Dear Ladies,
I have worn braid extensions on and off for more than twenty years. Being African, wearing braid extension is no big deal but about fifteen years ago it was not the norm in the States until Brandy and Janet Jackson made it popular. I always felt very regal with my braids and they were my signature style. I did not wear braid extensions because my hair was damaged or that my hair was not looking good, it was just a cultural thing. I truly find that braids and extension braids are an art form from the ancient days in Egypt. My braids were such a part of me that people often thought that my extension braids were my own hair.
I really do not like to say anything negative about fake hair because people wear them for a variety of reasons (religious, illness, hair protection). I know there are some men who despise them but I always say, who is 100% natural (women get their hair coloured, wear bras to make their breasts look bigger or perkier, wear make up etc). However, I have decided to stop wearing my extension braids for now. I found that my extension braids led to my hair remaining the same length, not being able to wash my hair properly which was causing me skin problems in my scalp and face and it got to be too time consuming. But if taking care of my natural hair gets to be too much work, who know I may just go back to my old reliable hair style.
Best,
Almond Eyes