How to be a ‘clean’ woman

Ann Ruthenburg Fashion Diary
HELLO there people, how are you this week. Did the rains not surprise us the other night? Yup, this is Mutare weather for you. This week, I had a good laugh at the feedback back I got from some guys on last week’s column of “you smell”. Well, okay, okay, I hear you guys, women also have their issues, and yes one of them is the “smelly weave”. So as promised I will address it this week.

So women, that smell might just be your weave girl!

Don’t worry ladies, I have been there and done that. There is nothing much you can tell me when it comes to the pros and cons of weaves, wigs and other extensions, whether glue, plait, elastic or clip, I have done it.

For every weave that is openly admired, there seem to be a dozen more that are worthy of a criminal offence! Let us be honest. As much as we might love flaunting our Brazilian hair (when we step out of the salon) what happens when the silky smooth texture suddenly looks like grass or it starts to look limp and lifeless?

So here we go. . .

Wild weave – Leaving your house with wild, matted hair (long weave) will lead people to believe you are unkempt even unhygienic – God forbid. Thoroughly assess the image you are projecting to other people before stepping out of your front door, otherwise you run the risk of being disrespected – even when you are dressed to kill. To avoid this, every morning, take a toothcomb and start to unravel the knots from the bottom up or use a blow dryer to run heat through your hair while brushing the knots out. You might find carrying a small hairbrush in your handbag handy if your hair starts having a mind of its own through the day.

Smelling weaves – People will subtly avoid you if your weave smells foul! It can be hard to detect a bad odour when it lingers too long, as our airwaves get used to it. So sniff your hair once in a while to check if your weave smells fresh. To avoid this, ensure you wash your weave at least once a week, especially if you cream your scalp and work out regularly. Just imagine all the sweat, grease and dust that get trapped under the hair. When the sun burns down on it or the wind blows over your weave – woo nhai wena aiwa! The grime has to be removed so we can smell rosy again.

Quality weave – If you can afford synthetic hair, there is no reason you can’t buy human hair. Good quality human hair only costs a few extra bucks in the long run and it lasts for years. It can also be worn numerous times. On top of that, it can be washed and coloured without compromising the quality plus it won’t shed or tangle excessively. So many people tell me that synthetics are so much more affordable, but have you really broken down the cost.

With pure human hair, you have it for years like I said, but synthetic, once it is off it has to be binned. I can tell who has reused their synthetic, because it looks like a used grass broom seriously. Look ladies, if I do not tell you, who will?

Weaves are not permanent – Three months is the absolute maximum any weave should be left in your hair. So if you have a forest growing under your extensions, take your hair out, as there is nothing worse than a tired looking weave. In any case, taking it out will allow you to give your hair a trim and treatment. To solve this issue – If you are short of cash (we have all been there) why not consider making an appointment with a cheaper hairdresser and reuse your human hair. If you insist on leaving your weave in past the 3 month deadline then by all means request to have your weave retightened at the front but always ensure to have a deep treatment when you take it out.

Hair colours are not for all – While there is nothing wrong with being adventurous, there are certain hair colours that don’t belong on our head! We should use those pigments on our fingers and toenails instead. A hair colour is a statement and people will judge you according to the hue you choose, unless of cause it is for a stage show or something. To solve this – Forget fashion.

Consider choosing a hair colour that compliments your skin tone. When you suffer from a bad dye job on your hairline, wait at least two weeks before attempting to rectify the damage otherwise your hair is certain to break.

Hair texture must match – There is no point wearing a bone straight silky weave when your hairline is kinky. Leaving the hairline out is meant to help the weave look more natural not highlight the fact the weave isn’t your hair. To solve this – Thank goodness DIY relaxer kits aren’t costly. You can apply the relaxer to your hairline in a matter of minutes and style your weave to blend seamlessly.

Style the hair – Why invest in the best hair if you’re simply going to sew it on without so much as a hair cut?

Of course it’s glamorous to have long hair, but not lank long hair that just hangs there with no definitive style. Good hair is not cheap and it deserves to be cut in the most elegant way to reflect its inherent quality.

Fake hair eats hair – okay not literally! But the methods we use on our heads to put the weaves on or wigs cause breakages mostly on the hairline. The quickest way to weaken your hair is to keep is covered. Hair need vitamin D from the sun, so when it is not exposed for long periods of time, it weakens and breaks.

To solve this issue, ensure you give your hair a break once you remove the piece. At least two weeks of fresh air and sun every few weeks it is important. In my opinion as much of 30 minutes a day of fresh air and or sun is needed for healthy hair.

That’s it from me folks, food for thought! Until next week, God bless!

◆ Anastasia is an ex-photographic model, a blogger (annruthenburg.blogspot.com) , a writer, and a fashionista and can be messaged on 0772 933 845 or emailed at [email protected].