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Editorial
By Irene of NaturalFantastic.com
Weave and wigs can work great as protective styles. They allow you to leave your hair natural and enjoy the convenience of straight hair. No shrinkage to contend with, less detangling, protection from the weather and versatility. However, for some women it may be time to let their natural hair out, to shine in all its glory. Here are some benefits to doing this. Hopefully this will encourage you to take the next step and come away from being reliant on weaves and wigs.
So what are the benefits of ditching the weave and letting your hair out more often?
1. You will become better at managing your natural hair
As with most things practice makes perfect. The more you leave your hair out the more practice you get at managing it. You will learn the best techniques for maintaining it on a daily basis. This includes forming a hair regimen that suits your routine and lifestyle. You will also have the opportunity to eliminate products and techniques that do not work well on your hair. If your hair is packed away under the weave or wig cap every month, you many only see it once in a while. Some people only take their hair out of the weave to wash it, then they reinstall it all over again. If you wear your hair out regularly you will become familiar with it and learn the best techniques managing it.
2. You will be in a better position to assess the health of your hair
Detangling my hair this week made me realize it was definitely time for a protein treatment. Because I am familiar with my hair I noticed there was more shedding than usual. I was able to rectify this straightaway because I had access to my hair. When your hair is weaved you don’t have immediate access to it. If there is a problem you will not know until you take the weave out. By this time more damage may have occurred that could have been avoided. When your hair is out you can assess it regularly and decide what action to take, such as: a trim, a wash, a treatment or a moisturizing boost.
3. It is easier to moisturize
Many of us know that we should moisturize our real hair regularly when it is in a weave. How many of us actually do this though? I certainly didn’t. It seemed too complicated at the time and out sight out of mind. I spent more time grooming the weave because it was the weave that was visible to everyone. I would take the time to style it with curling tongs or a flat-iron, moisturize it and blend it with my real hair so it would look its best. I would usually forget about my real hair underneath. If your hair is out more often you will know immediately when it becomes dry and be in a better position to moisturize it. You are also more likely to moisturize it on a regular basis and prevent it from drying out in the first place. When it is hidden away under the weave, it’s easy to forget about it.
4. Others will become used to your natural hair
If you are concerned about the reaction friends, family and work colleagues will have to your natural hair remember that the sooner they see it the sooner they will get used to it. If people see you with your hair out all the time it really doesn’t become that much of a big deal after some time. They also get to see how beautiful it is natural. You may have to deal with comments and questions, some may be negative but you will be better equipped to deal with them after some time. Some people may not admit that they feel more comfortable with you when you wear your weave. The sooner they realize that you are not going to hide your hair away for their benefit the better.
There is also that dreaded feeling you get when you have to take your weave out and don’t have an appointment to get it reinstalled straightaway. You kind of feel naked or may not be sure how to style your natural hair in between weaves. Some of us dread bumping into people that are used to seeing us with our weaves. If you wear your hair out you will no longer have to deal with the dreaded ‘in between weaves’ feeling. What you see is what you get with natural hair.
5. You will become a hair styling queen
Styling your natural hair will become second nature to you. It’s like learning to play the guitar. If you never take it out of the case how will you ever learn to play it? Your natural hair is like a blank canvas, there are endless styling tutorials on YouTube and you may also surprise yourself by inventing some styles and techniques of your own. Weaves and wigs are great protective styles but there are numerous protective styles you can try with your own hair that are elegant and appropriate for all occasions. These include two strand twists, buns, roll tuck and pins, French braids and various updos. Check out CharyJay’s and Fusion of Cultures’ YouTube channels. They are protective style queens. If their styles seem too complicated, you can adapt them to suit you personally. These tutorials should provide you with inspiration; you don’t have to follow them exactly. Remember natural hair is very versatile so there is no reason to get bored or run out of styling options. Check out the series: The Versatility of Natural Hair.
6. You will not have to worry about the negative aspects of weaves, wigs and hair extensions
Many of us gasped in shock when we saw the first photos of Naomi Campbell’s receding hairline. The damage to her hairline was believed to have been caused by years of wearing weaves or hair extensions. In an industry that promotes a certain standard of beauty you can imagine the pressure she was under as a black model to look a certain way. Over the years more photos of her have come out highlighting the same problem that only appears to be getting worse. It is as if the fake hair on her head is taken care of more than her real hair underneath. Traction alopecia can occur if your hairline is constantly put under pressure through sewing, braiding, glues and tight comb attachments.
Naomi Campbell
The problems associated with weaves are unlikely to affect women who simply use them once in a while for diversity. They are going to have more of an impact on those women who rely on weaves for everyday use. Another negative aspect is that sometimes weaves look awkward, we have come a long way in ‘weave technology’ but it still isn’t perfect. Sometimes you see people’s tracts showing, your hair doesn’t blend well, or you have hair that sheds like crazy. I don’t consider any of this easier than having my natural hair out. You will also save a lot of money. We seem to be the only race that wears hair texture that doesn’t match our natural hair. Some of us don’t even wear weaves that match our natural afro texture when it is straightened (Yaki). The silky textures seemed to be preferred. I’m glad to see more black owned companies introducing afro-textured weaves that compliment our natural hair.
Even Beyoncé has experienced the downside of lace front wigs
7. Natural hair only gets better with time
The more you learn about managing your natural hair the more it will thrive. Most of us had to deal with negative comments from family members when we first went natural. However, the more time that passes the fewer and far between these comments become and we even start hearing more compliments from the same people. Carefully managing your natural hair will result in growth, better styling techniques and overall healthy hair. Like wine, natural hair only gets better with time. Don’t hide away behind fake hair, week in, week out. This is choosing second best to the beautiful hair on your head already.
“No one should feel that they have to wear a weave to have presentable hair; a weave should be a conscious styling choice, not a crutch”
~ Audrey Davis-Sivasothy~
Do you prefer weaves to wearing your hair out? Share your thoughts below.
Irene is the creator of NaturalFantastic.com. A UK girl of Nigerian descent, she is now living in Australia. She created NaturalFantastic.com to encourage other women to embrace their natural hair and to share some advice on going natural, and staying natural.
68 Responses
I’m just so scared to wear my real hair out. I feel as if I’m being judged . How do I get over this anxiety ?
Doing too much of anything CAN’T be good. It depends on how well YOU take care of your hair weave or not.
I was wearing wigs everyday 5 months ago. Now that I’m pregnant, I just want to wear my natural hair out. Glad i took the chance to step out. I love it so much
That’s not true.. it all depends on how well you take care of your hair. I’ve been wearing weaves for like.. 10 years now? My hair has only gotten longer lol.
Check my latest video on youtube btw.. I did a review on the BEST weave I’ve ever tried. Seriously, I’m not going back to the regular silky weave!
Just wanted to add that for some of us, wearing our own natural hair out and exposed to the elements, no matter how well you care for it and moisturize, will cause some damage and is not always so healthy.
Years ago, I wore weaves for 3 years straight while in college, leaving my hair underneath in braids which I re-did every 3-4 weeks. I started with collar-bone length hair and when I stopped, my hair was mid-back. This past 1.5 year and now natural, I was wearing twistouts ALL the time (I don’t care for many updos) and I recently realized that within over a year’s time, I had retained NO new hair growth. My hair stayed the same length which showed me that even twistouts, where my hair can touch my clothing was causing breakage. I prefer out, free, big hairstyles so I decided to go the protective route, wearing half wigs and give my hair a much needed rest. I find that tucking my hair away for months at a time (with daily moisturizing and care) is the only way to keep it truly healthy and growing. Anytime I wear it out, there is breakage.
I also have a friend who has been wearing weaves as protective styles for years and got her hair from ear-length to past BSL. For some, it works well to just leave your natural strands alone.
I completely agree! I can do all the legnth retaining methods suggested and nothing allows my hair to grow better than some weave! I can clip my ends, DC, Alternative Poo methods, still breakage. I “protect” it and let it breath 2-4 weeks every 2 months.
I am a college student and I work part time. I get home around 9.m. (EXHAUSTED) and I still have to do homework, study, house chores, etc. I used to wear my natural hair out all of the time, but I quickly realized that it would take up hours that I could’ve used SLEEPING. I go to bed around 2 am every day only to wake up promptly at 6:30 for school. Call it laziness, excuses, whatever, but weave is my best friend. Its been a year since I started using it and my hair is SOO thick and healthy. I make my own removable u part wigs. Honestly, I see much more progress now than i did before. I dont even care what others have to say but all i know is that its a great protective style. I can go from 10 inches to 22 inches overnight, black hair to brown to red and maybe even blonde. Its so versatile and most important, helpful. I go to bed at a reasonable time now. Weave is great, idc if only black women use it (far from the truth). I guess im just sick in the head lol
Mika I couldn’t have said it better myself. You took the words out of my mouth!!!! The problem is that when you try and tell (some) people things that they don’t want to hear, they get defensive and belligerent. You’re right these other countries are cleaning up on others’ insecurities. They can say it til the cows come home that “oh it’s just a protective style” “I’m not insecure, etc.” “It’s just so much easier to care for my hair” You get the picture. I call it laziness and lack of pride. If they really loved their hair so much, they’d be proud to show it and you’d be more than happy to take care of it. Seriously who wants to walk around looking like someone else due to someone else’s hair being on their heads? Even if it’s synthetic, it’s still not your own. If they could only be a fly on the wall and hear all of the cruel things being said about them, they would probably puke and go somewhere and hide.
This is a very non factual post.
I have thick hair I’m a black woman by the way when I started wearing weaves four years ago it was to simply leave my hair alone and grow it out. My hair is now honestly longer than the 17-18″ weaves I started off wearing. My edges are still very thick and my texture is still the same.
I think it depends on the person and their hair. But my hair beautician has grown my hair very long. I’ve never experienced thin edges or ripped edges from a weave. Only hair growth!!! And I wear my natural hair for 2 months and my weave for two months then back. My weaves give me the chance to achieve colored hair and excessive heat use with out putting chemicals and heat on my own hair. And I love my real hair I just love my weaves too.
Just like women black or white rock
Fake eyelashes
Fake nails
Fake knock off brands
Fake butts
Lips
Noses
And appearances…
And I found a 1980 newspaper on my film shoot where weaves and extension were advertised throughout the entire advertising section and all of the women were white in the photos LOL.
Weaves have no race! PERIOD!
Why does there have to be such an uproar over wigs and weaves? Yes I am aware that many women who wear weaves wear them as a result of having unresolved issues with Eurocentric ideals of Beauty, however that is not always the case. I grew up in a household in which hair was seen as an accessory and how the term “good hair” in it’s usual meaning in the Black community was negated. My mom would often say “the only ‘good hair’ is healthy hair”. I’ve seen my mom wear all styles from an afro to straight…she even shaved her head just to mix it up. Now any constant pulling whether it comes from weaves, wigs or natural styling is bad for you hair. That’s just common sense. But for some women hair, is just that, hair.
Now I am going to move on to something else. Women…we do not uplift one another enough. We have taken something that was suppose to be about managing our own hair and protecting it and turned it into some sick competition about natural hair vs. processed(heat, chemically(color or straightened) hair. Even among naturals it’s fully natural vs. adding hair/coloring (whether to wear braids, weaves, wigs). Though hair health is somewhat important in life can we please not put so much energy into it. At the end of the day people are dying, starving, being abused, etc…so many more important things to put our energy towards. And if you want to say “well this is important”, well why don’t we have an open and honest and most importantly, loving dialogue about why weaves and wigs are worn. Yes there are going to be some people that say “because I like straight hair” or “straight hair is better” but you’d be surprised by how many women will cut out the weave, or pull off the wig and have a full head of natural hair that they were actually giving a break or didn’t want to heat damage. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have this dialogue but can we do so in love? Is that too much to ask? Also can we acknowledge that in the grand scheme of things this conversation may not rank as high as…idk Darfur, Human Trafficking, etc?
I feel like this article addressed the main issues with wearing a sew in. They are too expensive and bad news for our attention loving links and curls But honey… Clip ins and wigs are a naturals best friend! You can make your own clip ins and wigs to make sure they fit snug and have the fullness you desire. Or you can buy clip ins which I believe are the best choice financially speaking.
******* I recommend one pack of kinky curly (at least 16?) or an Afro curly (at least 20?) hair on a track to make home made clip ins for really cute buns! They are so easy and you can take them out at night and moisturize your hair and let your scalp breathe. I am more of a fan of full lace wigs for more silky textures for short cute bobs and longer lengths. Figure out what works best for you but also without breaking your bank! You can save hundreds learning how to make things yourself. Start with cheaper hair from china (alibaba) and perfect your techniques before shelling out the stacks for expensive virgin hair! I love love love hair from kinkycurlyyaki because all of her textures that look like OUR HAIR. It is virgin and a little pricy.
I will always love weave because hair is art to me and I love changing my look up. We are all born naked and the rest is just drag… Sometimes I’m a diva with Beyoncé curls the next week I have a retro janae monoe rupdo. But please always remember to take care of your natural hair! You really can do both and it’s easier the more you learn to do your own hair!
Check me out on SnapGuide… The ultimate DIY app that us naturals all need to be on! My username is free2bnappy
Sorry my pics are the wrong orientation
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/image-12.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/image-13.jpg[/img]
I feel like this article addressed the main issues with wearing a see in. But honey… Clip ins and wigs are a naturals best friend! You can make your own clip ins and wigs to make sure they fit custom to you. Or you can buy them clip ins are the best choice from a financial aspect! I recommend kinky curly (at least 16″) or an Afro curly (at least 20″) hair on a track to make home made clip ins for really cute buns! They are so easy and you can take them out at night and moisturize your hair and let your scalp breathe. I am more of a fan of full lace wigs for more silky textures for short cute bobs and longer lengths. Figure out what works best for you but also without breaking your bank! You can save hundreds learning how to make things yourself. Start with cheaper hair from china (alibaba) and perfect your techniques before shelling out the stacks for expensive virgin hair! I love love love kinky curly yaki and all of her textures that look like OUR HAIR. I will always love weave because hair is art to me and I love changing my look up. Sometimes I’m a diva with Beyoncé curls the next week I have a retro janae monoe retro updo. But please always remember to take care of your natural hair! You really can do both and it’s easier the more you learn to do your own hair!
Check me out on SnapGuide… The ultimate DIY app that us naturals all need to be on! My username is free2bnappy
Ladies, for the past 5 and 1/2 years I have been wearing a wig. After washing, I braid it back 8-10 cornrows and keep it moving. I have religiously moisturized and applied protein to my hair on weekly and monthly basis. I’m not a fan of the BC, nor am I a fan of wearing my natural hair and manipulation involved on a daily basis. No bueno!. Don’t feel like it and will not do it. Call it lazy, well yes call it lazy. Anyway, my NATURAL hair is a little past MBL. This past December I went to the salon after 5yrs and had my hair pressed and trimmed. The beautician said my hair was very healthy (I kinda of knew this already) not to be presumptuous but I KNOW my hair because I am very meticulous with it. I don’t know what my next step is but I will let my hair decide. I feel at this point in my life I might stay natural or I may not. As long as I have the knowledge and tools I will be fine and so will you..
I could continue to go back and forth, but it’s easy for people to comment on what they don’t know. So more power to you for maintaining your natural hair.
But I guess because a few white women and white celebrities wear hair weaves it saves the black women from criticism! Whatever. You people are as Nuts as your weaves. Stay deluded if it helps you sleep at night!
Actually you should check your statistics. Black women are 7% of the population but wear over 80% of the weaves. I do not know any white women who wear weaves; I’ve only known 2 who wore hair extensions maybe once or twice. It was exactly like their hair except they wanted it longer. They weren’t your “average” white girls either, they were your typical mudshark or loud mouthed wiggers. Most black women I know wear hair weaves and white women look at them like they’re crazy. I don’t care what your reasons are for wearing a hair weaves. You are giving off a VERY BAD impression. It’s disturbing. Are weave wearers trolls? They seem like it to me.
First of all, to Mika, in the event that you were not aware, which appears to be the case, there is no “one race” that wears weave more than the next. Other races and cultures wear their weaves installed in different ways, so it’s harder to tell than it is with black women. Another thing about what you said, I wear weaves and wigs not because I have self esteem issues, but because it holds up for longer periods of time. I am in the military, and when I deploy for 6-12 months at a time, I don’t have the space to take all the hair care products I would need to maintain my hair, and not every company ships to APO/FPO addresses. Weaves are just a more convenient way of maintaining my hair, and after an 18 hour work day, the last thing I want to do is my hair. When I have the option, of course I choose to be au natural, but sometimes that is just not realistic.
Wow someone thumbs me downed. Sometimes I laugh at how pathetic some people can be. Black women wear weaves more than all the other races combined. Nothing would change my mind that women who wear weaves suffer from serious self-esteem issues no matter how much denial they are in, even if they like their own hair. I COULD, and WOULD never; I love my own appearance and hair to much to degrade my self to wearing a weave. Open your eyes!
I think you should stop acting like a fascist. You are being extremely intolerant of others and their choices. However, It’s your opinion and you are entitled to it but please don’t present your opinion as fact.
Mika I think you have low self-esteem…. you keep writing these long paragraphs about women not loving theirselves because they wear weave and talking about trolls…but you fail to realize people are still going to do what they want to do your opinion doesn’t matter in someone else’s life and you must feel some type of way to even try to make anyone feel guilty about the choices they make that makes them feel more beautiful so I think I say this for everyone shut up or go eat a dick because noone cares what you think baby girl
So not true, Mika! Please check you facts and realize who started this trend before you post. Are you a troll?
Hair weaves to far more damage then good. I don’t want to abuse my edges and hair follicles and damage my hair with some extensions constantly pulling on it. You must not like your hair at all if you think this is ok. You must have serious self-esteem issues to want to wear fake hair. Sorry but I call it like I see it. Get braids instead of wearing another race of women’s hair on your head. (and yes curly hair weaves are made from Asian hair as well; I would never want to give these people making money off of women’s insecurities business sorry!) Shameful, get rid of all the hair weave ladies!!!!!
That is not true at all. Most protective styles can cause damage if you do not look after your own hair. My mum suffered from thinning edges because she would cornrow her hair too tight and put it in sleek buns which caused tension. My mum’s hair is completely natural and she’s never had a relaxer, wore a wig, weave or braids. Proper maintenance is key to healthy hair.
With regards to braids you do know that human hair for braiding is available and is popular.
Also women of other ethnicities wear extensions too. Too be honest there is about half a billion black women on this planet and I can imagine that most of them wear their hair the way it grows out of their scalp.
As for self-esteem I hold myself in high regard that’s what self-esteem means.
Wow, you women who thumbed down Mika’s comment are sick in the head. The truth hurts. Women who wear weaves are SICK IN THE HEAD. Get professional help instead of taking your issues out on your hair!
There is a good and bad side to everything.Wearing weaves ALL the time and wearing your hair out ALL the time can be damaging. I now wear wigs as a protective style. I decided my hair needed a break and some tlc. I am careful of my edges, I take it off soon as I hit the door and take exceptional care of my own hair. I am not hiding, I have never had a perm. The wigs are about keeping my hair healthy. I believe the author was playing a little devil’s advocate about the concept of protective styles. However lets not be so naive as to paint everyone with the same brush..
I agree. I’m wearing wigs for the same reason. After years of wearing my natural hair in braids my hair was weak, damaged and thin. And my edges had been eaten away. So wanted to stop the damage and wigs wear a great option because they give me access to my hair. They are also a great way to switch up your look which I never did when wearing braids. Over the last few months I have noticed a difference in the health of my hair and my edges are growing back which is a huge relief.
At the end of the day what a black woman does to the hair on top of her head is her choice. Of course black women are influenced by racist euro centric beauty standards. As a consequence of these beauty standards some of us may not like the hair that grows from our scalp and hide it under wigs, weaves and braids. However, they are a small minority and we shouldn’t all be tarred with the same brush.
Some naturals views about other naturals wearing weaves, wigs and braids as a protective style I find off putting.
I’mma do what I want to do.
For some reason people seem to think wearing wig/weaves mean you have some self-hate issue going on. For some hair is like changing clothes, nothing more.
I personally wear weaves most of the time, that I sew in myself, that way I can control the tightness of the brads and thread. I had been natural for 7 years before relapsing to a perm, which I soon after cut off and went natural again, that was 3 years ago.
My weaves are kinky, as my nastiral hair os underneath. I don’t do straight styles. I love natural hair styles, big, natural hair so I sew in big natural hair tracks. I get the illusion of what I love and its my choice, nobody else’s.
If whomever doesn’t wear weaves/wigs would stay in their own heads and out of the rest of ours, we’d all be better for it.
I don’t get the weaves or the wigs. I cannot understand why so many women are hiding their hair. What is wrong with your own crowning glory????? Have we assimilated so much that we are ashamed of the hair on our heads? What is up????
But why is it wrong to wear weave to protect your hair? Not speaking for all weave wearers, but not everyone who wears weaves or wigs hate the natural state of their hair, it is no different than wearing braids as a protective style. It can also be a way of switching up your style. You can put heat on weave, dye it, what have you and your hair is safe from all of that underneath.
I agree, I am a full time student and work over 30 hours a week. I wear marley twist because they work with my schedule. As much as I would like to devote hours washing, twisting, and conditioning my hair each week, I cannot. I take care of my hair underneath, I moisturize daily, I do not hurt my ends, and my marley twist resemble my natural hair. Actually, I can get away with leaving my ends out and twisting them naturally for they simply fade in. I receive complaining from naturals who discredit my hair because it is in extensions, but news flash, it is simply hair and better it is MY hair. I would rather have it in protective styling then rushing to detangle and wash.
LOL come on don’t act as if you have not worn a fake hair on you’re head before.
There are times when I want a straight hair style, or colour in my hair. I am not going to put a hash ass chemical in my hair, or have potential heat damage for one style that I will only want like that for 1 week, that seems insane to me.
A wig is a perfect way to still get the style of straight, wavy, or coloured hair, without hurting my own natural hair. Same with weaves (done correctly).
With proper care, a wig can last 6-10 years, so I pay what 150-200 for a good wig that will last me 6+ years, name me a weave that will last for that long, even with taking down and re-installing. I don’t have to worry about tracks, I can curl it, colour it, and take it off when I don’t want to wear it. It’s simple and easy to take care of, and wigs gives me a chance to take a break from my hair.
My hair is about 14 inches, sometimes I want a short little fro, without the severe tangling I would get if I wore my natural hair, or I want longer/shorter hair then I currently have. Is this wrong? No. Do I hate myself, my hair, my culture, my race? NO. I just want a different look, and wigs (especially) take so little time to plop on my hair and out the door. Then I take them down at night.
No hate, just efficient and convenient.
harsh*
I used to wear half wigs all the time and they totally killed my edges. After noticing the damage that the clips on the half wigs did to my edges, I switch over to full wigs. The full wigs help my edges grow back. I think if anyone wants the weave look go for a full wig. You have full access to your natural hair and you are able to remove that wig at night or when you are not in public. lol
Interesting article. I don’t wear weaves. For twenty years I wore my natural hair in small micro braids. During that time I did suffer hair loss around my hairline and bald spots but the hair always grew back. Despite not really taken care of my own hair. I guess like so many black women I was more concerned with how my braids looked than the health of my hair.
Anyway last autumn (fall) I had a bad case of hair loss around my hairline due to the braids, as well as a bald spot in the middle of my hair. It was also thinning, very dry and damaged. I was scared I was going to end up with no edges and thin hair. So I decided to stop with the braids and look after my own hair.
I choose to opt for wigs as a protective style as I wanted access to my hair. Four months later my hair has improved: Its thicker, stronger, retaining length and soft to the touch. My edges are growing back and no more bald spot. This improvement to my hair is down to me taking care of it. I only wear wigs for work or when am going out and take it off as soon as I get home. My hair is cornrowed under the wigs. I wash, condition and deep condition it weekly. I also do a hot oil treatment prior to washing. I use JBC on my edges daily. I also use the loc method daily or twice daily if I’m wearing wigs. This hair care regime has made such a huge difference to my hair. My hair is like lambs wool. I am doing the wig challenge for a year. At the moment I feel really self-concious about my edges and I want them to fill in a bit more before I rock my afro puff.
So personally wearing wigs has been really good for me. However, that’s because I’m taking good care of my own hair.
I have always been natural but after a few years of heat abuse and discovering my hair was damaged and ear/ neck length, I wore my quick weave (3 different pieces of mesh with hair attached with clips) for 2.5 years. I am student so did it all myself and always wore a very thick type of hair that resembled my own but no matter the compliments I got from time to time, I always new it was fake. I could detach this hair whenever I wanted to and wash my own hair but this was back when I was very lazy with the upkeep of my real hair, neglecting to moisturise and deep condition simply washing once a week as I lead a very active gym lifestyle. It is only since I decided to start looking after my real hair last September that things with the fake hair got difficult. As I was moisturising and sealing every night by removing the fake hair and tending to my own tresses, when I put the fake hair back on, oil would get on it leaving a very limp and oily fake look compared to the once light and breezy locks so instead of my original plan to come back after the holidays and surprise my uni friends with my real hair, I decided to take the fake hair out for good a week later. The reactions were so positive from my peers, family etc. I very much so class myself as a styling queen. Low buns, high big beautiful buns, twist outs, braid outs, mini twists and everything in between. I don;t want to weave/ fake hair bash but it really is a change of state of mind. It felt so freeing and liberating to not have to fear the wind blowing and exposing my tracks and worrying about it raining for blending issues and knowing that my own hair is beautiful and worthy.
Sorry for the rant but if this perpetual weaving applies to you for a long period of time, I would seriously urge you to take the plunge and embrace your real hair for a while and see how good it is and really not complicated at all now that you have the tools – washing in sections, finger detangling etc.
I stopped wearing weaves and have been wearing and taking care of my natural hair for the last seven months with the exception of one week where i wore a weave in December but soon took it out because 1. I had grown fond of my natural hair and i missed rocking it and 2. I, my friends and even people of other race preferred my natural hair so i fully agree with the points stated in this article and can honestly say that not only will you get used to your natural hair,love it and take good care of it confidently but other people(and other races) will love it too.PS, i was twisting my natural hair a week ago and one of my Indian friends(a female)said that i shouldn’t be the only one to enjoy my hair and begged to help me twist it too,which i allowed.She also added that she wished that she had my kind of hair so that she could also play with it(by twisting it)too.
I wear weave mostly in the winter because even being crazy moisturized the hat and things tend to break off my hair. Plus, for me its easier to cover the bald spot caused by a stylist who chemically burned my scalp with a super relaxer. I’m not insecure in the least I will show you what my natural hair look like. I also tell my story and why many women should return natural. I actually love my natural hair and never got a sew in until after my scalp was burned. So the whole fake insecurity bit they try to push on every women with weave does not fit my situation. I just get tired of having to explain why my head looks the way it does sometimes. So circumstances dictates my liking weave over my hair. I should have followed my own instinct and stopped relaxing my hair months before the incident instead of continuing out of respect for my grandma who don’t like natural hair. Once I stuck to my decision she got used it. Hine site is always 20/20 though. So If anyone knows how to grow new hair where the hair is missing I will be open to suggestions. Please email me at ch**********@***il.com. Sorry to say short of hair transplant surgery I’m SOL in the hair battle.
I wore weaves from the time i was 14-21 for the sake of convinience. I had just come from Kenya where hair salons were everywhere, and styling was cheap to america where you have to drive an hour to the nearest black saloon, and its expensive. So for my mom, a weave seemed like a good investment. Gotta say tho, i’ve been wearing my hair natural for about 2 years now, no weaves, and i feel much more beautiful with my hair than i ever did with a weave. I dont even have the desire for a weave at all. Lucky i’m in florida so i dont have to worry about protective styling with a weave or braids in freezing weather ( i think that’s a valid reason for rocking a weave) but ideally, i think wearing your natural hair out in the open (in braids or in out styles) is a freeing experience.
This article made valid points.. the hair that grows from your scalp is the most important rather it be relaxed, natural, or whatever. I am natural and I’m not opposed to wearing weave. Everyone has an opinion but the only one that should matter is your own. Self image is everything!
#8 It caused extreme breakage for naturalista Jenell Stewart and she had to “big” chop again and start over after years of being natural!
These are all so true especially the one where it says you & and ppl around will get use 2 it
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Well it all depends on the person, technique and how they feel about themselves. I’m going on 3 years natural and in the beginning, when I hit the awkward length stage, I perpetually wore weaves as a clutch. I’ve now matured a bit and while I do love my hair and wear it out, this winter has been brutal to my strands so yep, i’m weaving it again. Does that mean I don’t love myself? HELL NO. I’d rather rest my hair than manipulate it to the point of destruction just to prove to anyone that i’m “truly natural.” It’s just hair. Love yourself FIRST, and the rest really doesn’t matter.
I now am rocking some yaki that’s very similar to the texture of my hair when it was relaxed. I also have my kinky curly wig. I refuse and reject any kind of texture that does not in the slightest bit mimic my own. That is my only rule with weaves. Other than that, I have fun with it. Hell might as well, I paid for it lol.
I go to Reniece in Md and she grew her beautiful NATURAL hair down to her waist with perpetual weaving with healthy practices. So please, there are folk who know how to take care of theirs under the tracks. Those who are ignorant about it, suffer the consequences.
Bottom line, DO YOU but know who you are before coming for anyone and what they do with the hair on their head.
I’ve been natural since 2010. I’ve rocked a baldie, a wig, grew out a medium afro, and have worn weaves. Is it that serious to say, “Don’t wear a weave because XYZ?” I like and accept how I look in every situation. I liked the learning curve of caring for my hair WITH a weave. I liked giving my hair a break from styling while wearing a weave. Maybe lots of chicks wearing weaves are in my boat.
*shrug* Maybe it’s just not that serious to me.
I will not have a weave placed on my head. It is directly opposite of the reason why I stopped perming! I wanted to be real. I use products to keep it soft and moisturized. If people don’t like my natural look, who cares! If the motive for a weave is short term protective styling, fine. However, what I have seen is a substitute from perm to weave; (one fake look to another) thus under those circumstances, the person is not dealing with the real reason for the weave. (social peer pressure, laziness, apathy….)
“If people don’t like my natural look,who cares!”
Debra, I like you. A lot 🙂
I say let’s have a WigWeaveless Holiday, and see all this healthy hair.
It could be a celebration for, husbands, boyfriends, to buy gifts and take you out to dinner, take photos and celebrate WigWeaveless.
I think guys would like this holiday. They could finally unwrap the present (hidden under wigs/weave) they have been given but told they could not touch or see. Some have been waiting for years to unwrap their presents. It would be good for those who perpetually wear wigs. Some have not seen their hair for years, only their stylist who turn them away from the mirror during take down.
You got downvoted, but I know your comment was tongue-in-cheek, and I giggled a bit…because there are certainly folks who abuse weaves/wigs like that.
I personally tend to agree with other commenters upthread: Every once in a while to change up your style or give yourself a break is cool, but all day, every day, all year? If you’re not covering up alopecia from an underlying medical condition, why? Versatility is a bunk reason because our natural hair is already pretty versatile…
I kind of wonder sometimes. Why bother with medium or long hair (relaxed or not) at all if your going to be under a wig or weave all the time anyway?
I think I just prefer being able to change my hair style on my time, but then again, sometimes I just get lazy. None of this I’ll just let it be for 2 weeks. Tangle-city!
I think weaves are ok when u have a health image of ethnic beauty.if u think ur hair isn’t ideal so u weave it up 24/7..that’s a red flag.if u have diva-licious& just like to rock various styles that reflect u attitude that’s soo cool. If u suddenly decide to view anything not smooth & fierce isn’t beautiful& make neg comments abt women who go natural..then u have issues! I’ve never had a weave.I’ve worn drawstring ponytails but a waeve felt like the ultimate fake to me.plus I ain’t got time for maintenence & I itch a lot so id rip that weave out in a second! I don’t feel a weave is anymore protective than not.I feel a weave is an easier protective method than the list of do’s&donts u have 2 follow with natural hair…easier but not better! I often see weave chicks acting like its their hair& they r too fly for words…and its just annoying! I’ve seen weave chicks who r just cool & smooth & doing their thing.I get that vibe.but the hair flinging,I’m miss boss ladie attitudes of some is just a bit much!
loved the quote at the end of the article. I don’t understand how people who hide their natural hair perpetually claim to be natural in the first place. Some of these same so called naturals then go about bashing women with relaxers. When the irony is that the relaxed hair is actually theirs, but the weave on your head is some indian persons. SMH. Honestly I don’t care what anyone does with their hair. Just don’t like the hypocrites.
Even the natural textures weaves. My sister was on a site where she thought she was viewing beautiful natural hair. Only to find out, what she was actually viewing were natural textured weaves be fronted as real hair. The same problem exists as before. The natural hair of these people were short (unintentionally) and unhealthy. I thought the whole point of being natural was to have healthy hair that represents your ethnicity.
The whole time I was reading this I kept thinking that the seventh point should be “Perpetual weaving could be a crutch preventing you from learning about/accepting your own hair.” And then I hit the bottom of the article. 🙂
I also agree with you about honesty and hypocrisy. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve worn hair that wasn’t my own. My experience is limited to Kanekalon braided into my real hair but I had no problem telling people exactly what it was. I’d like to think in 2014 we could be honest about what’s coming out of our scalps but apparently that’s still not the case for a lot of people.
I do (slightly) disagree with you on your last point: I can definitely say that a big reason for my being natural is to have healthy hair and to represent, not necessarily my ethnicity, but my right to define what’s beautiful, authentic, comfortable, etc. FOR ME. However, not everybody goes or stays natural for those reasons.
yea maybe not represent but embrace….I too don’t feel its necessarily about ethnicity, but really black people can’t seperate their hair experience from their ethnicity, so I decided to include it.
I love weave! I think it’s a great protective style. I wear natural texture weave so it’s not that I’m hiding underneath it, I just want the length while I am retaining length, you know? I’m not ignorant about it either, leaving it in for long periods of time with out proper washing and moisturizing. And I only do it about 3 or 4 times a year. It’s fun because I can flat iron it sometimes or color it with out worrying about damaging my own hair. weave=versatility just like natural hair=versatility
“I LOVE WEAVE!” PATHETIC…. WHAT A BLASPHEMY UNTO THE LORD
I think that both weave, and natural hair can be a good thing or a bad thing. That’s why I’m the type of girl that can’t make up her mind. Even though I am only 16 I’ve tried many types of hair styles.Dyed it blonde gotten tracks, singles, twisties,and recently took my hair out of dreads a couple months ago(yes its possible to take out dreads). From my experience I’ve learned it all depends on how you take care of your hair being a young black girl. After all I think out of every race are hair is the most delicate so it should be treated that way. Which means giving it nutrients, and moisturizing it whether it’s in weaves or not.Just taking care of it on a regular basis.Even look up YouTube videos on how to do so.Also I will never say that you shouldn’t wear a weave. But I will say to never be ashamed of your natural hair.
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This was an excellent article, natural hair is like any loving relationship, you have to cultivate and get to know it and be hands on, you can’t do this being prisoner to a wig or weave. I’ve heard those “imposter naturals” say things like, “my hair isn’t managable”, or “natural hair isn’t for me”, but literally live in wigs and never touch their own hair. I’m not anti-wig and weave, but for me personally I think wigs, weave and makeup is for playing dress up not for an everyday look, I would lose my mind if I felt like I had to wear a wig and makeup everyday in order to feel attractive.
I’ve vowed to never wear a weave. Although I’m only 16, i speaks as if not sure. I only would consider getting them on special occasions such as graduation, by the ill be 2 years post relaxer, currently transitioning, and that’s even far fetched. I’ve heard they help your hair grow but then if you don’t take care of it, there’s this.
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This is horrible, this girl was veing foolish for leaving in her weave that long.
Hmmm Idk. I wear wigs to protect my hair during the winter. I apply castor oil to my braids and scalp everyday and do the baggy method every other day. Also i takeout my braids on the second week and wash, oil rinse, condition, detangle,deep condition, apply leave in and seal oh and also was my braids in between. My hair has been growing and breakage is minimal or none.. But that’s just me..
We should all be self aware about what we do personally with our hair, but still be very careful how we express our opinions to others. For every reason we shouldn’t wear weaves and wigs, we have the same amount of examples of women who have successfully worn them and have healthy hair. I am one of them and enjoy the versatility mostly because I would be bald with the number of colors I utilize. I appreciate this article as a guide only and not a rule to myself and those who choose to wear weaves and wigs even “natural” textured ones to pay attention to the timing and placing of such protective styles and above all showing tlc to their hair. Being honest with your own reasons for your health and hair care is key to your personal success.
Beautifully written!
I “perpetually weaved” 15 years ago when I stopped perming my hair. I avoided my perimeter, had talented stylists and achieved amazing and healthy results. I did this for years. My reasons however were fear, insecurity and lack of styling know-how. Fake hair was an attempt to hide.
But I grew. It was a long, hard and euphoric process – and it’s not over, but I now know and love who I am. I no longer hide anything, Lol! Over the years I’ve shaved my head bald at least 4 times, worn pretty TWAs, routinely wear ‘undefined’ hair, sleep with it loose and wash and go about my business. I’ve done this in the U.S. and abroad.
I ALSO wear wigs and extensions – straight or curly, short or super long, blonde or jet – whenever I want. I sometimes however get arrogant reactions when I do so, and from women who’ve admitted that they wouldn’t be caught dead without a perfectly defined twist-out, or be seen in public with a TWA or wear a TWA without a bow and a scarf and earrings and extra make-up and a new Fendi bag.
I appreciate the article, it was funny and had great points. Honest reflection, confidence and profound self-love made all the difference for me in my hair evolution.
THROW THE DAMN WEAVES IN THE GARBAGE YOU PHONEY. WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO FOOL. FULL OF INSECURITY THAT YOU NEED TO GLUE, TACK, SOW SOMEONE ELSE’S HAIR INTO YOUR HEAD. THANKS ALOT FOR GIVING THIS DISPICABLE PRACTICE BUSINESS
When I wore my hair loose, I didn’t retain as much length as I have wearing braid extensions off and on. I most like them because I swim and exercise. Also, when I wore my natural hair loose I worried over it too much – products regimen, length retention, etc. Now I moisturize and go and I do scalp massages. Also, braid extensions have been a part of African and Black American culture for centuries; so I don’t think it’s a negative or odd cultural hair practice. While I don’t believe extensions should be installed too tightly on incessantly, I don’t think I’m brainwashed, lost, not myself, or insecure for wearing them more than once or twice a year. I am not my hair and my identity, self-esteem and sense of self is not tied up in my hair. But to each her own. If wearing one’s hair natural was liberating for another sista and she needs the movement because of unsupportive family members (especially younger sisters), or if a sista has lost her hair because of weaves, chemicals, heat, medication, that’s a different story. But we as Black women are too many and too complex to lump together.
I put extensions in myself and I don’t put extensions on my edges. There’s a sista on YouTube under the name xoDVF and she has hip-length natural hair (without it being stretched with a flat iron) and full edges due in part to wearing weaves for years. So every situation is different.
I’m a “see me as I am” kinda girl. Have never worn a weave, but have seen many with it – long story short doesn’t look pretty with the receding hairline to behind the ears, that was the postal lady that delivers mail in my area, also a former co-worker with the same problem. In that case my former boss would compliment her telling her how beautiful her hair looked, but she was missing her hairline. I never said anything because I figured she had mirrors at home, and there were also mirrors at our workplace. Sad to say I’ve also seen some women with lace front wigs that came so low that it was almost touching their eyebrows. It looks very un-natural. I have never been tempted. I’m the kind of person that loves myself as I am and I’m extremely comfortable in my own skin, so far no one has said anything to me about the normal texture of my hair; the only remarks is when I cut in down to about 2 inches this past September, and those weren’t negative either.
A lady I work with wears weave and wigs and she has no edges. She said she wears the weaves and wigs because she has no edges. I suggested the weaves and wigs maybe the cause therefore how could they be the solution? She said what is she supposed to do walk around with nappy hair and no edges smh and lol
No, never wore a weave. I’ve heard some that wear them say that their scalps itch alot due to the cornrowing to hold it up so I knew that wasn’t for me.