaves that match their “kinky” textures,not everyone installs a hip length,bone straight weave. I have also seen women with healthy MBL hair install weaves as well. why? their hair needs a break. If you are educated in the science of textured hair care, you would know that textured hair responds well to rest periods, and not everyone wants to rock a bun on the daily.
I think people missed the point of the article or didn’t really understand what she was stressing. I agree with the article. I believe the author is saying that weaves can be a protective style, however some natural women choose to wear these styles rather than embrace what comes out of their scalp. What is wrong with embracing what comes out of your scalp and working to make it healthy without the use of some other person’s hair? I’ve been natural for 6+ years and worked at getting to know my hair, without the use of weaves. Because of this, I’ve noticed what makes my hair healthier and stronger. The article is just saying when are the majority of “naturals” just going to embrace what grows out of their scalp without subjecting it to European standards of beauty. If we the growers of the kinky, curly tresses don’t embrace/celebrate it, who will?
black women – you are beautiful and you deserve autonomy.
your body, your rules.
don’t let anyone tell you how to protect your hair – you know like I know in winter there’s nothing like a head full of braids or sengalese twists – even a lace front will keep you warm and stop hair from breaking off at the ends.
eff this article – it’s nothing but shaming rhetoric to make natural nazis feel better.
What is the hegemonic structure at work here? C’mon, calling black women who are passionate about examining self love and decolonizing our inner perspective ” natural Nazis” is only affective in that it is dismissive. Of course I fully agree, Black women deserve complete autonomy, but you can not deny that we are still navigating within a structure of oppression that teaches us that we are not beautiful. How can you encourage that we not question whether we can call actions like wearing a weave autonomous at all.
Marfy, I LOVE YOU.
@marfy
“black women – you are beautiful and you deserve autonomy.
your body, your rules.”
but what if you having autonomy relies on other women’s bodies and their poverty and lack of choice? isn’t that what getting hair from another woman or girl is about.
it’s not just your body that is involved. it’s other women’s bodies that are impacted. does their autonomy and self-worth concern you too?
All weave hair is not human hair.
I agree with a lot of this post, but not all of it. Oddly this post is more about “intent” than “behavior.” Stretching your hair for length, according to the author, somehow means that I’m obsessed with how long my hair is. The reason I stretch my curls is because my hair is a tangled mess if I don’t. It cuts down considerably on the amount of time I spend on my hair if I stretch my curls. I also get to use less product. I remember watching a video once of Taren Guy showing her wig collection. And guess what? They all looked exactly like her natural hair. She wanted to PROTECT her hair but still look like herself. I’ve thought many times of getting marley twists or box braids so that I don’t have to do anything with my hair for a month or two. Not only would that kind of protective style be a break for my hair from manipulation but it would be a break for me mentally. Spray, moisturize, and go! No twisting before bed, no weekly co-washing. No need to finger detangle! Caring for your hair means caring a lot. It would be nice to not care so much for a bit knowing my hair is being protected and cared for. However, do I think there are women who never come out of a weave and still consider themselves natural, even thought it’s hair that no one ever sees and they wouldn’t know how to take care of it even if they were at gun point? OF COURSE.
I think this author is assuming that for everyone who has natural hair that it was a liberating moment becoming natural. That it had greater significance than just growing their perm out. For me, it definitely did. But seeing my hair grow past what it ever did during my creamy crack addiction is also mentally liberating. Freedom from the lies about what my hair was or could or couldn’t do. I want to know my hair’s full potential. I want healthy hair and healthy hair naturally grows.
But honestly, truth be told, it does makes me sad when I see black women with straight weaves that looks like a dead cat on their head; all I can think is, “Who do you think you’re fooling?”
Well stated, Candice! It IS mentally liberating to see hair that never grew past your shoulders descend down your back.
I have questions for the author. One, why does wanting longer hair have to be equated with chasing a Eurocentric beauty standard? Is long hair the exclusive domain of non-Black women? Are there and were there ZERO regional groups of Africa women with long hair or zero Black American women before the advent of the straightening comb and relaxers with long hair? That’s not what historical photographs have shown me. I’ve seen lots of Black women in photos from the 1870’s to 1900’s and on with long thick natural hair done in a chignon, Victorian updo, or braids.
Also, are Black women with two Black parents who really do happen to have curly hair brainwashed because they are defining their curls? There are Black women whose hair was never really manageable until they started employing the “Curly Girl” method. For them, defining their curls is liberating.
I had locs for 13 years and that style was truly low maintenance. Not no maintenance mind you, but low. I have family members with TWA’s and there is a growing trend of women who shave their heads down almost bald. In my opinion those aforementioned styles are the only ones where not much as much manipulation is required. But I don’t really think this site is targeting those naturals. It’s for the naturals that have loose natural short-medium length to longer hair and want longer hair. The site is called Black Girl With Long Hair after all. Hair that has a tendency to coil around itself and tangle very easily, especially, then grow can be a lot of work and this site helps many of us naturals navigate.
I was anti-extensions too while my hair was different lengths and two different textures 4a here, 3c there. I just want it to grow out even, so after fighting it for five years, I got braid extensions. I am wearing the extensions with the intent to grow my hair out to be even and to camouflage an area of my hair that has broken off, so I am protective styling. And since I am a busy mother of four kids, the extensions are liberating for now.
I have more time on my hands for things in life that are more pressing as my hair grows out.
While I understand the spirit of her article and even agree with some of the points made, I think this article is out of place. I don’t really blame the author, I blame BGLH for publishing this because as I’m reading the comments, I see that most people posting don’t generally like or agree with the article. This blog does strongly advocate length and protective styling. Yet this article seems to be smacking the hand away of naturals who do length checks.
I considered extensions a way to grow my hair longer before the internet even became popular in the 1990’s (I am a Generation X-er) and LONG before there was a site like this. So have many Black women.
Also, the author named Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair as sort of an ideal for us naturals over a weave. Ross might be a poor example to illuminate the don’t- chase-a-Eurocentric-standard. While her big natural hair is gorgeous, she is in fact half Jewish (half White or European) and her hair has a looser curl than the 4a, 4b naturals. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think this article was posted on the wrong website.
A weave is different things to different people. To some it truly is a protective style, its a chance to give your hair a break from the twist outs and detangling and all the other ways we manipulate our hair. It is also a chance to change up your look and enjoy even more versatility with your hair. To others however, a weave may truly be just a weave, protective styling or not, they wear weaves because they like weaves and they believe they are beautiful. To me, as a natural (11 months), extensions are beautiful. I wear them for three reasons: 1) to give my natural hair a much deserved break; 2) to give my self a break from having to twist, braid, stretch and detangle my natural hair and 3) because I like the versatility and beauty that extensions provide. There is nothing wrong with admitting that.
Many women are commenting “wearing weave doesn’t mean you don’t like your own hair” and “Its just hair”… Ok.
Wearing weave may not mean you “don’t like” your own hair but it DOES mean that you like the weave BETTER than your own hair, does it not? Yea, otherwise you wouldn’t wear it. And if it is “just hair” THEN WHY NOT CHOOSE TO WEAR THE HAIR THAT GROWS OUT OF YOUR HEAD? I’m confused by these women who don’t think any of this is a big deal… Why do we encourage other women of color to parade other women’s hair on their head as a signal of “beauty” and “celebrity” and “style”. Its embarrassing, because we’re so beautiful without any of it. And its sad, because we truly believe it looks better than what we were blessed with. We could change this “standard of beauty simply by celebrating ourselves, the self that somewhere down the road we began to devalue.
^^^LOVE the post by the way. Has its moments, but overall great opinion peice. (all caps for emphasis/shouting… take your pick, doesn’t bother me because this is in fact something to be passionate about *kanyeshrug*)
I totally agree with you. “if it just hair” why do they spend so much money purchasing Indian and Peruvian hair. It is so disrespectful to celebrate another woman’s crown while you hide your own hair. Lastly, why are black women the only people buying other races hair but no one is buying you own hair. Stop making the Koreans and Chinese rich!! Grow and celebrate your own hair.
it depends on how they wear the weave tho. If they’re wearing it consistently back to back- then there is a problem and an inner complex issue that they need to resolve. But if it’s a occasionally just to switch up their look I don’t see what the problem is personally. I’m transitioning to natural and I love my braids- does that mean I hate my hair? No, I just want to give my hair a break and not manipulate my hair as I get more of breakage when my hair is out and not when in braids. I love the hair growing out of my scalp which is why I’m transitioning and the further along I get the more I fall in love with my natural hair. Braids/weave (tho I personally don’t like weave) is just a means of getting through my transition a lot quicker and easier so I don’t go cray cray lol
Good gawd! Even I was confused. I hear women say that they are natural, but they are wearing this fake hair. I’m like wth? And the amount of money being spent in hair is insane!!! Smh
Hope Charing Ball’s opinion is not taken as a fact…this is pure ignorance. At the end of the day, why is she so worried about black women using weaves as a protective style … get over yourself. Sounds like she has some issues to deal with internally. Your opinion is equivalent to ONE MILLION less than signs. It’s just hair!
The author raised very valid points and I agree with her statements. I don’t believe she is saying that wearing a weave is not a protective style, the point she wants to get across is that if women want to wear a weave, then go on and wear your weave proudly but don’t hide behind the statement that it is “protective styling”. I mean what is the point of going natural in the first place if we still practice the same methods we did when we had relaxed hair? Is natural hair REALLY that high maintenance? Like she said going natural was supposed to be a liberating movement but instead many of us have found ourselves obsessing about the same things we used to obsess about when we permed our hair, length, stretching etc. And I couldn’t agree more with the statement that tucking your hair away under a weave doesn’t bring you any closer to understanding your hair because you never really deal with it.And again if one must wear a weave as ‘a protective style” why not pick one that resembles your hair texture? why do we always tend to go for the long silky straight weaves?
To me going natural is about self acceptance and appreciation. Understanding and loving everything about yourself the way nature intended. If you like weaves, then by all means weave it up. But if you really want to get the full benefit of being a natural then let your hair be exactly what it is meant to be, Natural.
I think that the misconception is that people “go natural” for some big political or deep reason. Some find their scalps are irritated by relaxers, or it makes their hair thin or want more styling options. I am in this category. I have been natural for about 10years and there definitely wasn’t anything deep in my decision. I don’t wear weaves because I do not like the feeling of extra “not-my” hair on my head.
I don’t agree with this post at all! Look,coming from a family of multi-cultural hairstylists I know that people DO wear weaves and lace wigs as a protective style. Beyonce does when she performs(Not gonna say how I know that, I just do and I will leave it at that!) Not tryn to name drop, but many people wear weaves who have a good amount of hair. Plus one person’s idea of “nappy” is not anothers idea of nappy.
Many celebs wear protective styles, I would wear a weave now, but I just had a baby and don’t want to spend the 1000 dollars right now to get one! And cupcake, I am told everyday, “Wow girl, you have real curly thick hair” My hair is not only thick it is not “nappy” kinky,curly yes, but not short. I am trying to grow it, it is now bra strap length and yeah it does get some breakage! But that doesn’t give you the right to call out stereotypical names like “Laquinta” ( Which btw is originally a Spanish name) pipe down chica! Damn if I want to call my weave a protective style then I will!
I am also a bit offended by your use of the word “nappy” I mean, really? Quit with the slave mentality, because that makes you look just as bad as Shay Shay! Get a grip and get your nose out of everyone’s scalp focus on you, rather than bashing “naturals” who choose to wear hair other than their own, it is not that serious.
Did you really try to use Beyonce to construct your argument? LOL. You poor thing.
THIS… “Likewise, what used to be about freedom from more European-centric standards of beauty, which meant forgoing all the unnecessary manipulations we put our hair through in an effort to match, or exceed, those standards – has now turned into growth challenges; angry rants about “shrinkage” and stretching; saturating our hairs with products in hopes of “defining curls” and behind the back selfies of women tugging at a small section of their hair and measuring how close it is to reaching BSL, or bra-strap level. It seems that many women don’t just want healthy hair; they just want lots of hair. … It’s a sad thing to say but the more I observe this heightened emphasis among naturals for “length” and “protection,” the more I realize that many of us have carried much of the same baggage along with us into what was supposed to be a liberating movement. ”
Yes weaves are technically a “protective style” but do not lie to yourself of that being its only function. Weaves, because they are most commonly straight/wavy/loosely curly and long and not as the author described, and I paraphrase, ‘kinky/nappy’, are used irrevocably to achieve and maintain a European standard of beauty. Why do some of we black women not feel that we are not naturally beautiful ENOUGH? Why do we not love ourselves FULLY? The existence of weaves, relaxers, skin bleaches, you name it, and the stringent support amongst women of color of these manipulative tools should incite something in us because they are threats to our sound existence and the existence of our mothers, sisters and daughters. To view this as an exaggeration is a mistake.
7 paragraphs about people wearing weaves? Seriously? This is going too far, I’ve never posted a comment before but this time, it’s too tempting. Who is she in so called “TeamNatural” to define who’s natural and who’s not? “Just don’t try to con the rest of us into accepting your weave as some sort of amendment to natural hair.” Where’s the con? It’s about HAIR FFS! Get over yourself and let people be.
Why do black women always hate on other black women? The rest of the world makes fun of us. And this time it’s about bloody hair? I’ll never get that.
PS: I’m bald LOL.
I tried a weave my Junior year of HS and I did not like it at all! Kudos to those that do wear them, but they are not for me.
i agree.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/3370_412644945478399_2014365812_n.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TAIWO.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TAIWO.jpg[/img]
Is this your personal art you painted? Or did you find this online? If so, where? This is really beautiful.
I completely disagree with you, so many things to say. But I’ll just mention a few. Long hair has nothing to do with the European-centric standards of beauty, by you saying this, you are pretty much saying that black women cannot have long hair, which is clearly not true.There’s absolutely nothing wrong with trying to achieve hair growth, its a personal choice.
And there’s also nothing wrong with rocking a weave or braid. It actually makes life more interesting, the different things black women can do with their hair. I’m a black woman, and I love my natural hair I rock it out all the time, but I also like trying something new once in a while. And sometimes when I’m rocking braids, I get other people of other races asking me if I could braid their hair like mine(so is this to say that they hate their hair? Absolutely not, they just admire the style, and would also like to try something new).
I totally agree with you, there’s no way that a weave could act as a-what’s-that-word “a protective style”. if anything, your hair would be worse off when you take out the weave, and you have to treat your hair so that it could be back to normal. I wear a weave, but not to protect my hair but just to do something different with my look. Its not bad (and don’t judge my reasoning), its more of a style thing and not protective in anyway. I can’t keep washing, drying and straightening every two weeks or every day because of my busy schedule, so I wear a weave to make things easier for me.
My, you are a brave one!
Though it might not be a popular opinion, I must say- I agree with you…. On a lot of points. Especially about accepting your natural texture and not being so obsessed with length and Eurocentric beauty standards. Like you said… Whatever you do, it’s your business! If you love your hair and are wearing weave to switch up your look, by all means go right ahead… But if you just “aren’t there yet” with accepting your hair as is, that is okay too. It’s a different journey for all of us
I have been natural on and off for 10 years before it was popular. People thought I was crazy for rocking the twa and afro. So I’m not as judgemental when it comes to people and their natural hair. Anyway, I think weave is a protective style if you are not messing with your hair. The tone of your article is what is interesting. I can understand where you are coming from. Natural is to be natural, without someone with weave calling themselves natural. But this is like trying to CONTROL what is deemed natural. If I want to wear a weave and call it a protective style, then that is just what I will do. I would dare anyone, especially someone who hasn’t been natural for the past 10 + years to tell me anything about weave not being a protective style. Good luck to you.
I honestly disagree. I’ve always been natural and after getting a bad hair cut in high school I refused to go back to my hairdresser. In result of not getting trims, my hair split and went from bra strap length to barely touching my neck. During the summer, I got a sew in and allowed it to stay in until August. Not only did my hair grow, but it got thicker. Ever since then I would get sew ins. I believe that if you take care of your hair my moisturizing and keeping your hair clean, it will grow. Most importantly, sew ins allows the hair to rest.
This was interesting and I am not sure how I feel about it. One thing is that for many (myself included) having natural hair is not a political choice or a “movement” thing. I stopped relaxing a decade ago because I wanted healthier hair and more styling options. I also wanted longer hair (which i now have). So for me mission accomplished. I do not use weaves as a style (protective or not) but I definitely think that many do and it has been an effective way to preserve their hair and to change it up.
Some pretty ok points were made but I DON’T think that when people wear “protective styles” such as long weaves, they just want long hair or don’t like their hair. I think that they want variety. That’s all. I have a friend that wears 100% Brazilian hair 12 months out of the year but it’s not because she doesn’t like her own hair. Her hair is natural and as long as the weave that she wears. The weave is just more manageable and yes…it protects her natural hair from all of the potential heat damage that it could be subjected to with flat irons, curlers or anything else.
Sorry but this post was bullshit and honestly not even worth reading. Since when does your hair have to be short and “nappy” for you to be a true natural? I have had long natural hair most of my life. Does that mean I want to be like Becky or Maria or Ming or Priya? Am I supposed to cut it short to be a truly proud black woman with natural hair? Since when does wanting long hair equal self hate? Any hair texture or type taken care of will grow long. Depending on the specific texture, it may not look long but it is. Also a hair style is just that- a hair style. Wanting to wear your hair straight to show off length a few times a year is no different than wearing a braidout or twist out which also, in some regard, changes the texture of your hair to something that does not naturally grow out of your scalp. Do those styles equal self hate as well?
We have so many options today when it comes to beauty that it is plain stupid for anyone to limit themselves to wearing their hair one particular way because some pro black militant freak my get upset. While I would never wear a weave, I don’t give a damn if anyone else wants to wear one. I don’t have the kind of free time you seem to have to obsess over how other people wear their hair. A weave is another harmless hairstyle. To me it is the same as getting dreadlocks or wearing braids or twists for a few months so you don’t have to deal with your hair. It’s not like the person is frying their scalp with a relaxer or bleach to permanently change their features so calm the hell down. If its that serious to you take a plane back to Africa and go live in a jungle with Tarzan and his non weave wearing friends.
You had a good point but your last sentence just makes it sound like you have some negative view of africa. We are not jungle dwellers. THANK YOU!
I said that in the sense that many anti weave/relaxer/hairstyle that isn’t an Afro people equate Africa with being the motherland of natural hair that is untouched and worn in a short Afro. I know African people are no different than Americans, Europeans, etc and wear their hair in just as many if not more diverse styles weave or not. I apologize if I offended anyone.
Don’t bring Africa into this. Your last statement was so ignorant and stupid!!! yes there are people in Africa that wear weaves and wigs.
I was going to offer you an apology as well until you called my words “ignorant” and “stupid” but forget it.
your words are ignorant AND stupid don’t answer if your going to say something useless
You know you bring up a great point. It is true that people seem to equate black hair with being short and if someone black wants to grow their hair long then they want to be white. That really is ridiculous. It supports the ignorant ideology that black hair will only be short, tight, and nappy, and we should do nothing to it but let it sit on top our heads and knot up into one big dread fro. Sigh. Its kinda like the peopel who get mad at those who choose to long term transition as opposed to big chop. As if a transitioner is just afraid to embrace their “blackness” because they don’t want a TWA.
i think her main point is to help naturalistas learn to not hide behind a weave and then to call yourself natural, because there are some that do. i found the piece to be encouraging and enlightening. my favorite part: It’s a sad thing to say but the more I observe this heightened emphasis among naturals for “length” and “protection,” the more i realize that many of us have carried much of the same baggage along with us into what was supposed to be a liberating movement.”
if you have made the decision to go natural, be proud of your hair type. i, personally, wear weaves every so often to, yes, protect my hair, but to mainly get a style that my hair wouldn’t naturally hold and it saves me some time when at the moment of install i don’t have time on my hands. i love my hair and it’s natural state AND i love a good sew in to protect my hair, but i know that it’s a weave and i love what it does for my busy lifestyle as a mom of an infant and one on the way.
this person is entitled to her “opinion,” as the title states, as we all are here to read articles about people’s opinion on hair. take it and see how applies to you.. or not. much like the other articles on this site. good read.
and tarzan doesn’t even live in a jungle in africa you ignorant fool
You are ignorant as hell. What the hell is that last sentence? You are a lost cause.
#WORD
So NOT true. Anytime the hair is not being handled, it’s considered a protective style. If a person has a weave why is it assumed that they want long hair. Could it not be the fact they maybe trying to protect their own hair. If handled in the correct manner, weave grows your hair just as fast as braids or twist. In fact the hair is braided under the weave…so why is it not a protective style