Staff writer – Latoya Wakefield
Versatility is what females look for when it comes to hairstyles. Females in the Caribbean are always looking for a new hot style to sport.
They want it long, short, shoulder length, straight, surly, wavy….in all different colours. As the popular saying goes ‘hair is beauty’ and these hairstyles definitely add some spice to your appearance. Never be jaded by it being false, you paid for it, it’s yours!
The styles of false hair are an ‘art’ within itself. It’s fascinating when a hairdresser uses his/her hand to transform a bundle of hair in a head turning hairstyle. You can use false hair to do braids,
Super star Beyonce Giselle Knowles
extension (sew on or glue in), ponytails, wigs and guess what? Even though it’s fake, that skilled hairdresser can make it totally look like it’s your God given head of hair. Beyonce is a great example of how false hair should be worn. I doubt any of us have ever really noticed when Beyonce is wearing her authentic hair or not because most times, her hair looks great and like it always looks her own. Don’t you agree?
Other than looking good and getting a lot of attention, braiding and other styles of false hair might help in growing your hair. However, it all depends on how you treat it. Multiple hairdressers that I’ve been to recommend that it’s not wise to keep braids in the hair for very long as your hair needs a ‘breather’ and also to be thoroughly cleansed once a month maximum. It all depends on what works for you. I’ve known females that kept a hairstyle for months and it doesn’t cease the growth or damage their hair at all.
Beautiful locks
Keep in mind that there are disadvantages to wearing these kinds of styles. So if it’s your first time or your hair, get a recommended hairdresser or do your research so that you know what to do and what not to do. If your hair continues to break, take a break from false hair and give yourself at least three months to treat, steam and take care of your hair.
It’s very important that you change methods or even hairdressers if they’re not working for you. Hairlines can be permanently damaged with constant glue in if it’s not done and removed properly. Hair may break if you’re doing hairstyle after hairstyle and never taking the time to steam your hair, brushing and wrapping and basically giving it some TLC. Every part of us needs some TLC for ourselves even if it’s every now and then.
There are two types of hair that the females use in Jamaica when it comes to extending or doing a wig…and that’s synthetic and human hair. Do you know the difference? Check out my next ‘Fashion in the Caribbean’ article and I’ll tell you. We all know that these hairstyles can be very expensive. In Jamaica, it costs minimum $2000 JA dollars to sew in and that all depends on the hairdresser you go to.
Styling your natural hair is the best way to go but who can blame you if you’re addicted to these styles especially if you have short hair? They’re just so creative! For those who just can’t fit these hairstyles into their budgets, see my next article called ‘Do it yourself…the Caribbean way of styling your own hair’
This week I plan to do a short cut and dye my hair. What about you?
