The Weave Backlash & Why Hair Is Never Just Hair
From wigs made of plantain fiber to protective styles born out of ancestral wisdom, Black women's hair remains a canvas of innovation, identity and resilience.
But why does it still spark backlash?
While women across cultures wear wigs, extensions and colour treatments, Black women are disproportionately policed socially, professionally and politically for their hair choices.
Whether we go natural, wear locs, relaxers, braids or weaves, they are often placed under a microscope that others are spared.
Take the recent viral story of Tare Robinson, a Nigerian innovator turning plantain stems into wigs, bags, furniture and more. Her ingenuity should be a global celebration of African innovation and sustainability. But instead of widespread applause, many conversations quickly spiraled into tired debates about “realness” “authenticity” and respectability. Again, we ask "who decides what's acceptable?"
Let's keep it real.
The backlash against Black women wearing weaves is both real and deeply rooted in societal biases. Black women often face criticism for choosing weaves, while similar hair enhancements on women of other races are frequently accepted or even celebrated. This double standard reflects broader issues of cultural appropriation and systemic discrimination.
Historically, Black women's hair has been subjected to scrutiny and regulation, often deemed "unprofessional" or "unkempt" in its natural state. This has led many to adopt weaves or other protective styles as a means of navigating societal expectations, particularly in professional settings. However, these choices are frequently misinterpreted as attempts to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, ignoring the personal, cultural and practical reasons behind these decisions.
Let's not forget, the impact of this backlash is multifaceted, affecting Black women's self-esteem, professional opportunities and personal expression. It underscores the need for broader societal understanding and acceptance of diverse hair choices and the cultural significance they hold.
For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, you might find the following video insightful from the Perception Institute & NYU Law to understand the science and stigma behind natural Black hair, especially in the workplace at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLgHVhHZkl0
Finally.
At its core, this isn’t just about hair, it’s about autonomy, artistry and the right to evolve without judgment. Tare Robinson’s innovation isn’t just a triumph of resourcefulness, it’s a bold reminder that we’ve always been creators, even in the face of critique. Let’s champion our right to choose, to create and to redefine beauty on our own terms.
Whether you’re rocking coils, silk presses, or sustainable weaves, your crown is yours to wear, shape and celebrate.
If this post resonates, let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, whether it is with someone who needs to hear this truth and lastly, pass it on. We rise, strand by strand.