In the next couple of days I will wave bye-bye to the Marley twists that have kept me company for the last month and a half, and welcome back my good friend Hairgina. As much as I enjoyed sending my hair on a well-deserved holiday, I can NOT wait to have her back again. Honestly, I don’t know how some of you patient ladies do it for 3 months at a time…kudos!
Recently, I have been tip toeing around the conversation of weave/extensions being just another way to hide our own hair, after hearing sentiments from either side of the fence, and of course my personal experience.
I often hear ladies expressing their concern that wearing a weave or extensions restrains you from getting to know your own hair – especially while transitioning- and developing a sound regime. To some extent I agree. I do feel that wearing a weave etc while transitioning prevents you from learning what products work if your hair does not see the light of day for nothing short of a month, during a 10 month transition.
Some feel that wearing extensions is just another way to hide what we were born with. Again, to some extent I agree. There is nothing natural about someone else’s hair on your head. However, in the past I was at a point where I believed that I NEEDED to wear a weave. Today, I see wearing my twists as nothing more than a way to protect my hair during the colder months and literally count down the days until I can remove them. I have been transitioning for almost 10 months, and have worn extensions twice, at a total of 3 months because I longed to touch my own hair.
Upon reflection, I realise that yes I was using weaves to hide my own hair prior to going natural but today –I can honestly say it’s a different story. We all have our own ways of doing things, and everyone’s hair has a different story. So at the end of the day, I guess that we can’t assume someone has an issue just because they decide to weave it up every now and again! Not to mention, isn’t it responsible to experiment with dying your hair every colour under the sun on a weave than your own natural hair?
Have you received any heat for wearing a weave? Do you think protective styling this way can do more harm than good?
Its an effective way to grow your hair without Bc or to get fullness and length you want on your hair. While working on my portfolio there's so much blow drying, flat ironing etc going on, weaves saved my hair and retained my length from that. I wore my natural hair out for some shoots but not the ones with high manipulation for a certain look. Do what works for you, not what they tell you
Weave is a great way to experiment with different styles. That's what it's for. It's a way for women to splurge without worrying about their real hair. If you care about your real hair good, if not then okay. That's a concern a woman as individual will express in her own way. I personally agree with the comment relating to cosmetics. What's the difference? Women are so quick to throw on makeup and alot of it at that. However, at the end of the day who cares, right? If you like it then what's the problem? The issue is only with the individual who makes it an issue. That's real.
I think for some people (including myself) wear weaves and/or extensions because we have hand to hair syndrome or hair manipulation syndrome in other words we can't leave our hair alone for a moment, always having to do something to it which results in breakage, split ends, and whatever other harm that can come to our hair. I feel as if having the installation of weaves and/or extensions gives our hair a break and time to take a vacation. My hair has always done better when I don't so anything to it at all but wash it and leave it in a style and leave it alone, but when I started to do more then wash it and leave it in a style for 2 weeks before I washed it again thats when all the problems started to arise. Personally weaves so far for me are a good idea for my transition. I plan to transition for a LONG while. I'm in no rush to cut off my relaxed ends because they aren't bothering me nor my natural hair.
I'm a life-long relaxer and preparing myself for a big chop in a few weeks 🙂 Braids and weaves have never been my cup of tea, but I'm curious about all the comments regarding "winter protection". Does cold weather damage natural hair?
I agree with Anon 1:16. Black women have been manipulating their hair for centuries and for different reasons, so why does it matter now? I have been natural going on a year and you know what? Sometimes I just get bored and I want something different. That may mean wearing it straight (which most mistake for a weave/relaxer). I have worn braids, and dammit if I find another style that I love I'm gonna wear it. I might even buy curly weave to see what my hair looks like big because you know why? I'm impatient that way, lol. It is hair. I'll even admit when my mom wants a relaxer I do her touch-up and can get hair straight as a bone. Even though I've tried to get her to consider the natural thing because she loves the look and options, she just doesn't have the time or patience to transition. You know why? Because it is just hair compared to the 3 grandkids she cares for, a full-time job, and the rest of her life she has to live day to day. Get my point? These so-called women who think they have the so-called right to judge other women are pathetic, and is actually a form of self hate. How you treat others is a reflection of how you treat yourself. Remember that!
Sad to say it but the natural hair community makes a bigger deal about this topic than anyone else…this is a place where we are suppose to get encouragement and be accepting of ourselves. We also have the freedom to try different styles when it comes to hair…it is not that serious. I feel like this topic is always brought up to start an issue…it's like the bloggers don't want to call people out for wearing wigs/weaves so they writes articles "discussing" the topic without really saying how they feel. Obviously it's an issue to them for women with natural hair to wear weave/wigs, they just would rather the readers make the comments instead….again it's sad…if you're going to make a statement "to each his/her own" then why even bother discussing this topic…over and over again. People have the right to wear their hair however they want to, and at the end of the day hair is not the biggest factor in our life that we have to deal with.
My perspective on weaves has changed since going natural over a year ago. I know it's judgemental, but, I feel "sad" when I see so many black women with weaves. Especially celebrities. I think it's just another example of assimilation. For example, I recently watched the reality show "Braxton Family Values" and all the Braxton sisters had on a wig. Even the mom was wearing one. It looked ridiculous. I couldn't help but think how empowering it would be for black women if they were wearing their own hair (natural or relaxed) Again, I never felt this way until I went natural. I'm trying to be more accepting and less judgemental.
For me, its either about quick variety or protection! Ill do a wig or ponytail piece if I want a quick style change, but Ill do a weave/sew-in if Im traveling somewhere or will be really busy and want to protect my own hair for awhile…OR if I want a long-term change w/o changing my actual. My hair is really difficult to straighten when I DIY, so if I want a straight/sleek look, its easier to get the weave than fight with my curls 🙂
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I never said it was hiding if you don't use relaxers. I said that, when I was younger, I felt like I was hiding behind my extensions, and that's why I choose not to use them anymore. I'm not trying to make another woman's hair decisions for her. I'm only talking about me.
I do not think using weaves as a protective style is hiding your way. I think it very unfair that people feel that since we are choosing to be natural that we can't wear weaves. If a girl with a relaxer get plaits, twists or braids I don't really hear anyone accusing her much of "hiding" so why is it hiding if you don't use relaxers? it grinds my gears when I have to hear this on the very rare occasion that I do put weave in my hair. Plus at the end of the day our hair is one of the most personal decisions we make. Relaxer or no relaxer we all have our own feelings towards our hair and handle our hair in own way. So i think our hair decisions should be treated like our bedroom decisions when it comes to the public eye, unless inquired about no opinions are needed!!!!
I wore braids from 6th grade into my sophomore year of college, almost continuously. I suppose it was technically a transition, since I started getting them to hide the relaxer damage I'd accumulated the previous year, but my primary motivation was to lock it up for a few months so I wouldn't have to look at/deal with it AND have something that fell down my back and swung like my white friends' hair. I've got nothing against protective styling–I'm usually in twists when I'm not at work– but those earlier experiences still color the way I feel about weaves/wigs/extensions now. I can understand why other women might choose to wear them but, to me, it still feels like hiding.
I really don't think we should look deep into this unless a woman feels she needs to wear a weave or w/e to hide her hair because silky hair looks better and is better. That's my only issue with weaves. Anything eles is digging too deep! Everyone who wears one does not think the same way, so no one should put these women into one group. I could go through and list all of the reasons but I am not. There is always some bitter pitter being a natural hair nazi that needs to mind their own D bussines.
I agree w/ Trina D. Who cares? LOL This is a very touchy subject that always seems to get "stirred". At the end of the day I think its another way for women in the natural hair community to divide against one another. "im not as natural b/c I dont wear my hair", or "Im hiding behind my wig/weave because im not happy or whatever! LOL can I get a blog about why it matters so? How we can stop the divide amongst ourselves? I wear wigs/weaves all the time b/c I love to switch up styles. I have a good routine down packed & I know what my hair likes and dislikes..now we can all move on LOL At the end of the day we have all decided on one thing & that is to NOT PERM anymore.
I transitioned for 17 months, with about 10 of those months wearing sew ins. Honestly, I would not be natural if it weren't for the weave because the middle stage of transitioning, I just could not deal with. I don't think it kept me from getting to know my hair. Your hair in the beginning of transitioning is different from the hair you see once you cut the permed ends off, so either way I would have learned how to care for it at some point. I don't regret wearing sew ins at all. Saved me from having relaxed ends ruining my hairstyles and from heat damage because I probably would have been trying to flat iron my hair all the time
For some people wearing weaves and extensions is a labor of love. Some people put their hair away in order to nurture it and give it a break from all the daily lovin' lol. It's a matter of discipline for those who are very hands on with their hair on a regular basis.
However, there are people who neglect their hair regardless of whether it's in weaves or not and they never take time to get to know it. They don't wear weaves out of a desire to protect and nurture their hair, but out of embarassment or shame over it. I know so many people who would not be caught dead without their weaves because they think their own hair is ugly or inadequate in some way! On the flipside there are people like me who, like the author, count down the days til they can take the weave out and get down with their real hair again.
I've never caught flak for wearing weave (which I rarely do anymore) but sometimes I do question some people who say they are natural and yet almost NEVER wear their hair out. I have a good friend like this, her weaves are always on point and beautiful but her natural hair is unhealthy, damaged and matted because she never cares for it and always wears weaves as a cover.
My philosophy is to each his own. This couldn't of been posted at a better time. I have been natural since 2007 and I am contemplating, scratch that no I am weaving it up for the next 6 months to a year because I am trying to add some length to my shoulder length fine strands sooner than later due to my constant cutting and coloring. My hair grows so much more when I am not doing anything to it. I will be using straight hair part of the year probably in the colder months and natural looking hair such as BroBraz in the warmer months as it will mirror my wash-n-go's that I so love but the Chicago weather doesn't allow. I don't have a hair issue at all I am just looking to give my hair a break so it can gain some length and will allow more styling options since I can't two strand twist to save my life. Just alot of Bantu Knots and Flexi Rod sets in my styling book.
LOL @ "should of be used." Personally I love to wear my own hair, because I hate the maintenance of weaves and braids, which I think are more stressful to take care of than my own hair. But now I'm tired of my hair and would love to put some twists in, havana twist to be exact and I think I'm going to enjoy the ease of them. I don't add hair to my own to hide it, just to take a break sometimes and have fun with new styles.
@ anonymous 12:18- You are criticizing the poster for the way she spelled "realise" yet you typed the phrase "should of be used." Can you please tell us what "should of be used" means?
Thank you for responding ladies!
I speak from the curiosity that I was left with after seeing a number of comments across the web that suggested that wearing a weave means that one has a hair issue, and wanted to understand where that idea came from.
I'm glad that many of you get where I am coming from with this post and you have given me some food for thought! I certainly feel, like I said, that we all have our own reasons for our hair choices and that we can not simply be pigeonholed.
Woaaah at the realise/realize thing lol. As a previous commenter said – I am from the UK where we use that spelling and Nikki is kind enough to re-post from my personal blog!
Take Care =)
@anon 12:18.
Since you are so critical, you typed "should of" when the correct way to say it is "should have."
Is the use of an "s" instead of a "z" really bothering you that much? Typically when people make a big deal out of something small, other things are going on with them. Perhaps there are some issues that you need to address.
I moved here from Canada 10 years ago, and people used to be so self righteous while correcting my spelling of words with "u" (i.e colour vs color), yet their own grammar was atrocious.It would behoove you, not to look like the classic American to the rest of the world by being so ignorant. My 2+cents
Nice way to rationalize why you wear extensions and braids to better manage your natural hair when the weather changes or when your hair isn't at the length you would like it to be. But let a relaxed haired lady cross your path, and you will annihilated her with your double standard judgements of why she hates herself for relaxing. Bottom line, stop judging people by their outer appearances and creating a diagnosis for black women who choose to relax. Measure your words! Remember, life and death is in the power of the tongue! Stop killing each other!!!!!!
I spent about 2 years with back to back weaves. I didn't necessarily do it as a "protective style" (mainly because I didn't know anything about protective styling back then) but I just did it because I wanted to achieve a longer look since I thought my own hair couldn't look like the weaves I would wear. Once I took my last weave out I realized how long my hair got and I began to research ways to take care of my own hair to achieve longer, healthier hair. So I think weaves can be both good and bad, depending on the way the person feels about their hair. I'm not anti-weave, as long as the person isn't wearing it as a way to cover up and hide their own hair, but more of a way to protect it for the time being.
When I was wearing ponytails and half-wigs was I hiding my hair out of shame? Yes, and I had to come to terms with that and now I'm cool and have been natural and wearing my hair out for three years without a care.
When the girl down the street wears a weave is she hiding her hair out of shame? Since I can't read her mind I don't know. But if she is, she's gonna have to deal with it and I wish her the best.
Some people are, some people aren't. The only person you can answer for is yourself.
I have a TWA so this winter I decided to try yarn braids. They are the best thing ever!!!! They are so light compared to other braids I have worn, keep my hair moisturized,look different, and keep looking better and better as time goes by. I have received several compliments from both women and men, young and old.
I've been natural more than 20 years (weighing in from the "elder" side of things here!). I wore and was in LOVE with a TWA for years before I finally decided to grow my hair (still miss that TWA some days). I've mostly worn twsits all these years, though I really love twist-outs and big, fluffy afros. I've become a YT/CN junkie in the last year, learing all kinds of new things for all you young ladies who are newly natural. So thanks for teaching this old-ish natural some new tricks!
I've never worn a weave and had never worn braids until last month. I wanted to find an easy way to protect my hair during the winter. I tried the Marley braid hair but hated it (too heavy, too harsh feeling, too difficult to seal without heat). I managed to wear it for two weeks, but had to give it up. Spent a little more money on the Afro Puffy Twist hair from Nafy Collection and I'm loving it! I'm only two weeks into this set of twists, but I think I'll be able to hold out for another two weeks. I miss my hair, but the APT hair is lightweight and curls at the ends in a way that's very similar to my hair. I'm wearing twists that are about 1/2" longer than my hair, really only looking for protection, not length.
I'm sure everyone could tell the Marley hair was fake. I barely recognized my head. No fun. I'm not so sure people can tell that this APT isn't my hair. I, however, tell just about everyone, mainly because I'm so pleased to have found something that works so well. I struggled when I put in the Marley twists (and let's not get into how much I struggle with the fact that it's called "Marley" hair!), struggled with the urge to explain to everyone that I was just looking for a winter protective style, not trying to fake-it-til-I-make-it and have long hair, struggled with the need to tell everyone that my hair's natural under all that Marley twist and that I love my hair. Then I got over myself. I know why I'm rocking these twists, and I certainly know how much I love my hair. My neighbors, friends, family, coworkers have all seen the many different ways I wear my hair, and can't possibly not know a) that my hair is natural and b) that I have a lot of fun with it. So why am I worried about what anyone thinks?
I'm wearing this APT hair for me, period. I'm keeping my hair under wraps for the season. I'm aiming for 3-4 weeks at a time until the weather starts to get warm (take downs for deep-treats, washing, and henna application). If anyone has questions or issues with my hair, I'll talk to them about it, but I'm not stressing over it.
This internal conversation I've been having with myself about this fake hair has pushed me to reassess all the thing that I was and wasn't always aware of thinking about other women with weaves/extensions. I definitely need a perspective/attitude adjustment!
Glad you posted this, as it's been on my mind so much lately!
I wear kinky twists and senegalese twists for a multitude of reasons:
1. I look good in them (best part lol)
2. They are easy to maintain for a long period of time, (even workout)
3. I want to.
I've never had someone tell me anything negative about my twists, and I don't expect to.
Also, I think the term "hiding" has a negative connotation associated with it, which is why the whole problem convo about "hiding" hair starts. So.. no. I'm not hiding my hair. I'm styling MY hair in a way that EYE want, when EYE want. And that's about as far as it goes.
Realise, realize…it's all good! ;-D
Regarding weaves…Personally, I prefer braids because weaves are itchy to me. Some women may not feel entirely comfortable wearing their hair "out" until it is a certain length which is certainly a feeling I can relate to. I wore a beret in the heat of August-October until my hair grew long enough to braid!
For many years I wore braids and weaves to hide my hair, absolutely. My hair did thrive now and then, but when I would screw it up with color or excessive heat, I'd run back to the comfort of my weave. Then it became a 24/7 thing. I was never without my weave…. At 3 years natural (and LOVING it), I strive to protective style maybe 4 or so months out of the year to give my super fine strands.. and my arms (lol) a break. I'm currently rocking a shoulder length kinky look with synthetic hair and it's super cute! It matches my hair pretty darn good. I can't stomach human hair at all. I'm so glad they are making synthetic hair more "human"-like, lol. Ladies, if you're looking for bomb.com kinky coily hair for protective styling try Outre Batik!! 🙂
I've been natural for just under a year and a half. I've spent the majority of that time in braid extensions. I wear my braids for 6-8wks, remove and let my hair rest for 3-4wks and then re-braid. I've mainly been doing this for growth. In the 3-4wk stints I am able to practice natural hair care techniques that I've learned from hair blogs and youtube. Once my hair gets to a length where I can pull it into a bun (easily and not tightly), I will likely ditch the braid extensions. I think braids and weaves are great ways to bridge the gap until you get to your hair length goals. Also, as others have said, they are a great way to protect your hair during the colder months.
Do I think I'm hiding my hair? Probably. But I'm not hiding it out of shame, so I think it's all good.
~H
I think something that would be good for people to realize is that everyone is not the same. Yeah, it seems like a simple statement, something others might say "yeah I realize that, I'm not idiot" but when I see people projecting their own feelings on to others it seems to me as if it's not so simple afterall. Just because you or even someone you know might be using a weave or braids to hide a particular hair type does not mean that the girl down the street, with the crazy long twists down her back (this actual character does not exist outside of my mind, lol)is doing it for the same reason. There are many reasons, not excluding yours, that she could have this hair. One thing that black women have (whether their hair is relaxed or natural, curly of kinky, long or short) is the ability to be versatile and wear our hair in so many different ways. Who gets to decide which way is right or indicates an inability to accept one's hair/self?
@Anonymous 12:18pm, actually, it's not "Translation" when both languages are English, and the only time you MIGHT have to worry about British English vs. American English is in school, b/c otherwise, most people understand the difference.
You do need to get out more b/c it's not incorrect spelling when it is still English and is what is used in the UK and Canada?
And how are you unable to "Realise" that? Buy a dictionary and you'll see that both spelling are considered acceptable in STANDARD English.
Now if you want to correct the bad grammar that sometimes laces these articles, have at it, but something tells me you wouldn't be terribly adept at that.
This is proof to not judge what people do to their hair.
im meant to say: At this point, i really dont care what a person thinks about my hair. if a person wants to know if im wearing my hair or not, there is no shame in me sharing it.
to me, it doesn't really matter. i have been natural for 1 1/2 yrs and love my hair. I choose not to use heat or munipulate my hair in any way. at that point, it i want to change my look, i will get some extension or a wig, whatever.
At this point, i really dont care what a person thinks about my hair. if a person wants to know if im wearing my hair or not, there is not same in me sharing that.
This all points back to how confident you are in your own skin in your particular life style.
We will all have our different opinions on what is right about it. The quesiton is, who will be the bigger person about it.
And as a follow-up, I don't always wear weaves and I miss my hair when it's up in a weave. I've had one in for about a month that's coming down because I MISS my soft and fragile hair.
Oh God – another one of these articles. Can't we just wear our hair (or someone else's!) without it always turning into some "getting in touch/denying yourself/blah blah" convo?
I have been natural for 5 years. Due to health reasons and heridity, I have fine and thin hair. I do not like the "scalpiness" of my hair and I choose to wear weaves to give my hair a break and because I don't like how thin it is. I'm not ashamed of myself or my hair – aesthetically, I just don't like the look.
And as often as I can, I choose to wear kinky/curly weaves. But, if I want it straight – I get it that way too. People say it's not natural to wear someone else's hair – the same folks who probably slap cosmetics on their face as well.
Sorry – not trying to be on a tear here – but this debate gets as old as the light skin/dark skin discussion.
Anonymous @ 12:18 PM Actually curly nikki is simply linking to her UK website. Again, bam and get over it (xenophob)~!
When I first went natural as a transitioner, I wore weaves. I can honestly say that I didn't receive any flack for wearing a weave because many didn't know that I was natural. Once I realized that many didn't know that I was natural, I had to ask myself why am I wearing weaves so much? When I answered my own question, I came to the realization that I wore weaves to hide my hair and I had no clue how to do it. I had to take a hard look at myself and my insecurities about my hair. I have the kinky hair and wondered, can I do this? Can I really learn how to braid, twist and truly be natural without the need to feel like I need to wear a weave? I knew that I no longer wanted chemicals in my hair and reminded myself of how pretty my hair used to be. Once I started playing in it and learning about my hair, I LOVED it! But it took a while to come around full circle. I haven't worn a weave in years. Therefore, no one gave me flack because they didn't know I was natural. But I think that taking a good look at oneself as to why you are really wearing the weaves so often is the question.
@Anonymous 11:35 this isn't the UK, and thank God for that, this is an American website & the proper word should of be used its called TRANSLATION!
I've never used false hair of any type. I think in many cases, people use it to lengthen the look of the hair. In some cases, to hide the hair and disguise the texture. If this is not the case, then why aren't women getting weaves that are the same texture and length as their own hair?
In the end, it is a choice that we all make- how we want to style our hair. I do find it curious though, how many of us are resorting to using false hair (relaxed and natural). So much so that black women are being pegged with an new stereotype. Lol!
I am currently wearing a sew-in and no, I have not experienced any backlash. I am not "hiding" my hair. I wore an afro for a very long time but I grew tired of dealing with it. Also, I felt like I was doing more damage than good. I never quite learned how to style hair so, this has been quite a journey for me!
TO Anonymous @11:18 AM she did use the correct spelling for realise (not realize) for the UK, stop being so critical AND GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY OCCASIONALLY. Bam!
I am currenting transitioning, this will be my second attempt at going natural. My first time I did the infamous BIG CHOP and was natural for a solid 2 years. My hair had its good and bad days back then and after months of my mother's urging I finally got suckered back into the creamy crack. Now, 6 months later I am transitioning again and I do use braids and weaves as a means to protect my hair especially during these winter months. I am not a track-a-holic by any means but it is nice to not have to struggle through the transitioning period for a couple weeks at a time.
I am transitioning and have a half wig (hair braided underneath) except the small portion at the front. I have been semi-natural all my life (use to get a texturizer about every 4 years since the age of 13), I'm 25 now. My last texturizer was in grad school in 2009. I am also transitioning from straightening my hair so much. Recently, I have been researching along with playing with styles such as braiding my own hair, twisting, curling w/low to no heat usage etc. I am a woman in the business/ education world and am trying to figure out what's professional (other than buns lol). So while I am figuring out what works for me, I plan on wearing my 1/2 wigs and in 2 weeks will do kinky twists until my wedding day in April. I then plan on rocking my natural hair but with a roller set,…wish me luck! P.S. My hair was waist length then I got tired of it and made it chin length now it's shoulder blade length…I wish I never cut it so much geesh…what was I thinking?!?!?!
Note to the author, the proper spelling of REALISE IS REALIZE!
I believe for some people they do wish to hide their hair. I think it is silly to say that its nothing natural about wearing extensions. I have had many arguments with a friend about the subject. I just can't understand why other women care about other women's hair style choices. I could care less….to each his own. As I told my friend that is a lot energy going into worrying about someone wearing a temporary hair style.
I transitioned with kinky twists for 10 months (I had them redone every 3 months)before I "big chopped." Prior to big chopping I did tons of research on youtube/ hair blogs, so I had an idea of what to do with my hair. I will say since I have been wearing my hair out for the past 3 months, I have pretty much learned how to do it on my own and found what products work for me. A lady at church ran up to me yesterday and asked who did my hair and I've other people ask me the same thing–I respond, "I do it myself!" I think every natural should be comfortable with a least knowing how to do their own twist out or braid out. So many naturals fear that managing their hair will be impossible, when in reality, it's not, it just takes time. With that said, I see nothing wrong with extensions/braids as long as they are not a way to avoid getting to know your hair.
I just talked about this on my personal blog! I think noticing the change in yourself is all that matters. I had to come to the realization that even though I was calling my wig, weave and braid wearing protective styling (because I was natural underneath, right?)- it was totally hair hiding. It took my 4 year old to call me out on it! Honestly, I still felt I looked more beautiful with longer hair. I notice the change in myself – albeit slow – and now I know if I ever get braids or twists – it will be a style choice and not an issue of hair hate – which it was in the past. Kudos to you for the self reflection!
I'm with you. I used t hide my hair for two reasons before: 1- I loved not having to take care of my hair during times in braids; 2- I believed braids, weaved 'grew' my hair. But I realized at the end of the day, I was just hiding my hair because I didn't like it as it. I wanted it to be something else: longer, silkier, etc. Now, after being natural for almost 7 years, I can honestly say that when I occasionally hide my hair it is to protect it from the elements because I cherish it so much now. And like you, I can't wait to see it again. I learned to do my own extensions because going to a salon is too expensive for me to start missing my hair after a couple of weeks.
I regularly twist/braid up my hair– it really grinds my gears when people assume i do so to avoid my own hair. it's simply a quick, ,easy, no fuss protective style. i love my natural hair– it's healthy and beautiful- and because of that i am super protective of it [ha] in many ways and one way that expresses itself is by me protecting my ends by wearing braids frequently. in general, i am just tired of people trying to put their own hair issues on others, tired of people thinking the way others wear their hair is any of their own [the stranger's] business, and i'm absolutely tired of people who do have hair issues assuming others do as well. boo hiss.
My kinky twists are in strictly for convenience. I'm always on the go so I don't nearly have as much time as I would like to maintain my hair the way I want to. When things slow down, the twists come down and have more time to experiment.
For me, putting in extensions is another hair style option that I have, also it is a great way to protect the beast during the winter months. Having an extension helped the beast (like anything else, too much of something can cause problems).
If extensions and/or weaves works for you, then do that…
I just recently removed my kinky twists. Like the author,it was strictly a way to protect my hair from the cold during the winter. It's also a lot less time consuming for people who are on the go. At the end of the day it boils down to each individual.
I think some do it to "hide from" their hair and some do it to "hide their hair to protect it." Either way it is a personal choice. Maybe they are embarassed or ashamed of their hair texture/length or whatever but honestly I think that out of all the things you might want to keep in the closet, hair definitely on the list of the less harmful (compared to abuse or other similar serious issues people hide).
Hmm, I like getting braids because I get so bored with my hair, and I make sure that my braids look as natural as possible. I say do you and not worry about what anyone else thinks…