And Still I Rise

A few days ago I saw an email entitled 25 things Sistas should not apologise about.One item that caught my eye and made me smile was "Never apologise for wearing weaves.You bought it and therefore it is yours." Weave wearing is a rather touchy subject and many weave wearing sistas are at the receiving end of many jokes.It is typical to be told that there are many horses that sacrificed their tails to meet your beauty needs etc etc.So, here's some affirmation for weave wearers of the world.

A lot of people view it as a hatred for the type of the hair you were given by God.Black women complain about their nappy hair and how hard it is to manage unless it is in some processed form.On the other hand the women of other races with their flowing ,wash and go type of hair appear to have it so much easier.With the perception that part of beauty is having long hair the weave generally serves to compensate for what you see as being shortchanged.I don't know if it is common knowledge but white people for whatever reason wear weaves too.

Something about weaves that irritate me is seeing little children with their hair all done up and sometimes in different colours.Call me old fashioned but what happened to the days when parents/relatives would comb their kids hair.I remember as a child sitting between some female relative knees and having my hair combed.

It was a daily ritual that was kinda comforting too notwithstanding the discomfort one felt at times.Invariably, you would complain about your hair being tugged,or chafe at having to sit for what seemed like forever.Sometimes,you got a lash for not sitting still enough or not holding your head straight.Nevertheless,I think it was a way of bonding because while your hair was being done it would be just you and your mother and some little lessons would be taught.Then when the job was completed your head was twisted at different angles to decide if it was done to their satisfaction.I know you ladies can identify with this.

As I got older gradually my hair care was left up to me.I had unprocessed hair right through my school life and I had to take the time to manage it.That is not to say that I didn't resent the time I had to spend on my hair as compared to all my friends who were sporting processed hair.But,on reflection my hair still looked good,different but good.Some weekends I would sit for several hours while my mother or aunt braided my natural hair in tiny plaits.This would be good for about 6 weeks and back then people would ask if it was my hair.

I say all this to say that if you take time your hatural hair won't be seen as a drag.I suppose it all comes down to accepting that our type of hair will never be like the other races.Nowadays,I have gone the processed route and people still ask if am wearing a weave(see pic to the left).I am unsure whether they think hair my length must be store bought or if it is a bad weave job:).So,I never know whether it is a compliment or insult.Anyway,ladies if you wear weaves make sure it is nicely done and not the type that make people cringe.