Weave, Wig, and Hair Extension
By TQ BONNER
Photo by Jessica Felicio on Unsplash
Introduction
Hair extensions have long been a popular way for women across cultures to transform their looks by adding length, volume, or new colors.
These trends have transcended cultural boundaries, captivating celebrities of all nationalities. While Hollywood has long used these extensions to enhance the appearance of television stars, the narrative around them has evolved, allowing for diverse expressions of style.
However, amidst the glamour, serious health concerns lurk, especially for Black women considering these enhancements.
The Hollywood Connection
Traditionally used in Hollywood to thicken and lengthen the tresses of television stars and soap opera characters, hair weaves and extensions have a rich history.
Initially, the focus was on seamlessly blending in, concealing the use of extensions. Over time, this perspective has shifted, and it’s now deemed acceptable to experiment with various lengths and colors on a whim.
Celebrities of all backgrounds openly embrace this trend, breaking down previous norms.
Photo by Loren Joseph on Unsplash
The Sacred Strands: Indian Hair and Spiritual Sacrifices
The origin of the hair used in some extensions — Indian temples where devotees sacrifice their hair as an offering to gods.
Known as Remi hair, it maintains the cuticles intact, ensuring a more natural look, enhanced durability, and the ability to be styled or colored.
The misconception that hair is cursed comes from not fully understanding the practice of Indian religion.
The hair is a sacrifice to the Gods to get a favor or to get prayers answered.
Typically, women will sacrifice hair for their families’ lives to improve; it is looked at as a woman giving up her beauty.
There have been reports that men will withhold from having sex with their wives until their hair grows back.
In India, the length and thickness of hair are considered the number one beauty trait.
The temples where the hair is sacrificed are supposedly not to be sold. However, some temples actively participate in the hair Market.
Photo by Jabari Timothy on Unsplash
Exploitation in Hair Collection
While hair from Asian countries is highly sought, the means of acquisition often involve dubious practices.
A growing criminal element has infiltrated the industry, preying on vulnerable women desperate for financial stability.
Disturbingly, women promised payment for their hair find themselves betrayed and left unpaid once their hair is cut.
The industry’s darker side emerges as it grapples with the use of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, posing health risks to both wearers and workers.
There is a concerning trend in the form of assaults on public transportation, where assailants brazenly cut off women’s hair.
In some instances, victims remain oblivious to the violation occurring as they sit on buses, only discovering the loss of their hair later.
This form of assault adds a layer of fear and vulnerability to women simply commuting.
The Economics of Hair: A Difficult Choice
Women choose to sell their hair despite the risks. The financial incentive cannot be overlooked, as women in some countries earn $100 to $150 for their hair — a sum that can sustain a family for an entire month or more.
The ease with which hair grows back further complicates the decision, making the trade-off seemingly worthwhile for those facing economic hardships.
Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash
Balancing Beauty and Health: The Black Women Perspective
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology unveils a common concern among Black Women — traction alopecia.
The research identifies tight hairstyles, including braids and extensions, as a leading cause of gradual hair loss.
The study’s key points emphasize the importance of moderation and caution regarding hair extensions.
Recommendations include avoiding excessively tight styles, giving the hair and scalp breaks, and seeking professional advice if signs of traction alopecia emerge.
As black women continue to embrace the versatility and creativity that hair weaves and extensions offer, they must navigate the decision-making process cautiously.
Black Women’s Hair Practices
For generations, black women have faced pressure to alter their natural hair texture to conform to white beauty standards.
But the quest for straight, flowing locks comes at a cost.
Studies also link perms to increased uterine fibroids in black women. Despite the dangers, relaxers remain popular in black communities.
From chemical straighteners to tight braiding, popular black hairstyles often damage hair and put women’s health at risk.
Hair relaxers contain harsh lye or other chemicals that break down and straighten tightly curled hair; these caustic substances can cause burns and hair loss.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Wigs Gain Popularity
In recent years, wigs and extensions have become safer alternatives to high-tension braiding and chemical straightening.
Human hair wigs mimic the texture of black hair without destroying it. But wigs carry risks, from skin irritation to hair damage, if attached too tightly.
They also range vastly in quality and price, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
As the wig market expands, consumers need education on safely selecting and wearing the right wig.
While societal pressure to straighten natural black hair persists, women increasingly explore alternatives that balance hair health with personal style.
But safely maintaining black hair remains a complex challenge with risks at every turn.
Greater education, access to non-toxic products, and embracing natural hairstyles are crucial to empowering black women to choose healthy hair.
Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash
Corporate America Polices Black Hair
The natural hair movement has empowered black women to embrace their coils, curls, and protective styles after decades of damaging straightening and assimilation.
Black women wearing natural hairstyles continue to face systemic discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Professional environments have long required black employees to conform to white beauty standards.
Corporate grooming policies still routinely restrict natural black hairstyles, with black women facing stigma for wearing locs, braids, or afros.
This racist policing of natural hair is deeply embedded in corporate culture.
Schools Suspend Students with Natural Hair
In 2018, a Louisiana girl was sent home for braided extensions, described as “unacceptable” by school officials.
Too often, these draconian rules cling to outdated norms that label black hair “distracting” or “messy” when worn naturally.
Fighting Back with Legislation
Thankfully, black advocates are fighting back against hair discrimination through new legislation. California, New York, and other states now ban hair-based discrimination in schools and workplaces.
The federal CROWN Act would institute national protections. These laws affirm that natural black hair is professional and appropriate in all settings.
But the deeply entrenched stigma does not disappear overnight. Litigation continues over corporations restricting natural styles or firing black employees who dare display natural hair.
Parent groups battle against school boards intolerant of young black children’s hair texture.
Much work remains to reverse centuries of unjust policing and control over black bodies. Acceptance must come through organized resistance, legal action, and education.
Photo by Flow Clark on Unsplash
Conclusion
The fact that you must go through the legislative process to naturally wear your hair is ridiculous.
These last couple of sentences have nothing to do with the article. Still, just the audacity for people to think that there’s no discrimination and that a group of people would be told that they have to wear their hair in a certain way to conform is absolutely an example of systems put in place to discriminate.
Take advantage of the enriching experience that TQ Bonner’s article offers. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your awareness and engage with a compelling narrative. Explore the realms of thoughtfulness and enlightenment with TQ Bonner’s compelling writing.
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