Naturals - E. W. E

[mizbtown2]

Naturals, do you wear extensions, wigs, etc.? If so, is it as protective styling or simply alternative styling? Why/How does this work for you?

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

I've only been natural for a few months but I've been wearing half wigs and phony ponies everyday as a protective style. I am trying to retain ALL my length by the end of the year so this is my protective style of choice since my buns are not full anymore.

 

[HauteHippie]

When I was natural, I wore extensions for about 2 years (excluding the summer after year 1. I washed too frequently for extensions and wore puffs or cornrows under wigs). It was a protective style for me and worked well for the first 18 months.

My 2nd/3rd to last installs were done by a young lady with natural hair who wore weaves for style without any intention to ever wearing her hair out ( hope she changes her mind eventually. She seemed intelligent, but unsure of herself in a few ways).
She told me that if she had hair like mine (4b/4a?) then maybe she'd wear her hair out. Note that we used my products on my hair NOT hers. My hair felt like a brick before I found products with aloe and/or marshmallow.

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[Evolving78]

i wore a wig for a month as a protective style, but after awhile, i just didn't see that point of it. i shouldn't have to rely on fake hair to keep my own hair healthy. and i felt like a slave. once i decided that i didn't need them and found a way to grow my hair healthy without, i was able to be free. i went natural because i never was given an option to wear my natural texture. i was told my hair was difficult and hard to work with (maintain a style) i didn't do it because i was sick of relaxers, or wearing my hair straight. i don't mind someone changing her look using them, but i disgree as you them as a crutch. it's like in order to grow your hair healthy you have to wear someone else's.....

 

[GeauXavi]

I voted 50-85% during the school year (I'm a teacher) I usually wear half-wigs over box braids M-Thu and my loose hair F-Sun. I don't think it's a "crutch" it's just easy to throw a cute wig on...b/c i'm NOT a morning person...plus it works as a protective style. Also, my hair is too unpredictable to chance it.

I also wear weave when I want straight hair b/c I don't straighten my natural hair. I'm in a sew-in now and it's serving its purpose well

 

[mzteaze]

I don't wear anything extra any more. Years of extensions took their toll on my hair. So I started rocking my natural hair which in it's curly state is protective enough. I get a length shrinkage of around 65% so my curls are far above my collar. Once I learned which products worked, it's been pretty easy to style.

 

[Qtee]

When I was in my first 8 months of being natural..I wore wigs and phonys 100% of the time..now I dont wear it at all..my hair is BSL and its hard to fit my hair under a wig (I dont know how to braid tight)...also I now hate the feel of fake hair on me and have been known to snatch it off in the middle of the day..

 

[natural_one]

I wear my hair in braids during the winter time but other than that my hair is always out.

 

[curlyencore]

I used Mixed Chicks and a little gel on the edges for wash-n-gos during the work week. In the weekends, I sport halfwigs and flat iron just my front edges that I leave out.

I plan on getting rid of the half wigs when my hair is arm put length when dry. I'm at chin length dry and shoulder length when wet, so it feels like it will take forever.

Half wigs definitely help me have that instant weave when I want it, so that I don't get frustrated with waiting for it to grow.

As far as protection, I used no heat during the week, always sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf and massage evoo or co until oil in twice a day.

 

[bumblb87]

I wore half wigs and sew-ins before, during, and after my transition. At first it was an addiction but then it turned into a fear that I wouldn't retain length otherwise. Now, I'm starting to wear my own hair more often and the weave is an option depending on my mood. I think how short my hair was had a lot to do with it also.

 

[ms-gg]

When I went natural 5 years ago, I made myself swear that I would not touch a half wig (my drug of choice) or any type of wig for a full year. I knew that I was still getting use to my hair and if I reached for a weave I would become addicted to wigs or weaves again. For 2 years prior to my bc I became addicted to weaves and I knew it would be my easy way out of getting to love and appreciate my hair. I feel like a crack fiend but I swear to you it almost is that serious when you don't take the time to take care of your hair to the fullest underneath a weave and your hair suffers and so the cycle continues.

I'm 5 years post my addiction and I have no plans to reach for a weave anytime soon.

 

[KimPossibli]

I might try extensions If I can ever get them done my self...

but I'm in no rush I am fine with my hair as is and I really dont want to feel 'reliant' on long hair

 

[Etherealsmile]

Naturals, do you wear extensions, wigs, etc.? If so, is it as protective styling or simply alternative styling? Why/How does this work for you?

I wear lacefront wigs 99% of the time. The only time i'm not wearing them is when i'm at home. I'm using them as my main protective style. For almost the past 2 months, my hair has been in cornrows under my lace wigs, i wash, condition etc in my cornrows and i'm hoping by the time i take them down my hair would have retained close to 2 inches

 

[keepithealthy]

I haven't used weave, wig or any other protective styling. I have around 70% shrinkage, so I don't feel the need to protective style, especially in the summer. In the winter I usually wear two strand twists in an up-do. I only bun consistently when my hair is straight to protect my ends. I have retained most of my growth (check my siggie).

shortdub78 your making great progress (siggie pics)!

 

[Mane.Attraction]

I started doing half wigs all the time now. When I was relaxed, I did them all the time and saw the most growth so now that I'm natural, I need to keep my hands out my hair and rely on my protective styles!

It's just so hard to keep my hair in one style without changing it so much...

 

[MzSwift]

I PS 95-99% of the time because I have growth goals. If I didn't have any goals, I wouldn't feel the need to focus on length retention.

During the colder months, I rock wigs (short, synthetic wigs) and braid/twist extensions. During the warmer months, I like to rock mini braids w/no extensions so that I can WNG w/o the tangles and knots.

This summer I'm learning why ladies usually rock braid/twist extensions. I think I'm going to put some in soon.

I used to rock weaves prior to going natural. But since I've been natural, I have no desire to rock a weave. It may have to do with how often I like to water rinse and wash my hair.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I tried wigs, but I couldn't fit my hair under them so it didn't work out.

 

[Nonie]

I have worn extension braids for an average 1.5-2 years at a time since 2001. I don't consider it protective styling since my ends are exposed. I consider it low manipulation. I wore extension braids because longer hair is easier to style and whip into a quick do than short hair and offers more (did I mention quick?) styling options.

Extension braids allowed me to retain better than anything else I have tried and also made the HHJ a breeze. I went from just under 3 inches TWA to full SL in 14 mths, which may not seem like much to many people but when you consider that I don't use leave-ins or seal my ends but simply dust and leave my bare hair alone, then you can sorta see why I believe in them. I don't think I could be so lackadaisical with my hair if loose and retain anything. The secret is to learn to do your own braids so you'll be able to ensure success with them and no damage.

 

[Janet']

I don't wear extensions, weaves, or wigs, but I would consider my wash and go a low manipulation style which I do wear 85% of the time.

 

[LongLeggedLife]

I have an extreme wig hatred, but I get box braids usually once a year to beat the heat.
Just an alternative style, I dont really do 'protective styling' and usually wear my hair out the rest of the year.

 

[CurlsBazillion]

I chose 95% n up, I'm under half wigs whenever I leave the house. At home I bun, or roll-tuck-pin.

 

[Charla]

I protective style with EWE 95-99% of the time because I'm newly natural with a TWA and am working on gaining length. Like one YTber said, "My goal is not a TWA. My goal is LONG natural hair, so I'm protecting it till I get there." That's exactly my sentiment.

 

[JessieLeleB]

I wear wigs and sewins as protective styles. When i BC in Feb I ha an issues of always pulling and combing and playing with my hair and didn't want to start splitting my hair and pulling it out, wearing sewins keeps me from damaging my natural hair, I plan I do this for at least 2 yrs till I can get sum hang in my hair.


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[Napp]

What does ewe mean?

I would like to wear fake hair right now because i want a short bob look and dont want to cut my hair right now.

 

[greenandchic]

Natural 100% of the time.

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

I wear half-wigs 85% of the time as a protective style I keep my hair braided underneath, it’s easy it’s convenient and it’s ultra low maintenance. When I’m not wearing hw’s my hair is ‘out’ either in a braidout/twistout or a wash-n-go.

 

[Lady S]

I wear wigs & half wigs about 90% of the time. It's a protective style, but I also like being able to rock a variety of styles without messing up my real hair. You get to learn what colors or styles look good on you and what doesn't w/out permanently altering your hair.

And it's SO easy! I don't have to worry about bad hair days, because all I do is plop same hair on my head. I don't have to flat iron, uses rollers, do straw sets, etc.

It works very well for me. It helped saved my hair after a slight mishap w/ Natural Instincts & Hi-Rez hair dye.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I voted 95+. I wig it and PS a majority of the time now. I wash/dc/co-wash every few days and moisturize daily (like I did starting out). I know that braiding it up and forgetting about it works for me, but when my grass is loose, it requires daily moisture. I have virtually no breakage now. It's easier on me since I have carpal tunnel and can't braid or do neat tiny twists.

I want to get a trim but my ends aren't bad so I'm going to PS and wait it out.

 

[Truth]

yup... only in the winter time..because i'm lazy

 

[Bublin]

I have tried half wigs off and on over the years and i either never feel comfortable in the them or they don't blend well with my hair. Also i don't like to wear headbands with them.
I now wear my hair 100% natural.