Hair it is

Chis Rock, Deborah Patta, Noleen Maholwana Sangqu. These are just some of the many influential media persons who have tried to understand and explore the lengths black females will take in search of good hair.

Recently this has caused a division in the sisterhood with one camp being pro weaves and the other being anti weaves.

I can admit that in the recent past, I have been anti weave until this debate became public and the different opinions were explored in full which allowed for me to make a clear call on where I stand on this issue.

Whether you are pro or anti any hairstyle, there must be solid grounds on what the decision is based on.

It appears that most often, those that are anti-weave, believe that maintaining natural hair is a sign of personal integrity because it is  the least favored and the most time consuming  style. Add to that the notion of it being more "African" to wear natural hair.

As a black female who has taken the conscious effort to not wear a weave, I am of the opinion that hair is simply hair.

For me a hairstyle no longer represents my personality/integrity and therefore any hairstyle is just that... a style.

Hair to me is just another aspect of my image...something that I address based on the mood I'm in.

The pros and cons of weaves and natural hair.

Weave cons

-It is expensive to put on a decent weave. Brazilian, Indian, Indonesian ...all of them do not come cheap.  
-not recommended to be washed often...at most a weave is washed at least twice a thrice a month, leading to itchiness (as witnessed from ladies tapping their weave)  
-Regular weaving leads to a receding hairline (as witnessed by Naomi Campbell)

Weave pros  

-Freedom to change and experiment with different styles
-Quick to put on  
-Enhances beauty

Natural hair Cons  

-Depending on the style it may prove time consuming (Afros must be combed daily,   process of combing can be painful from unknotting the hair)  
-Not often recognized as glamorous  
-Natural hair takes longer to grow in length

Natural hair pros

 

-Depending on the style, requires minimal maintenance (Dry perm)   
-Less expensive to maintain as it can be washed and treated at home  
-Seen as a trait of personal integrity to stay natural

Natural or weaved…these ladies are stunning.

Brazilian Long Weave

Natural short hair

Natural dreadlocks

Short styled weave