South African Women and Hair Extensions A 3rd Degree on Ethnic Hair! part two

Women all over the world view their hair as their “Crowning Glory” and shell out hundreds and even Thousands of Rand, Dollars and Pounds to keep their locks in tip-toe shape.  Although there are those willing to shell a lot of money on their hair, there are those that prefer to go “all -Natural”. As alluring as, not fussing about your hair sounds, let us not be fooled, the look is as high maintenance as the extensions, if not more. A regular weave lasts between 2 to 4 months and even longer depending on the price of that weave, while dreadlocks and afros on the other hand need constant care and frequent visits to professionals to stay clean and presentable. Whether you go long, short, or even curly, you pay a price for your hair one way or the other.

Yes, African and African American women spend more that the fairer skins on their hair than its regarded as “normal” but shouldn’t that be their choice whether they want to spend all that money or not? It is a free country after all and every South African is entitled to express themselves as they see fit, as long as they do not hurt anyone doing so.  There is incredible scrutiny  put on these women by the society that deems itself fit to pass judgement on how African women should look, dress and style their hair and this should not be the case. Patta’s take on the issue was disturbing, merely to shun industry. It was an attempt to make Black people look stupid. Black People were made to look like animals in a zoo, there for the interest and entertainment of others, but not as people with different by equally important realities. There are far more pressing issues that need probing and hair should not be one of them.  Women of all shades, all races, and all classes. Although it can be costly, there is a broad spectrum off cost.