My hair experiments

Anne Ruthenburg Fashion Diary
HIE there everyone, how are things out there? As you know that the whole of this year I have been taking a journey experimenting with new hair – from Brazilian extensions to wigs and hair pieces and what a journey it has been. I will try something at least once (to a limit though), when it comes to fashion and beauty, so even though I have good length on my natural hair, I decided to see what it is like to be Raven haired (black), Brunette (reddish) and Blonde haired (blondish), here is my experience.

First, blondes do seem to have more fun. My natural hair is very light brown with streaks of blonde in it, so for me going blonde was not too much of an issue. But it did make a difference when last month I decided to go black haired.

Before that I found a “Beyonce looking lace wig” in December and spent Christmas looking like Jay Z’s better half (jokes). The style rocked, I tell you people.
Then I added a band around my forehead and immediately I was transformed from Americano to Zulu princess – oh yeah! Now I thought it was the style that caught people attention, because people noticed everywhere I went. But I think it was the colour. It had streaks of Blonde, Red and Brown hair. So why did I change it? Well it was bond. Not the normal Bond that get stuck in rows to one’s head. No this was the bond many of the International artists use to make the wig look like it is theirs.

Oh yes, it is being done right here in Zimbabwe and it is expensive let me tell you folk. So how does it work? Well, first they find a style that will flatten your natural hair, like plaits or gel.

Then they put a wig stocking on your head to protect your hair. Then they squeeze hair glue (not the normal one), all around your forehead from ear to ear – then they let it dry. So you sit in a chair and wait and wait (while it burns), then the hairdresser comes and sticks her /his finger on the glue to see if it has set (that too is sore, it almost feels like they are pulling wax off your skin. When they are satisfied it is dry, they carefully and slowly put the wig on attaching it to the glue. It is not a good feeling, when it’s being done, but the finished product is that the wig looks like it is your own hair growing from your scalp.

I tell you people do not be fooled by these actresses with beautiful well styled hair – it is probably a lace wig babe lol! Anyway, the wig was expensive, the glueing was expensive, but when I left there I looked expensive so it was worth it. So why did I remove it?

Well the glue after a few weeks starts to peel off by the ears. So it becomes uncomfortable. That lasted one month, then I had to remove it. They use a special glue remover to take it off.

Next I decided to go Raven head. Yes, black was the new blonde for me. I found an amazing long bouncy, curly black wig. It is not really my colour, but I thought why not. The wig was nice I must say, and it did look like a lot of the hair our black American actresses have, so I bought it.

Of course, I had to change the colours of clothing I wear because the shades you wear when you are blonde are not the shades you wear when you are dark headed, I assure you. I decided to use pins on this wig because the bond thing was a bit too sore for my liking (I mean the initial and the removable). People loved the wig, but they felt it made me look older (that did not worry me). They felt it made me look a lot more serious. Folks, the thing is that light coloured hair brings the face out, while dark coloured hair brings the face inwards.

So the best way to describe it; lighter hair (blond) make one look livelier, whilst darker hair makes one look somewhat more serious. This is true with Caucasian hair; I am still investigation this effect with Asian, blacks and mixed race people lol. So did this look last? No! I will tell you why because you cannot sleep with a wig that is pinned to your hair. It slips out of place or the pins prick your scalp. And then you can’t let anyone touch your hair, just in case they pull too hard and it moves to the side, make you look like a little crazy.

Not to mention when some silly women, says can I see, then she quickly un-announced lifts part of it up, revealing your black wig stocking, nhai wena women why do you do that?

So to be honest with you all, I loved this look better that the last look, even though most people did not like it as much. But I had to let it go for the sake of sanity.
The last look now is a blonde short cropped wig. It is not lace wig or a blonde wig. It has clips to keep it in place. I guess this is the typical wig style. Once again, I am living it up, blondes have more fun kikiki. I am told I look cute – oh well! I rather be told I look cute, rather than old – I mean hey I’m human right? So how is this wig? I have mixed feelings.

It is not as secure as a bonded lace wig, but it is definitely more secure than a pinned wig. I mean if I got into a cat fight and my opponent decided to put it off – I might have two seconds to try and hold on to it. Unlike with the pinned one, if someone pulled at it, it would fly from here to Odzi River, I tell you. Oh that reminds me ladies. If you wear a wig to church, you better secure it neh! You never know when there is a move during prayer and if the pastor puts his hand on your head, girl you might find yourself on the ground with no hair. I have seen this too many times and we laugh but it ain’t funny.

So in conclusion, I think I will be going back to my natural hair. I at least can wash it and feel it is clean. I can feel the sun on my scalp and the wind in my hair.
Yes, I think when I get a few extra dollars I shall pay a visit to my hairdresser and get my hair sorted. No more bad hair days. And by the way it’s Easter coming up, a time of remembrance etc, I want to do that in my natural state wena!

That’s it from me folks – until next week have a great week!

◆ Anastasia can be messaged on 0772933845.