Protective Style Itch

So, umm, I’m kinda over my weave. That was quick.

It’s been three weeks and I’m already pining for curly, bouncy hair – whether it’s my own or not. I always do this though. At first, I’m super excited to have a new look, and I genuinely was with this style. I felt sexy and warm (one thing straight long hair has over my fro is keeping my ears warm in winter). Then 3 weeks down the line I start to itch. That usually leads me to stalking other naturals online and lusting over their hair. Even in real life, women walking around with natural hair stand out much quicker to me and they remind me of what I have under here.

What’s stopping me from removing it?

Simply put: I’ve paid for it. So best believe I’m keeping it on for as close to as long to when I had originally planned. Plus, winter’s far from over. And even though I originally planned on wearing two protective styles over the winter months, it’s too soon for me to remove this one and put a new one in. I need to ride this itch out.

What I’ve loved the most about my past protective styles is the fact that they were such time savers. I honestly can’t say that about this one. When I first started wearing weaves in uni, I’d always opt for the straight ones. I still had relaxed hair back then and would straighten my weave weekly with an iron and keep it intact by wrapping it around my head every night. I’ve done that twice since installing this weave. Sigh. I just can’t be bothered. I find that the upkeep of the straightness (kinda ironically) is more maintenance than when I have my own hair out.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hating my weave, just feel it’s a bit…bleh. Does this mean I’m over straight hair? I think so, at least for now. Especially after having rocked nothing but curly/wavy/afro weaves and styles the past few years, I’m now no longer feeling the straight hair style. It just lacks ooompf. So next time, it’s some kind of textured hair piece for me.

Am I the only one who misses her hair when it’s in a protective style?                      

     

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19 Comments

  1. July 23, 2015 / 2:32 pm

    My sister says am crazy when I say I miss my fro. but I so do. I currently have braids I try them in diffrent colours so they don't bore me but two weeks afta installing them I start counting down to removing them. And you are right Aisha I payed so I better keep them longer….As for weaves am done with them.. no more the scratching is way to much

  2. July 22, 2015 / 1:21 pm

    I thought i was the only one like this, as soon as i get a protective style, i start the countdown. This is also because my hair easily pulls off leaving me with very few safe protective styling options. I know it's not a good idea in winter but i have been without a protective style for a month now and im just loving my hair without anything preventing me from "feeling it". You my lady look absolutely amazing in any hair style i've seen you rocking so far

    • July 23, 2015 / 12:56 pm

      Sandy lol you aint the only one who has no protective style. Sad state of affairs on my behalf

  3. July 22, 2015 / 1:19 pm

    So this winter I had so much to do that I could not actually get braids (this is what I prefer as protective styling). If I had the money I did not have the time, so I opted to flat twisting my hair every night. Ahh but the winter shem was sooooo harsh, I've decided to make time this weekend to get something done. Getting something very simple that wont make me think twice about taking it off once I get bored.

    That weave looks uber on you hey.

  4. July 10, 2015 / 11:27 pm

    I don't like straight hair,either. I can't believe there was a time in my life that I did so much damage to my curls just to get it. Now that I am natural (for the last 5 years), I think there's no fun in straight hair. #curlygirlsrock

    • July 15, 2015 / 6:03 am

      Riiiiiiight?! Don't get me wrong, I haven't completely sworn it off but yeah the curls and kinks is definitely where it's at.

    • July 15, 2015 / 6:03 am

      Riiiiiiight?! Don't get me wrong, I haven't completely sworn it off but yeah the curls and kinks is definitely where it's at.

  5. July 10, 2015 / 3:17 pm

    That is ridiculously familiar! I have not been able to keep any sort of extensions for more than 3 weeks since I went natural 2.5 years ago. Until now. This winter I committed to the most beautiful golden braids for just close to two months. The beauty of braids is the versatility, something similar to my fro. However, I have been missing my hair so much I dream of it. Plus, the extra weight/bulk is a pain when I work out and on the pillow. I am looking forward to taking them off tonight, despite many protestations from friends and colleagues. This event deserves wine, music and a deep conditioning treatment!

    • July 15, 2015 / 6:02 am

      Hi Mapula, I see a trend here. You're also a 3 week itcher huh? Lol! Why three weeks I wonder hehe. Your braids sound amazing but do you. Amen to the wine and music treat, only way to do it lol.

  6. July 10, 2015 / 12:35 pm

    You are not the only one! My go to protective styles are braids because then i am able to wash my scalp and moisturise it! I cant stand the itch and the smell of a weave because i cant wash it! I just miss my hair when its in protective styles and my braids dont stay longer than 3 weeks!

    • July 15, 2015 / 6:00 am

      Hey Portia, curious why you say you can't wash your weave? The itch can get hectic but I wash mine very 2-3 weeks with regular sprays of water and braid spray. Good to go. No smelly weave! I love the versatility of braids but hate the installing and taking down time. Did it for too many years so the weave almost always wins.

  7. July 10, 2015 / 9:33 am

    You not the only one last month had a weave for a week. Then last week sartuday had Afro braids in they nice and i love them but scalp was itchy and it's barely a week. So i washed them yesterday they still nice but might need to have a retouch on them some fell off because my hair is short.

    • July 15, 2015 / 5:58 am

      Yoh! A week?! I swear by Restore Plus' braid spray to help with itchiness. Also a good regular spray of water to the scalp does wonders.

  8. Nosipho
    July 10, 2015 / 9:32 am

    Just also took out my protective style (weave) yesterday. I just really missed seeing my whole face (forehead and ears). Where did you get this style done Aisha? I really like it coz it's away from the face.

    • July 15, 2015 / 5:57 am

      Lol luckily I don't have the problem of missing my face haha. Then it would be been off much sooner. There's a lovely and talented lady who comes to my house and installs my styles. Mail me/direct tweet me for her contacts 😉 she's based in Jozi.

  9. July 10, 2015 / 9:26 am

    I also get a little tired of weaves. I get so itchy too and usually days after getting the hair done! Thank you so much for inspiring my natural journey. I am now a year and 4 months natural.
    http://www.anicheberry.blogspot.com

    • July 15, 2015 / 5:55 am

      Thanks for weighing in! And awesome stuff on your natural journey. I usually get this weave thing right and barely suffer from itchy scalp etc but this time…itchiness all round. Metaphorically and literally. Sigh!

  10. July 10, 2015 / 6:12 am

    I cant stand a weave as a protective style. I much prefer braids! With a weave I got bored of the style fairly quick, and no matter how expensive the hair, it was always a matter of time before i would start shedding and leaving long strands all over the place – which my husband hates! I think my main problem with the weave is not being able to truly wash my scalp, which I feel i can do with braids. But like you said, you paid for it, at least leave it in for 3 more weeks, and it really does look very cute on you.

    • July 15, 2015 / 5:53 am

      Thanks dear! I still prefer weaves I just don't think a straight one is for me anymore. Which is crazy cos I lived in them in uni. This one's also shedding like mad, looks like we have a long haired pet living in our house :s I think 3 more weeks is doable…

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