“We don’t go natural, we return to natural because it’s where we began.” This is quite a popular quote that you find shared on Facebook, Twitter and other social media these days.
It speaks absolute truth, of course, but in spite of that we all know that it matters for nothing because majority of black women today still chemically straighten their hair.
I don’t say this as a criticism, after all how one wears their hair is a personal choice and far be it from me to interfere.
I say this instead as a simple observation that in spite of all our feverish support for all things natural in the online world, it accounts for nothing in the real world. To many women the default hair is relaxed.
This fact was very evident in the throng of women moving from stall to stall at the Afro Hair & Beauty Show last weekend. The event was really good, a bit hot and sweaty with no AC but enjoyable all the same.
So many hair product brands were on show, Beautiful Textures, Mixed Chicks*, Taliah Wajid, Hairfinity*, Sleek, ORS, Auntie Jackie, Design essentials and many many more.
I was there on Sunday afternoon and I hear that Patrice of Afrobella along with a few other UK bloggers attended on the Monday. In among visiting stalls, watching the fashion show and hair demonstrations, a few things about black hair care struck me . . .
Hair Extensions* Still Rule The Market
Some women completely give up weaves after going on healthy hair journeys while some use them exclusively to grow their hair to longer lengths but whichever side of the fence you are on the fact is is that hair extensions* essentially pay for the party.
Yes, the largest sponsors of many of these major events that allow us enthusiasts to come together for a chat about all things hair are made possible by hair extension companies. In fact majority of the goody bag inserts were for hair weave sales or salons exulting their expertise at installing said weaves.
Based on observation, a large percentage of women attending the event wore extensions* in one form or other. A full weave here, a half wig* there, a few clip ins* added for fullness, they were there in their droves.