Beverly Johnson Human Hair Wet & Wavy 16” in 1B was the brand that took my weave virginity. It was my eight grade graduation and a 13 yr. old me longed for a glamorous look to compliment my newfound maturity and sophistication. What better to do that in than some fresh micro-braids? Gone were the days of sitting in a sweltering kitchen for hours while my mother tried to convince me that it was only the “heat” biting at the back of my neck, not the actual hot comb itself. The tears that I felt building behind my eyes and the knot full of nerves in my stomach said otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong, no one could tell me I wasn’t cute on 6th grade picture day in my Mary Janes whipping my homegrown hair back and forth brushing my shoulder blades. But was getting fussed at for fidgeting and the occasional harry Potter forehead burn worth it all?
Almost 5 years later after breaking up with Beverly Johnson, I became a literal hair Slore. Outre’, Sensationnel, Milky Way and a slew of lesser known names whom I can’t even remember all laid on my scalp. As my money improved, so did the quality of hair I purchased. We did all kinds of positions as well: braided, curled, crimped, and straight. I had blue and black, red and auburn and let’s not forget the two that had me sprung for the longest: #27 and #33 (and my weave connoisseurs know what I mean).
All I need in this life of sin, is me and my sew-in. And all you India Arie “I am not my hair” purists can ride that self-righteous high horse if you want to, but I’ll be glad to take it’s silky mane and braid it into my own. It has absolutely nothing to do with self hate, but it may have a lot to do with boredom and laziness. I work 3 jobs and the last thing I want to do at the end of my day is wrap or roll anything. While weave has its share of maintenance, for the most part I can get up and go without having to fuss with a flat-iron. Weave allows me to be a bohemian curly goddess one month, and have romantic waves flowing to the small of my back the next. Nothing can compare to what I can only describe as sheer delight when the silken strands of Virgin Remy Model Model Ego II flows between my fingers. Some women plan parties, I plan hairstyles. I conduct my research surrounded by the latest issues of Sophisticates Black Hair, several on-line hair websites, and sampling the goods of my local beauty supply stores. As long as I’m maintaining the health of my natural hair and being financially responsible, what does it matter to anyone else how I achieve my “fly”.
Both men and women have their assumptions about hair extensions and while I can respect those opinions, you can’t knock this side of the tracks until you try them. I’ve seen a whole lot of bad weaves: track showing, poor color choices and sub par installation. But with all of the innovations in technique and quality hair, you might learn to love weave as much as your own hair. Here’s a few reasons why I love my weave as well as some tips on maintaining your own.
1. Versatility.
I am a Sagittarius, which means I get bored easily and fear commitment. When Rihanna was twirling around under her “Umbrella” in her jet black asymmetrical bob. I knew I had to have it, but you better believe I wasn’t cutting my own locks to achieve a similar look. Nor wasn’t I about to sit under a dryer for hours in rollers just to get Teyana Taylor’s kinky curls. Don’t assume that if a woman wears a weave she’s compensating for something she doesn’t have, she may just want to diversify her look without abusing her own locks. Weave allows me to go from dark brown curls to a layered blend of blonde and black all without frying and dying my own hair. I love my weave because frankly, I love my hair.
2. Maintenance
I have never been one to enjoy hours in front of the mirror maintaining my own hair. A shampoo and condition I can handle, but styling is another story. Nor do I have much room in my schedule for weekly visits to the salon. Weaves in my experience are generally less demanding than maintaining your own hair. A quick brush, a spray of sheen and the occasional curling iron and my hair looks just like it did on salon day. I never had much patience when it came to my natural hair (I also micro-braided my own hair regularly for several years, so I’ve pushed my fingers to the breaking point).
With that said, my fellow weave lovers, don’t assume that when wearing a weave you no longer have to try. In order to maintain style and longevity it is important to sleep in a satin bonnet or other head wrap to keep the weave from fraying. When wearing a sew-in, I usually only keep it in for a month to two months at the longest. After deeply shampooing and conditioning my hair and scalp, I go weave-free for a few weeks to allow my hair to rest. Put some effort into styling and brushing your weave, you may not be able to re-create your stylist’s work but it irritates me to no end to see a chick who’s fresh from the hair salon for two days and keeps her Remy hidden under a satin bonnet for the rest of the month or refuses to brush what soon becomes a tangled bird’s nest.
3. The variety of techniques.
I am a big fan of the sew-in if you can’t tell. It’s affordable and practical. I’m usually only in the chair for four to five hours, but a full sew-in (where all of your hair is braided beneath the weave) surprisingly allows my hair to grow by giving it a break from product and styling tools. There’s also bonded weaves were tracks are bonded to the scalp or a wave cap via an adhesive. I’m not partial to bonding since it has broken my hair off in the past, but in moderation it’s a viable option for some. There’s also fusion, braids and a collection of other techniques to install hair extensions that all accommodate a women’s particular time demands, maintenance needs and personal style.
Respect the technique, ladies. A good stylist makes it a priority to continue their education so that they give clients an all around great experience. When Keyandra down the block does a half A$$ attempt at professional services with little to no education and you walk away with a $10.00 weave that LOOKS like a $10.00 weave, you deserve every side-eye you receive. A weave is as only as good as its stylist. Installation is only half of the journey. If your stylist can’t cut layers or work a curling iron to save his/her life, you will still look a mess.
4. I don’t feel the need to run for cover when it rains.
I remember literally struggling with a wide-toothed comb after getting dunked into the neighborhood pool or seeing my sister in tears after leaving the hair salon with a fresh wash and curl only to have the weather have its way with her head. When my hair is in its most natural state, sans relaxer you can’t comb through it with a rake. The best weaves are water friendly. I can swim and with a quick blow dry look relatively the same way I looked before doing the backstroke.
5. Just for the smell of it.
For some reason I love the smell of new weave. It’s kind of like that new car smell that you know is only going to last for so long. While you may never fully recover that fresh Remi smell, you can keep your weave smelling it’s best by washing and conditioning it and allowing it to thoroughly dry to avoid the build up of bacteria and mildew. Many beauty supply stores carry special washes and dry shampoos specifically for hair extensions.
6. Because I love my country.
Every year hundreds of foreigners flock to the United States chasing the American dream. Who am I to deny them the opportunity to build a business off of my vanity? I get a few packs of romance curl, they get to pay their rent. It’s a win/win situation. By purchasing weave I am not only preserving my Hot, but our economy as well. It’s the American way.
In closing, allow me to make the point that I am not trying to fool anybody. Many assume that women who wear weaves are trying to keep the fact that it’s not growing from their scalp a secret. Your way of beauty is your choice and if you’re not hurting anyone, then it’s no one’s business. If your train is thinking of jumping the track into the wonderful world of weave, make it a point to make your investment in hair extensions worthwhile. Wearing a weave can be costly, so be sure to get your money’s worth by finding a style that compliments you. Keep your priorities in order as well; no skipping the car note so that you can afford some over-priced Indian Remy. Most importantly: You wear the weave, don’t let it wear you.
