Limitations of Beauty (artificial hair)

In order to fully understand the current fad in weave, one must first know a historical context, the ways these fads have impacted black women’s lives, and how hair has ultimately created a social hierarchy.

The slaves being brought from Africa were immediately forced to shave their heads bald upon boarding ship (sanitation purposes) HOWEVER, here.... is where one could say that the importance of hair in regards to black identity had emerged.

Once in America, field slaves were forced to cover their heads to prevent from offending their master with unsightly hair and indoor slaves ironed their hair. As for the biracial slaves, even those with the fairest skin completions, could not classify themselves as white if the texture of their hair contained a slight coil or curl. Now, here emerged the idea that the closest to white you are in appearance, the more one is accepted by society

A question now presents itself. Why weave? Artificial hair has a much thinner, straighter, and often longer texture than most black women’s natural hair. In our society, good hair has a soft, thin, manageable texture. It is usually long and has elasticity. It attains moisture and curls are loose. Most black women’s hair texture is tightly coiled and dry in its natural state. In order to fit into society’s immeasurable standards or acceptable, proffessional appearances, several black women have embraced a fad in wearing artificial hair. and the texture of artificial hair is indeed thought of as “good”. Good hair is accepted. Why? Simple. Because it is most often seen. Black women are stuck with a desire to blend in with what is accepted, rather than discomfort society with an uncommon hairstyle or texture. Artificial hair allows black women the opportunity to wear various hairstyles that are trendy but most importunity acceptable to society.

BUT as time progresses, history is seemingly repeating itself in regards to hair fads. Although the natural hairstyle died in the 60's, a revival is emerging. African American women are beginning to create their own standard of beauty, without any limitations based upon what society deems as acceptable. They are beginning to embrace their natural hair textures and leave artificial hair behind. And although it may be slightly optimistic, this lifestyle may very well be the beginning, of an end, to many more artificial standard of beauty society compels all women to.