If there is one area of the site that I can say that I have neglected it is the area of “Extension, Weaves and Wigs.” I have to admit for a long time my decision not to really talk about the subject has been influenced by a sort of unspoken taboo.

I remember just around the time that I was starting the site I came across a natural hair care yahoo group, one of the discussions that was going on was about extensions. The gist of the discussion was this:

• Extensions are a crutch
• Extensions are just another way to pretend to be white
• Extensions have no place in natural hair care
• It is a shame to wear extensions

And so on.

I started looking at other natural hair care website and I realize that it really doesn’t seem to be politically correct to talk about extensions. I figured maybe I was just the rogue natural who has been known to wear extensions for a host of different reason. I didn’t want to lead anyone astray, so except for one page , I have stayed away from the topic of extension. Well that is about to change.

I believe that it is a disservice to the natural community not to have some natural centered discussions about the place that extension of all types can play in you natural lifestyle. I am not saying that all natural hair wearers should wear extensions. Nor am I saying that all extensions are helpful to the over all goal of going natural and staying natural. What I am saying is that there is a time and place for everything, including for some people, extensions.

There have been many times in my life that if I didn’t have extensions or know how to put them in that I would have said forget it and gotten a perm. I believe that:

• Accepting extension as an option and
• Knowing how to properly care for natural hair in extension and
• Knowing how to do extensions is like having a natural “base ball hat” for those times in your life when being natural just isn’t working for you,

is something that will help more people feel comfortable with going natural and keep more natural heads from going back to perms.

That being said, I just want to let you know that you can look forward to seeing more articles on natural extension styles, how to do extensions at home, how to use extensions to grow out your natural hair, how to take a break with extensions with out breaking off your hair, and so one.

I want to hear from you. How have extension, braids, weaves, wigs played a part in your natural journey? If you think I am totally off base and I should stick with the “totally natural styles” I’d like to know why.

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Extensions
written by cddavis0123, June 02, 2008

I have been wearing extensions-specifically full sewn in weaves and different types of braids for a year now while I was going natural. While I am now fully natural I am not ready to wear my natural hear. I want to wait until it grows to be a bit longer. I think I will continue to wear extensions for the next 6 months, I especially like weave. It is like you said a natural "baseball cap" and I feel comfortable in extensions while maintaining healthy hair and getting regular trims(one every 2 or 2.5 months. Thanks, I love this natural hair guide. It helped me alot transitioning and now in the natural process.

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Extensions
written by Denyce, June 05, 2008

I have been wearing twists with extentions for four years now and like you said without them I know I would have gone back to a perm. I am thankful that this option was available to give me more time to get use to the idea of going natural. My hair became very thin after years of perms and other chemicals. Now feel I am ready to take the next step and go all the way. I have worn a perm since I was 12 years old now I am 45 and I am a little lost as to how to care for and wear natural hair. I would appreciate any help I can get.

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Extensions
written by Stewy, June 09, 2008

While I understand the convictions against extensions that were mentioned in the above article, for some of us it just isn't possible NOT to go without extensions! My example is I am employed in corporate America, and distinctly remember the first time I wore individual braids with extensions to work. There were discussions as to whether or not it was against the 'dress code'. We're getting there, but we aren't there yet! For instance, it is often frowned upon to were braids w/ extensions even now when job searching/interviewing!

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Completely Understand
written by AmyM, June 09, 2008

Hi Denyce,

Welcome to the site. I can completely understand. I think that some of us forget that knowing how to do your hair doesn't come naturally. This is especially true if you never had the opportuntiy to learn as a child.

I was in college before I really started to know how to work with my hair. It would have been easier if I would have learned to love and appreciate my hair as a little kid but getting a perm was the most practical thing my mother (who also wore her hair relaxed) could do.

We all have to start some where. Congrats on starting now.

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Work and Hair
written by AmyM, June 09, 2008

Hi Stewy,

Welcome to the site. You are right that things are getting better but in many situations people are not open minded about natural hair choices for women of color.

I think as more of us decide that our natural hair is ok then it will be less of a problem. It isn't surprising that employers haven't jumped on the bandwagon to embrace naturalness in all its forms and glory. Many people within the black community are still down on it. What can we expect.

I say do what is best for you no one but you knows what is best for your situation.

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...
written by AmyM, June 09, 2008

Hi

Welcome to the site. The last time I transitioned I used braids, weaves, and wigs to transition for almost a year and a half. It was a deal I made with my husband. Now my hair is at my collar bone (when stretched) and at my shoulders in natural twists/braids.

Using braids to transition helped keep the peace and now my husband loves my natural hair. He tells me that almost every day.

I think each natural person should do what is best for them. No two situations are the same.

Thanks again for sharing your experience.

All the best,

Amy

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