The History of Hair Extensions

Human hair extensions have a longer history than you might imagine. In centuries past, human hair extensions were sometimes made of odd materials, and the good stuff (the real hair) was always reserved for the privileged. Nowadays – anybody can purchase their own real hair extensions and look like royalty. Of course, just like any trend, real hair extensions have faded in and out of popularity, even disappearing for centuries at a time. Let’s take a stroll back in time, to look at the history of human hair extensions.

~3400 BC: The Ancient Egyptians.

There’s well documented evidence that human hair extensions were widely used in ancient Egypt as cosmetic adornments. Worn by pharaohs and other important members of society, these very intricate extensions were attached to the hair using a complex system of weaves and knots. For the poorer citizens of Egypt, there were plenty of cheap knockoffs. But these weren’t human hair extensions – vegetable fibers were often used instead. Think of these as the cheap weaves we sometimes see today, the ones that use synthetic hair.

You can thank our ancient, Egyptian ancestors for the full, volumous hair flowing down your back. Five-thousand years ago they were busy laying the groundwork not just for the pyramids, but also for today's ultra-modern hairdo's.

Cleopatra

~150 Years Ago: Victorian Era (UK) or the Gilded Age (US).

The Victorians are often remembered for their decadent tendencies, and they were no different when it came to their hair. In 1873, Britain imported an estimated 102 tons of human hair from France. In what was perhaps the heyday of human hair extensions, both men and women wore these products as a sign of beauty and wealth. Women used the extra length to create complex and opulent hairstyles like Apollo knots, which resembled the beehives of the 1950s. Let’s give a quick shout-out to the 1700s and the powdered wig (real hair extensions made with human hair).

~100 Years Ago: The Early 1900s.

A hundred years ago, women cared about their appearance just as much as they do today. Real hair extensions were seen as a luxury, and only people who had a surplus of money could afford them. The extensions of this era were called “switches,” and they were clipped into hair, just like Tousled hair today. The advertisement to the left (c. 1905) states “these switches are … made of splendid quality selected human hair, and to match any ordinary shade.” The prices ranged from 95 cents for a 2 oz. 22-inch switch all the way up to 25 bucks for a customized style (which in today’s market would 

come to about $2,500!)

Marie-Antoinette

This brings us to today.  The golden age of EXTENSIONS.  Synthetic or Human Hair, any color, texture, or type is on the market.  Although we no longer do the crazy things mentioned above.  Without all the human experimentation and creativity we would not have what we do today.  So props to the history of the wigs

- See more at: http://nicolaaugustinehair.com/tousled/15-an-abridged-history-of-hair-extensions.html#sthash.zLkBQiss.dpuf, http://www.studio4ty.com/the-history-of-the-weave/

The Big Chop… Is it Really Worth it?

I know a lot of young ladies out there including myself who are considering going back natural and the thought of having to go through the long transitioning process sounds like you will have your work cut out for you so going for the all in option of the Big Chop may seem more desirable!

The big chop refers the act of cutting all of the relaxed hair off and leaving only the new growth. This strategy of going back natural is it worth it? … You decide, and for now I’ll just take you through the pros and Cons of the ‘Big Chop’.

Pros:

One Texture

When you cut off all of your relaxed hair, you immediately have only one texture to deal with. Women who are transitioning often have difficulty working with two different textures, so the big chop eliminates all of that. You have one texture to style.

Easy Care/Time Saver

Short cuts are very low maintenance and easy to care for, & your styling routine will be cut down to mere minutes. Apply the products of your choice and brush, comb or pick your hair. You may have to find new products for grooming, such as water-based gels and mousses. But shampooing and conditioning should also be quick and simple once you eliminate all of the combing and de-tangling.

No Weather Worries



When your hair is relaxed or pressed, how many times have you run for cover when it began to rain? (HATE IT) Did you have a collection of plastic rain caps, umbrellas and rain coats at the ready? (I DID) With the big chop water won't ruin your style. This can be extremely liberating. In addition to no longer worrying about the weather forecast for the day, you can feel free to swim anytime because your 'do won't suffer from getting wet.

Before you bask in all the advantages the Big Chop brings it is important to know that not everyone loves how their hair looks when it’s short. If you feel that your head is too large or not the perfect shape for such a short cut, my advice is to stay away from the big Chop. 

Cons:

Few Styling Options

With your hair cut short you don't have really a lot of styling options available to you. so is either you rock your mini afro or result to changing up your look with wigs from time to time.

Negative Attitude from others 

It's your hair, right? Unfortunately, as some women who have big chopped have discovered, it may be their hair, but everyone has an opinion about it. This could be your parents, significant others, siblings, even strangers on the street! Many women who cut their hair ultra short will face some negativity from someone in their lives. The trick to getting through it is to remain strong and confident in your decision. At the end of the day, it is your hair and no one else's.