WHY BLACK WOMEN WEAR WIGS AND WHY SOME CHOOSE NOT TO!

 Hello Afro Family! Today I will be doing something different, I am not a controversial writer but I felt the need to address the endless insults we the black women of this country have had to endure in the past week. I am a natural hair enthusiast so I feel it is my duty.

The History of fake hair.

 Weaves originate from the African continent. The first race to be discovered wearing weaves were the Egyptians in the year 3400 BC. The weaves later developed into braids in the days of Cleopatra around 500 BC. In the 1700s white women wore powdered wigs and those that could afford these wigs were rich. King Louis started wearing wigs to show off his masculinity and power to the world. In the 1900s clip-ins became popular because they were easily removed. In the 1940s long hair became popular and the market for long extensions grew rapidly. In the 1960s big hair was a thing and hair extensions became more common. In the 1990s hair became cheaper and easily accessible.

 So why did you need to know all that? This is to indicate that black women are not the only group of people that wear wigs, weaves, and braids. These hair extensions have been worn by other races for many centuries . White, Asian, Latino, and many more races I have not mentioned still make the use of hair extensions. The reason you can't see them its because they blend easier with their natural hair. It is only until recently that the industry is manufacturing weaves, wigs and ,clip-ins for type  4 for textured hair ( or black hair).

 The truth about type 4 textured hair:

 Most black women in South Africa have hair that ranges from 4A to 4C depending on genetics. This type of hair is very coily, kinky, and has very tight curls. It is very sensitive because of the coarse texture. Manipulating this hair causes breakage. It's also sensitive to heat and cold weather conditions. It also shrinks a lot so before going to bed it has to be braided and unbraided when waking up for work or school the next day. Type 4 hair thrives and grows when it's left alone in a protective style. These protective styles include wigs, weaves, braids, conrows, and twists. So with this sensitive type of hair who wants to be constantly dealing with shrinkage and breakage? Who has time to comb their hair every single day? And who is going to sit by and watch their hair get damaged? Extensions give you the chance to grow your hair if you take care of the hair underneath. 

Disclaimer : To my international readers, in South Africa we have a middle race. Hence I said black women have hair that ranges from type 4a to 4c. The coloureds usually have hair that ranges from type 3a to 4a. In this article however I am reffering to Black South African women, not women of other nationalities. I acknowledge that other countries do not have the middle race. 

 There are medical reasons why black women wear wigs and these are some of them: Alopecia, Thyroid problems, PCOS, Lupus, Cancer, and stress. 

 Eleven women tell us why they do or do not wear wigs:

" I love wigs because Iove diversifying my look and wearing my hair in many different styles. My life is very busy and wigs are easy to put on and take off. Wigs help me protect my hair from damage and breakage. Hair tells a story and I love that my story changes over time just like I change." Prudence

" I have tried wigs before and I don’t wear them because I have sensitive scalp and skin. My scalp will itch until I take the wig off! When the strands touch my face my skin itches so bad… I also do not like that it makes me look a tad different." Boitumelo

" I use a wig to protect my hair. Also to ensure that heat penetrates the hair for growth and moisture. I use braids to stop my hair from shedding. Lastly to ensure that my bad hair days are protected."  Naledi

" I do not wear wigs because they resemble and represent something that is not my authentic hair, even if they mimic my natural hair it doesn’t feel authentic. I especially don’t like human hair because I do not like other people's hair on my head. I grew out my hair because I wanted all the world to see that black women can grow long hair. Wigs also make you lazy to take care of your natural hair." Esther 

" I wear wigs  and extensions to protect my natural hair, I do this after leaving my hair to breathe for 3 months. Wigs are convenient for me if I am invited to an interview. My hair grows faster underneath extensions but I will forever embrace my natural hair without shame. " Keletso

" Its, not a movement or anything political for me personally, I just prefer my natural hair or braids. I think braids look better on me than wigs. I also used to think not getting one was cheaper but now I see that it's cheaper getting a wig because you only buy it once. I am thinking of getting one for the time I do not want to deal with my natural hair. " Ntokozo

" I don’t wear wigs because they are costly and the ones I have worn before did not suit my face. I feel prettier with my afro. I would wear one to protect my hair, it’s a protective hairstyle just like braids and any other hairstyle. Wigs are convenient and they save money. Natural hair is very fragile so I would use a wig to protect my hair."  Siyanokeng 

" I wear wigs because they give my versatility in hairstyles, thereby giving my natural hair a break. I don't recommend always wearing wigs because they can strain your hairline, however, you can opt for wigs that are hairline friendly, such as those that have silk band. " Kele

" I don't wear wigs mostly because I find them itchy and I get irritated easily when I have one on because I get very hot and it gets too much. 

Secondly, the nice ones are expensive and high maintenance."  Dintle 

" I wear wigs because my black hair allows me to be versatile. It can accommodate any kind of hairstyle. I do not wear wigs to copy other races but I wear them because I want to. My blackness allows me to have any hairstyle I want on my hair and being black makes me lucky because other races cannot have kinky hair but I can have both straight and kinky hair. Wigs don't represent hate for my natural self, I still take care of my hair and skin." Naomi

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Personally I do not wear weaves that often. The reason is that I don't like the concept of another person's hair on my head. I believe hair is so connected to the person, that I can never buy 100%human hair. I believe hair is sensitive, spiritual, and that I why I don't do weaves."

-Pulane

Fake hair has been used for centuries by many races. I am pro-black beauty. Women should do what makes them feel comfortable. Wearing a wig doesn't make you less black, it gives you options for bad hair days. It doesn't always represent insecurities. It gives your hair a much-needed break. I have worn weaves and wigs throughout my life, at the moment I do not own one because I am looking for a wig that will resemble my natural hair. It's out there but it's expensive. So until I can afford it, I'll just do braids when I feel my hair needs to breathe. Thank you to my participants. This is from my Afro family.