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Natural Hair Diaries: Part Two

I never thought the day would come when I’d be in a wig store trying on wigs and asking a million questions about sew ins. That day arrived and it was an adventure. Because the weather was warming up and I know how natural hair can get during summer, the time for a protective style was near. I figured I could keep my hair braided under a wig. And not one single one of the wigs I tried on looked good on me. I looked a mess and decided to do some internet research. I’ve been natural since October 2014 and my hair’s been styled all kinds of ways, but over the last year I’ve been experimenting with protective styles like long braids and cornrows. But, I wanted something other than braids since I’d already done them a handful of times. I wanted to change my entire look and I wanted longer hair again, so, I went out and bought some. I scheduled an appointment with my new stylist and asked a million questions about sew ins and how to get one done. Purchasing the hair was pricey, but I was highly pleased with the results. And to my surprise it wasn’t as painful as I thought. I learned about purchasing bundles of hair, closures, and leaving out sections of my regular hair to give the extensions a more natural look – all of which felt like learning a foreign language. I just assumed different women I saw always had full and lengthy hair. I learned a lot about extensions and that many celebrities and stars on television are getting these kinds of things done to their hair as well. Those women I saw onscreen were not all born with those lengthy locks of gorgeous hair. Again, I had a lot to learn. After my hair was styled I anticipated some of my non-African American friends and colleagues to ask questions about my extended locks and I was already armed with why, yes… this is my hair. I paid for it. I know. It sounds forward. But not nearly as forward as when myself and a ton of other black women are often asked, “Is that your real hair?” I don’t think some people know how off-putting that question can come off. But these days it doesn’t bother me as much as it’s bothered some of my other black friends. I don’t mind enlightening non-African Americans about black hair. It’s a great opportunity to cultural enlighten one another. Overall, sew ins are something I’m excited to experiment with more and I can’t wait to see looks I switch up with in the future. Stay tuned. 

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