Yes I got a weave, my first ever sew-in in the history of weaves! At the beginning of this year, one of my resolutions was to try out a weave for protective styling once the cold season starts kicking in. As you guys know I’ve been experiencing issues with receding hairline this past year and that was actually one of the reasons I procrastinated.
Another reason was straight up the thought of myself wearing straight hair – I mean the main reason I went natural had nothing to do with chemicals; I just happened to believe I looked prettier natural (long, short, locs…whatever) than I did with straight hair. So after much consideration and a few discussions with my husband (who happens to be more anti-weave than he is anti-chemical…strange), I took the plunge and went for it.
The aim is to get to a certain length by December before I BC in the new year and I know I won’t get there with my hair constantly out. I started looking for a hairstyle that would be more me and finally I decided to go with what used to be my high school signature look (with my real hair back then); a look I’d be familiar with and this is what I finally decided on:
Oh the way Ntombi (my hairdresser) laughed when I walked in asking for a weave. It took her a good 10min+ to actually realize I was being serious.lol
The process
- So what we did was the usual wash routine. I also tried out some conditioner a friend made & asked me to be her guinea pig (she wants to go into the hair product business).
- We then applied the Nubian Nature hair Elixir (mixture of all sorts of natural oils) to the damp hair as a heat protectant. Please note this was a tester; their range goes on sale end of June.
- This was followed by low-heat blowdrying.
- She then used the same Hair Elixir oils to base my scalp.
- Then the weaving began and I know most of you will relate to the famous “ungangiqinisi please (please don’t pull my hair too tight)” line that comes before they get into it.
- I also used this tip I got from True Love magazine’s beauty editor, Thami Kwazi. What she does is ask the stylist to leave out the hair on the hairline in an attempt to prevent…well…you know what. *wink*
Why I went for the cropped look?
- It’s not long. It’s become clear to me that I don’t like long straight hair for myself. Although it looks stunning on other people, it just doesn’t suit me.
- I’m more familiar with this look on me.
- The best part – it covers my receded hairline, which gives me time to nurse it (which by the way has been improving lately) back to health without trimming my edges.
People’s reactions:
- Husband – It took a day or two for hubby to get used to it and finally bring himself to say “Maar it’s not bad shem. It actually suits you”
- Colleagues – When I went back to work, everyone LOVED it. Although it worries me a bit that people would get this excited about hair that’s not even mine than they would with my natural hair.
- Friends – Another friend said “Oh that’s a razor cut; I though you said you got a weave” Well, I thought any sewn in hair, long or short was classified as weave…I could be wrong. *shrugs*
- Others – My hubby’s friend screeched “Maara why??!!” when he drove my car and saw shed bits of the weave in the car. If anyone is 100% anti-weave, it’s that guy. My husband just responded with a “Ba re ke protective styling mfwethu” hahahaha. Bless him
I must say it took some adjusting geting used to this “hat” on my hair. I promise you on day one I kept feeling like I have one of those beanies on Nangamso’s hat post on. Every few seconds I’d get this urge to take the “beanie” off. And then the next morning I decided to clean the bathroom mirror…never been that freaked out at the sight of my reflection.lol
Two reasons I may not go for this particular sew-in again:
1. Itchiness. Yoh…the way I pat my head frantically like a mad woman when no-one’s looking. #CantDeal
2. My daughter has already mentioned several times how she want’s “hair like mine” when she grows up. Now I have to work extra hard to convince her how gorgeous her hair is in it’s natural state. Also #CantDeal!!!
How are you protecting your glory this winter?
you look great.
Thank you. Looks like I wont need my hats this winter.lol
suits you so well… awesome.. ska lebala castor oil tlhe..on the hairline..
Thanks. Oh I most certainly wont. I’m also loving that Nubian Nature Hair Elixir oil.
Lol @”ba re ke protective styling mfethu”..the itchiness is number1 reason I don’t like weaves..this 1 time I scratched till I bled a lil yhoo told myself never again bt now I’m thinking of getting one,thinking its gona itch so much cos its winter..bt now you are making me think twice! Eish I think I need a wig..not lacewig bt an actual old skul wig #hairstress
Now there’s an idea. I see wigs these days look really good.
Looks cute! Do however agree with you, your natural do suits you better. I love how your husband was all “protective style” to his friend, that is love! I’ve never had a weave, but just reading the part about itchiness made my scalp itch. Looking forward to a follow up.
Thanks Nandi.I have to say its only been 2 weeks but I miss my fro already. May I must find a more natural looking weave.
I had my one and only sew in weave a couple of years ago and itchiness got so bad, i barely made it to 2 weeks! I vowed never again. Personally I don’t like synthetic hair on my head but I’ve made peace with putting on braids as protective styling and I have to have friends and family convince me to keep it for a month! So good luck with this
It does suit you but your natural hair RULES!
You look lovely
Looking good as always girl, like you more with your locks, Pele is even growing her afro.
Thank you. I don’t miss locs though….yet. Love the versatility of an afro. Please share a pic of Pele’s hair.