Happy independence day people! Nigerians alike and even Google (check out today’s Doodle) are celebrating the day that the British officially handed over power, and left us to rule ourselves as an independent state. You know what else the British left with us as they relinquished power in this country? Hair extensions. I don’t know why they don’t teach this in History class. More seriously, women around the world and now in Nigeria take a lot of time in styling their hair with weaves and extensions of all lengths and colours. In the past, most hair extensions were made from synthetic materials, but now we have the human hair weaves and attachments (Did you know they now have human hair false lashes too?) For this reason, women around the globe can front a more natural looking hairstyle and acquire the length they desire all for a not so small token. Like every other thing in this world, hair extensions need proper care and maintenance if you want to get the best out of them. It is even more important, because they are essentially parts of our bodies (ask the women who never show their hair). There are dos and there are don’ts which I will share with you today.
1. Do secure your hair while you sleep. You don’t have to wear a hairnet, or look like an old maid. Get a silk bonnet or a silk wrap. And cover your hair. Excessive friction can cause the hair to matt and tangle which diminishes the life-span of the weave.
2. Do use hair that is close in colour and texture to your own natural hair. Unless you want to look like something out of a ghetto movie. Keep the weave as close to natural as possible. I know that the trend right now is blond hair or gold locks,if that’s what you’re going for fine. Be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.
3. Don’t forget to wash the weave, while it is still on your head. If you carry extensions for my that 4 weeks, then you need to wash them with silicone and sulfate free shampoos. This stops it from drying out and losing moisture. Allow your hair to dry completely, sleeping with wet hair leaves you with breakage and an awful smell.
4. Don’t braid your hair tightly. The notion that tight braids last longer is unfounded. What is true, however, is that you will end up with no edges and just enough hair in the middle of your head for a ponytail if you continue with tight braids or even weave installations.
5. Don’t use cotton thread to sew- on weaves. I know we all are guilty of this. Cotton absorbs moisture, using it in your hair leaves it dry and tough. Use silk thread or rayon instead.
6. Don’t forget, it’s not your natural hair. What I mean by this is simple; don’t be so consumed by the glory of your weave, that you forget your 6 inches of hair underneath. Before you install the weave or braids, deep-condition and moisturise your hair. Also, give it a protein treatment to prevent breakage. While you have the extensions on, moisturise your hair frequently as well.
7. Do use heat in moderation. If your extension is synthetic, forget about this before you end up with melted plastic on your head. With human hair, keep the heat as low as you possibly can. Also, don’t flat iron or curl your hair everyday; by doing so you weaken the hair and damage it.
8. Do replace your weave, or at least rotate it’s use. If you use a particular weave this time and take it off, don’t use it again. Have another one. Not only does, it change up your style and variety; it also protects the extension. Think of it as underwear; you take off your underwear, wash, and use another one. You don’t wait and use the previous one (if you do, you are a cruel person)
I hope we’ve all learnt a few things. In other news, Kunle Afolayan’s new movie October 1, will start showing today in cinemas nationwide. Grab your movie shoes and go see it. You can also view it at the LifeHouse Film Festival today at the Federal palace Hotel in Victoria Island. Have a wonderful day folks. God bless Nigeria.