Mastodawn

head2toemag Aug 14, 2024

Hair Weave and Wigs: The Damage It’s Causing

The Impact Hair Weave Has On Black Women

Head2Toe Magazine delves into the profound impact of hair weave and wigs on Black women and the Black community. There is a mounting concern that black women may be developing a dependency on hair weave, similar to a substance addiction. This trend has not only led to a widespread epidemic of hair loss among black women, but it has also fostered a reliance on the convenience of wearing weave and wigs, causing many to overlook the early signs that their hair needs a break.

The prevalence of hair weave and wigs significantly affects Black communities, as the increased popularity of these products has resulted in a decline in revenue from the previous weekly and bi-weekly clientele for traditional Black salons, with fewer women visiting these establishments.

As the weave and wig trend gains momentum, many Black women have lost sight of the true essence of beauty. Installing weave and wigs on daughters as young as 2 years old is a concerning practice that communicates the message that their natural hair isn’t good enough, and that they are not beautiful wearing their own hair.

Head2Toe Magazine is dedicated to advocating for a return to embracing natural hair, and to helping Black women rediscover the beauty in their own authentic hair, regardless of its texture or length.

Hair Loss

There are 30 million women who are suffering from hair loss in the United States and 70% are Black women. We have a hair loss epidemic on our hands! There are many factors that can cause hair loss such as medications, nutrition, trauma, vitamin D deficiency, mechanical damage (tight hair weaves, braids etc) stress, chemical damage and so on.

Continuous wearing of weaves and wigs can contribute to hair loss in several ways. The added weight of the weave or wig, along with the constant tension on the hair follicles, can lead to a condition called traction alopecia, which is characterized by gradual hair loss. The tightness of the braids or weaves can cause stress on the hair follicles, leading to weakening and breakage of the hair. Additionally, improper application and removal of weaves and wigs can cause mechanical damage to the hair, further contributing to hair loss.

Furthermore, the outer perimeter hairs are the most fragile hairs on the head, especially in children, as they are finer and more delicate. Constant manipulation and tension from weaves and wigs can exacerbate this fragility, leading to increased susceptibility to breakage and hair loss. It’s important to be mindful of the impact of these styling choices on the health of the hair and scalp.

How Weaves Can Cause Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles. Wigs, weaves, and braids can contribute to this condition if not worn or installed properly as well as prolonged wear.
Tightness: When these hair styles are installed too tightly, they exert excessive pressure on the hair follicles. This constant pulling can weaken the hair roots, leading to hair breakage and eventually hair loss.
Weight: The weight of wigs, weaves, and heavy braids can also contribute to traction alopecia. The added weight puts extra strain on the hair follicles, increasing the risk of damage.
Duration: Leaving these hairstyles in for extended periods without giving your scalp a break can exacerbate the issue. The hair follicles need time to recover and rest.
Hairline damage: Wigs, weaves, and certain braid styles often require the use of adhesives, gels, or other products that can irritate the hairline and weaken the hair follicles.

To prevent traction alopecia:
1. Avoid overly tight hairstyles.
2. Take breaks from wearing wigs, weaves, and braids.
3. Opt for lighter hairstyles and extensions.
4. Use gentle hair care products.
5. Consult a dermatologist or trichologist if you notice signs of hair loss.

“If your scalp is dry and flaky, use a medicated shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, concentrating the suds on your scalp. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse out. Then wash once more with regular shampoo and condition. Do this once a week for 4 weeks.

If you’re still seeing flakes, visit a dermatologist before getting extensions. You may have seborrheic dermatitis, which can be harder to get under control when you have extensions.

Psychological Effects of Hair Loss

Hair thinning and baldness cause psychological stress due to their effect on appearance. Although societal interest in appearance has a long history, this particular branch of psychology came into its own during the 1960’s and has gained momentum as messages associating physical attractiveness with success and happiness grow more prevalent.

The psychology of hair thinning is a complex issue. Hair is considered an essential part of overall identity: especially for women, for whom it often represents femininity and attractiveness. Hair thinning is therefore a sensitive issue. For sufferers, it can represent a loss of control and feelings of isolation. People experiencing hair thinning often find themselves in a situation where their physical appearance is at odds with their own self-image and commonly worry that they appear older than they are or less attractive to others. Psychological problems due to baldness, if present, are typically most severe at the onset of symptoms.

Weave should not be worn continuously. It’s important to wear weave because you choose to, not because you feel obligated. The damage caused by weave in the Black community has reached epidemic levels and has contributed to a vicious cycle among black women that dates back to the era of slavery. Additionally, weave has led to conflicts in some black relationships and has resulted in low self-esteem for black women whose hair and scalp have been damaged from wearing weave. “Whether curly or straight, relaxed or natural, short or long, my hair is healthy and strong.”

Share this:

Click to share on instagram (Opens in new window)instagram
Share on Tumblr
Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Email
Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window)Nextdoor

Customize buttons

#blackWomen #hair #hairCare #hairExtensions #hairLoss #hairWeave