What Makes Black Women Wear Wigs These Days?

Wigs were worn for heartbreaking reasons in the 1900s, but times have evolved since then.  Black women today only wear wigs when they feel like it and for completely different reasons.  We've also tackled the question of why black women wear wigs today if you're curious about it after reading about the history of the fashion accessory:

1. Convenience

Wigs tend to make life easier and more convenient for many individuals these days, if there is one thing we cannot dispute.  Without putting a lot of work into your hair every day, it's an easy way to appear good.

They are also convenient because wigs can easily be styled a particular way without damaging your natural hair, and if you are working with a wear and go glueless wig, you can even remove it whenever you get home. Therefore, Black women don't have to spend a lot of time doing their hair; they may choose a wig for the style they desire and be ready every day.

2. Protection

The protection that wigs offer to natural hair is another important factor in why so many women enjoy wearing them.  Wigs are a protective hairstyle that will assist support the health and growth of your natural hair by shielding it from the effects of harsh surroundings and heat damage.

And as we all know, type 4 hair is the hardest hair texture to manage out of all the other types of hair. And the natural hair of black women is fragile and easy to break. The wigs, hence, provide a safer option for them to live their hairstyling dreams, all while ensuring that their natural hair does not get damaged. 

3. Medical Reasons

black women with alopecia issure

The medical reason is a nonnegligible reason for black women who may struggle with the alopecia problem for a long time. Their hair can't grow, and the result is their look not perfect which may make people feel sad, so wearing wigs is the best choice.

4. Appearance of Professionalism

While times have evolved, and society has become much more accepting of all races and cultures, the sad reality is that the stigma around black hair still exists in a few workplaces.

black women at work

Hence, this is one primary reason why many black women wear wigs and weaves to appease the upper-level management at their companies. Moreover, even if there is no danger of being fired because of a particular type of hair, many women still wear a wig to avoid any negative comments that can be passed their way.

5. Self-Expression

Wigs have become a sort of expression and representation for the black community. While the historical significance of wigs holds a sad story for the African-American community, over the years, these people have started owning this aspect as their own.

Self-Expression

Today, many African Americans try to include diversity in their wig collections and dry different hair textures and styles to make it an enjoyable experience. This mentality is a positive approach to eliminate the negative reasons that linger in the historical roots of wearing wigs for black women.

6. For Fun and Versatility 

If you ask a black woman how many wigs she owns, she will probably name a number that may be uncountable on your two hands. This is because wearing wigs is not only a form of self-expression for the black community, but it has also become quite fun for them.

For Fun and Versatility

The versatility wigs hold is diverse, and people can buy multiple wigs in different cuts, shapes, sizes, styles, and colors and style them according to their needs and clothing. This saves you time from putting effort into your hair and provides you with a chic hairstyle quickly. Wigs give women a chance to play around with their looks without damaging their hair, and what else does one need if not this, right?

7. Discontented with Length or Texture

Discontented with Length or Texture

While a majority of black women do love their hair, there are a few who are not content with their hair length or textures. Hence, they like having a choice to try different styles, textures, and lengths. These wigs provide them with just that and give them the ability to feel more confident and carry a style with which they are content.

The best part? They can switch between different hair looks just by changing wigs and not damaging their natural hair at all. 

8. Afros Require More Care and Time

A lot of black women have afro hair, which requires a lot of care and takes a sufficient amount to be styled every day. Therefore, some black women prefer wearing wigs as caring for their natural 4c hair doesn't fit into the demands of their daily lifestyle.

Afros Require More Care and Time

Given their hectic schedules and the need to balance their social and professional lives, many Black women choose to wear wigs rather than deal with their afros on a daily basis because natural afro hair requires more maintenance than straight hair.

Final Thoughts

We praise all women who openly wear both their wigs and afros, and we commend the growth of the reasons why Black women use wigs.  We sincerely hope that this post was useful to you if you were wondering why black women wear wigs. Additionally,