A woman’s hair is considered her crowning glory and a lot of time and money has been invested in getting the ultimate style. It is ironic that our own curly, kinky, thick hair is not the ideal. The ideal is the straight, long, silky European standard that is not genetically possible for black women. This standard is established and resonated daily in the printed and televised media. It is evident that we have made strides in acceptance of the concept of black beauty. The acceptance of natural kinky hair in afro, locks, braids and cornrows in mainstream society is proof of the evolution from the colonial concepts of beauty.
However, the majority still maintain the European standard. There are more options available to obtain this standard. It is amazing what we women will go through to achieve this as it will cost time, money and even pain. Hours spent in salon chairs to get that kinky hair straight with relaxer combed in, you feel the tingling sensation which means the lye (sodium hydroxide which is key ingredient) is starting to burn but you hold off just enough as you want to get all the curly kinks and have that hair as straight as possible. Then making that mad dash to the sink to wash it out, sighing in relief once the water eases that burning sensation. Relaxing is required every 6-8 weeks and cost approximately US-44.00 per visit which is approximately US3- 298 per annum.
Is it worth it...?
Black hair care is big business as it is not cheap to achieve and maintain that straight sleek look. Whether it is a perm or a weave, it is high maintenance. A weave is using hair that is not your own but attaching it to your own whether by glue, sewing, laying tracks, or applying extensions for the desired coif. The process takes hours and the cost of the weave is dependent on the type, whether jet-black to platinum blonde, curly, wavy or straight. Synthetic hair may cost approximately US$25-30 per pack. The most expensive weave being of course, the real thing, human hair which may run US$50-100 per pack. This Human hair of course which is mostly sourced from India and Asia is more expensive as it is easier to maintain and styled as desired giving flexibility which synthetic hair cannot. The other option for that sleek straight ideal is the lace wig. This wig is nothing like your grandma’s, not at all. It is so finely woven and with human hair that it looks quite natural, so natural that it also cost quite a bit and may range in price from US$300 – US$2000.00 depending on the brand and style.
It is said beauty is pain and women since the dawn of time to current day have willingly endured much for the sake of being beautiful whether it is to endure a burning scalp or the high maintenance cost of keeping one’s head in perfect style.
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