The Sunday Mail
Robin Chaibva Style Corner
In China where I am currently visiting, Chinese people are fascinated by my hairstyle – braids. The frequently asked question by the Chinese about my hair is whether it is hard to wash “African hair”. I have told them that while it is time-consuming, it is not a hard task to wash “African hair” and once a week is the standard guideline.
The question has really got me thinking – how many Zimbabwean women are actually concerned about the cleanliness of their hair?
Choosing a hairstyle, looking pretty and beautiful is every woman’s goal no matter the cost.
Hairstyles have been used as an expression of beauty and financial well-being.
In Zimbabwe, most women would pay whatever it takes to make their hair look glamorous in a desperate bid to look beautiful.
Despite the obsession with hairstyling among Zimbabwean women, there is a worrying trend that contradicts this need for a good hairstyle.
Very often when extensions are used in a hairstyle, there is resistance for some women to wash their hairstyle, but there is no opulence in stinky and dirty hair.
Not shampooing weaves and similar hairstyles for months is very common and hairdressers are at the forefront of discouraging their clients from washing their hair.
Sadly, summer weather makes the odour even worse after the heat and sweat from exercising.
A woman might not want to “ruin” her hairstyle by washing it, so instead, they decide to wash it after the weave has been removed and a new hairstyle is due.
Though looking beautiful, women should take time to think about the next person they greet, sit next to or share a bed with when they decide to only wash their hair after several months.
Neglect of hair hygiene not only results in terrible odour, but unsightly lumps of dirt and oil on the hair extensions as well.
Understandably, the various reasons for not washing weaves can be valid for those who are ill-informed.
So, for the sake of society and ensuring healthy hair out there, here are a few guidelines when washing hair and extensions:
Wash the hair once a week and for ease, use diluted shampoo and diluted conditioner to make the process easier. Rub very gently on the scalp.
Do not comb hair extensions while they are wet. Dry the hair completely with a hooded dryer. Never sleep with damp hair as the damp smell will remain with you until you remove that particular hairstyle.
On virgin human hair weaves, follow instructions on how to style them when washing and use the recommended products.
Remove hair extensions after 6 to 8 weeks to ensure hair growth and prevent hair breakage.
If you are not sure about washing it yourself, go to a professional hairdresser to wash your weave.
