Guest Author - April Alisa Marquette
In times past, there were people who believed that to wear purchased hair -- a wig, a weave, or even hair extensions -- and then have the nerve to speak of doing so was taboo. Not so anymore. Yes purchased hair was once worn to disguise the fact that one had lost, or was losing hair. It was also worn for cultural and religious reasons. Costume wigs, weaves, and even hair extensions have long been worn by actors. Purchased hair has also proved to be a less expensive alternative to therapies that restore natural hair. However, more often nowadays, purchased hair?which can be sewn, clipped, glued in, or adhered with combs, has become an accessory, especially in many ethnic communities. Today, purchased hair is even made of synthetic fibers which mimic the texture of human hair.
The use of purchased hair is not new, by any means. In times past horsehair, buffalo hair, wool, and feathers were used. Numerous ancient cultures including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Greeks also used hair that had not grown from their heads. Ancient Egyptians wore wigs as protection from the blazing sun. Some Orthodox Jewish women wore wigs, known as sheitels, for modesty. East Asian entertainers such as the Japanese Geisha wore wigs as part of their traditional costumes. Purchased hair is, and has been, used for all the reasons above, in addition to improving one's personal appearance. In prior centuries, purchased hair was also a deterrent to head lice. Were you aware that purchased hair was a symbol of social status as well? In times past, even men in the military wore powdered wigs tied back with ribbons. In Britain and many Commonwealth nations, wigs were worn by those holding office; and those in legal careers wore them to maintain a measure of anonymity.
Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France wore a pouf style, her own hair raised at the crown, with the help of an artificial hairpiece. Nowadays women do the same, and more, proudly. Now, purchased hair, in a host of colors and textures including tinsel, is worn for parties, Mardi Gras, Carnival, and for any other festive ethnic occasion. Purchased hair is also worn for an everyday look, or when growing out a haircut, good or bad.
Any number of celebrities, including diva songstress Patti LaBelle, and actress Diahann Carroll have popularized purchased hair. Some even have their own lines available. These women know what Ethnic Beauties have long known, that all kinds of hair, from black to blonde, from curly, or straight, to a tightly wound afro, can be worn. Some wear purchased hair for fun, or when they are about to step out, as the crowning touch to a fancy outfit. No longer is purchased hair only worn by the bold for Halloween. If it is humid out of doors, or if an Ethnic Beauty is experiencing a bad hair day, then why not?
Also, why not take a look at all the different types of hair offered, since it is the ultimate in convenience? One may purchase: human hair or synthetic hair wigs, extensions, hair pieces, bangs, ponytails, half wigs, falls, headband wigs, weaves, and lace front wigs which have a realistic looking hairline. There are many more offerings, even items for men, nice-looking ones, and a host of items for children too. We also do not want to forget, that an Ethnic Beauty can also wear braided hair in any length. I could go on, but you get the picture.
I will remind you however, that a noted powerhouse singer and one time American Idol contestant was quoted as saying that she feels hair is an accessory. So if you are, or if you are not experiencing hair loss due to medical reasons, why not think about it? If you have your own fashion-forward look, if you are a stylish Ethnic Beauty, express yourself. Have fun doing so, and with minimal effort. Think about purchased hair, perhaps you too can wear it. The choice is yours!
And for more hair information check out the Hair Site, here at BellaOnline.
