Self image gets tangled in hair weave

Whether it is curly, straight, thick, fine, natural or relaxed, the debate about why African American women wear hair weaves remains unsettled.
 There are many African American women who spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars solely on hair extensions. To this extent, questions are raised regarding their reasoning behind wearing weaves.
 The discreetness about their love for weave is no longer guarded and the various types put into their head are now openly expressed. Stereotypes are placed upon African American women insisting their hair is too kinky.
 It is often argued black women abandon their natural hair to assimilate to their white counterparts. Many emphasize, straight hair is easier to manage and more suitable in today's society rather than the kinky, coiled, or as some would say nappy texture. Heavy influence from the media influences society to believe the natural, unprocessed hair growing from their scalp is unkempt and unacceptable.
 "Weave looks better. I think it brings out more of their feminine side for some of them. I also think some women try to copy white people. They see people on TV with fancy hair and they want their hair to be like that too," said Timothy Wilson, junior communication major.
 Numerous reasons are voiced by many justifying the truth behind hair weaves. One reason is because some do not know or quite understand how to care for their real hair. Weave can be much more manageable for a woman as it is less tangled and saves time. Another reason is that it is widely accepted by men, women, and even corporate America. Many prefer the straighter look because it looks "done" and more attractive.
 While people justify these reasons, the argument about hiding or being ashamed of their natural hair arises. Some say women who were weaves are hiding from their true identity and create a whole new person with unauthentic hair. Psychological issues also follow leading women to believe they are not beautiful without it and having low self-esteem.
"Some people may not feel as pretty. I think they are uncomfortable with their hair if they wear weave 24/7 and not their real," said Samuelnisha Kimble, sophomore criminal justice major.
Regardless of the many arguments, wearing hair weaves can be beneficial to women leading healthy hair journeys. Using it as a protective style helps protect the hair from different styling elements. With proper care, hair will not suffer from the heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and/or curling irons which can cause serious heat damage. It also protects the hair from routines that can dry the hair out and cause split ends. Less manipulation to the hair allows you to retain length and saves much more of your time. Wearing weave also gives a woman the change to experiment with different cuts, styles and colors leaving the hair unaffected.
Although there are plenty benefits, there are also downsides. "One summer I decided to put my hair in braids to keep my hair out of the way and keep cooler. The day after I got it done my scalp was severely red and itchy. I went to the doctor and found out I was allergic to the hair," said Celia Hinkson, junior communication major.
Your hair underneath the extenstions can become damaged causing easy breakage, dryness, and split ends. Though the weave itself is easy to manage and maintain it is vital not to neglect your hair underneath.