I was faced with this heartbreaking question about a year ago when my parents said I couldn’t get a weave. Bummer. I wanted to do something with my afro, change it up a bit, and look stylish. And if you’re reading this and you can’t get a weave – girl, I feel for you.
So, the number one question in response: Why? Why won’t my parents let me get a weave?!
Well, when I brought up the question (confidently, as I recall),
I was shut down with these three reasons:
- It would break my hair
- My natural hair was still growing (and it was at the ‘awkward stage’
- It was a DISTRACTION
Apparently, it was a distraction to school, my running for Track and XC (the hair I would fly in my face…?!), and other ‘more important things.’
I respected my parents’ decision (after all, they’d be paying for it!) but I was still bummed. I had the exact style I wanted, which stylist I was going to, and how much it was going to be.
Eventually – we came up with these 3 alternatives:
- Twist Extensions
- Crochet Braids
- Different and Cute Styles for my natural hair (things I hadn’t tried yet)
I still wanted a weave, but after researching some of the damaging effects it can cause to a girl’s awkward stage natural hair – I put my foot down.
I had cut my hair and it was still growing. However, while I was tired of doing twists and wearing it in a tiny afro – I knew a weave could potentially damage my hair (and I didn’t have much hair to lose!!!)
So, ultimately I just got my hair done (naturally) and watch it grow over the year. And like I said, if you’re reading this and your parents won’t let you get eave – girl, I feel for you.
But if you’re reading this and you want to go natural (or already are) – just know that you are naturally beautiful.
Naturally beautiful is like my favorite thing to say to girls because it’s true! In the end, you don’t have to get a weave that could break your hair and make you suffer in the long run.
But at the same time…
I know plenty of girls who’ve gotten a weave and their hair is still growing quite well. Did I bring this up to refute my parents’ argument? Yep. But honestly? It’s hard to find and trust someone who can do your weave right, knows your hair, and is affordable.
My hair is very fine and thin (and I have a sensitive scalp), so a lot of things can easily halt its growth.
But your hair might be different. If you’re not necessarily ‘going natural’ and your parents won’t let you get a weave, I’d recommend you do a bunch of research. And write an essay on why you should get a weave and make your parent(s) read it (no – just kidding!).
But seriously – find someone who does weave well (talk to people you trust), that compiles with your parents’ budget, and knows your type of hair as well as precautions to take.
To Conclude…
In the end, when you make your own money and live in your house – you make your own decision! You’d be on your own (finally). But for now – it’s good to take healthy precautions for your hair and listen to advice from people you trust.