Synthetic. Yaki. Malaysian. Brazilian. Ocean wave.  French curl. Spanish wave. Classic straight.

Fusion. Sew-in. Quickweave.

The Campus Echo

Ciara Harris

Some women just don’t want to be bothered with their hair. Some wear weaves as a protective style so that their natural hair won’t be damaged.

Others wear it because it makes them feel good about themselves.

Whatever the case may be, this billion-dollar industry is booming now like never before.

There are hundreds of hair brands out there. Hair can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the quality.

The less chemically treated the hair is, the more expensive it is. Hundreds of color varieties are available as well.

Extensions -can be clipped in, sewn in, glued or fused to the root. To have a weave professionally “installed” it can range from $75 to upwards of $1000.

 I consider myself a “weave connoisseur.” I love wearing extensions.

It gives me a chance to experiment with various looks and colors. I’m able to switch up my hairstyle at any time without doing any damage to my hair.

Currently I have a sew-in. The brand is Indiremi by Bobbi Boss. It cost me $264.15 for 2 packs (a 14-inch and an 18- inch).

The 14-inch is a number 4, a light brown.

The 18-inch is a number 30, a close cousin to honey blonde.

Most people cringe when I tell them how much I paid for my weaves, but you need to invest in quality hair if you want a good weave.

I can re-use this hair after I take it out if I want.

I’ve been getting compliments out the woodwork for my hair. My weave looks good and I love it!

But some females on campus have messed-up weaves.             

We have all seen them; they make you do a double take and have you thinking, what in the world? I have some tips for those unfortunate souls.

The first rule of wearing weave is that your track should never be visible.

If you have thin hair, I’d advise you to get a full sew-in.

Also, for those ladies who are getting a partial sew-in, make sure the texture of your natural hair matches the texture of the weave you are purchasing.                          

 Do not buy Indian Remy if your hair resembles the cotton growing in Bertie County.

Your hair needs to blend with the weave.

Lastly, take care of the weave as if it is growing from your head. Wash it, keep it moisturized and please, brush it!

There has been much talk about men not liking women wearing weaves.

I don’t get it.

Almost every day I see a guy on Twitter bashing women who wear weaves.

Why? TLC said, “You can buy your hair if it won’t grow.”

I can re-use this hair after I take it out if I want.

I’ve been getting compliments out the woodwork for my hair. My weave looks good and I love it! So if a woman decides to wear a weave and it looks good, what’s the issue?

Ciara Harris is opinions editor of The Campus Echo, the North Carolina Central University student newspaper.