Uncovering the real reason black women wear wigs
THROUGHOUT the years, black women have always found themselves at war with what hairstyles to wear and facing the commentary that came with their choice.
“Women who wear wigs and weaves have self-esteem issues,” many men from various races have said to me.
Being a woman who has always had the courage to change my look and loved the idea of being an entrepreneur, I started Wigs We Love.
I have often felt offended by such comments because it was definitely not the reason why we wore wigs or weaves.
A woman can spend a minimum of R1 000 on a quality Brazilian wig that she can style as she desires for about four years.
Or she can purchase a “cheaper” human hair prestyled wig for R500, which she can wear for about six months.
While on my journey of discovering the real reason women wore wigs, I met Sharon Phetheli, owner of Substance Superior.
With not just beauty on the mind, Phetheli is studying mining engineering.
“I realised I can’t have long hair all the time in my faculty or workplace. Sew-ins would just get ruined if I’m plaited and go underground for just eight hours. By the time I got to the surface, my hair would be smelling, full of dust, greasy and wet because of the humidity and activities underground.”
Just like many businesswomen she decided to turn her passion for looking good into money. “I’ve always loved good hair and engineering was not about to end that. I started the wig-making business in 2016.
“That was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made. I’ve helped so many people who have different situations.”
It is never considered that as a black woman there are not many products available to help treat our natural hair.
I have about 10 wigs of my own, which help with marketing my business. Long, short, curly, bob, straight, colour – I wear them to save money, time and my hairline.
“I’m always late or in a rush, so having wigs allows me to worry about everything else except how I look,” said one woman, who wanted to remain anonymous.
Hair loss is one of the primary reasons women wear wigs.
Three in five women have lost their natural hair due to harsh chemicals, as well as the pulling that is experienced when braiding their hair.
“Back in the day getting a perm was popular, but over time my hair could not handle the chemicals and became thin. I think ageing has played a part,” she said.
I have never come across a woman who said she wore a wig because she hated her own hair. They felt it was a neater and convenient option.
“It’s fun, convenient and allows me to keep my afro healthy,” said Ubuhlebethu salon and image consulting owner Paballo Xaba.
“I have around 15 wigs and change them depending on my mood, outfit, or the occasion. Some outfits wants long hair, some curly and some short.”
Xaba began her beauty onestop shop after she found it a hassle having to visit different salons to cater for different needs.
After studying cosmetology, starting her own business to assist women with maintaining
I’ve never come across a woman who wore a wig because she hated her hair
a tidy look was the first thing that came to mind for Xaba.
The wig business has given women financial freedom.
Many other women in the business have managed to take what has been looked down on by many and turned it into a living and created employment. – African News Agency/ ANA