Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your bundles! Once upon of time lengthy luxurious locs were a fairy-tale that only entertainment industry queens could live; and they were a mere figment of the imagination for the commoners. Well this is a new day and the pirate princesses long for their 30 inches or more. Only a Hampton woman understands the climb to excessive extensions as the weaves seem to get longer and longer. We’re going to measure the thick of it all and weigh whether this campus favorite is worth it.
Pros:
Prepare for an abundance of bouncy behavior along with some healthy hair benefits.
Time Convenience
“To be early is to be on time.” As the standard of excellence, we Hamptonians fully understand the importance of time. We are constantly on the grind and always on-the-go, so we really don’t have the time to be bothered with natural tress stress. Though we don’t mind making sacrifices to look good, those extra hours can be used for studying, eating, napping, or working out. The right weave can be your flow-and-go.
Protects Your Hair
Weaves shield your hair from outside elements that can be harsh on your fragile strands. They instantly block extreme climate conditions like heat damage from sun exposure or dryness from frigid temperatures. They aid in breakage from your hair rubbing against rough surfaces such as cotton clothing and pillow cases. You now also have free will to curl and straighten as you please as the heat will not affect you.
Variety With Minimal Manipulation
Ladies love change. Weave is an easy way for you to instantly switch up your look in a subtle or drastic manner with a lot less damage. You can experiment with a variety of colors, cuts, styles, and textures. It’s a much safer alternative and will most certainly give your hair a chance to breathe. Ultimately, with less manipulation your hair will flourish and grow to its maximum potential.
Cons:
Along with the fluidity and shine, the style has some wicked aspects and can easily become the roots of all evil.
Cost
Lady pirates will pay a very pretty penny to have the longest, most lavish tendrils. The weave itself can reach upwards of $100-$300 per bundle according to length and texture. Then, you must factor in the cost of the sew-in. You also have to consider upkeep. These monthly expenditures add up and can be impossible for a college budget. If you can’t afford an $80 textbook but you always have a fresh weave, that’s a problem. I’m just saying, books or bundles?
Maintenance & Neglecting Your Natural Hair
At first glance, our weave can appear healthy and photo-ready. But who knows what’s lurking about under our web of lies. Perhaps, our braids are so tight that we forget to take care of the hair under the weave. The life of your real hair depends on how well you take care of it. Bi-weekly (and sometimes tri-weekly) washes, conditions, and oil treatments are necessary to get rid of build-up and to restore moisture back into your hair and scalp. You will acquire breakage if you don’t follow suit. Your leave-out is such an easy target for breakage. We blow-dry it, we flat-iron it, we wand-curl it, we break it! It’s imperative that you combat heat damage with deep-conditioning and protein treatments.
Traction Alopecia
If you’ve ever gotten a weave, you may have had the experience of headaches, tugging at your temples, and chronic itching from tight braids. This should not be taken lightly as alopecia does not discriminate against age, skin color, or gender. Who cares how great your beautician or best friend laid your sew-in if your real hair is laying on the floor (or in the drain)! Excessive pulling can result in temporary or permanent balding of your edges, nape, crown, and really anywhere on your head. They snatched that head alright!
You can smooth out the kinks by taking proper care of your natural hair and your extensions, taking breaks in between your weaves, shopping around for affordable yet quality hair, and investing in a hairstylist who values the health of your hair over the look of it.
It’s possible to live happily ever with weaves, but not if you abuse your crown.
