Why do women choose a particular hairstyle?

I’ll never forget my horrid visits to the salon on numerous occasions where the attempts to relax my hair frequently turned into scalp burning, agonizing experiences. I tried it all—even with relaxers for kids, until I finally decided that hair chemicals are simply not meant for me! As a woman, it is important to find a hairstyle that works for you in all aspects. This hairstyle should be convenient, reflect you as an individual while making you feel great about yourself. Many struggle to find this hairstyle, while others discover it sooner and stick to it for lengthy periods of time, and possibly a lifetime. Dreadlocks are a hairdo that has hit the city of Kigali by storm. Many women, young and old, are choosing this hairdo particularly because it is stylish and natural. Eunice Uwase, a 24 year old young Rwandan woman living in Kacyiru has been wearing her hair in locks for two years. She admits that initially she hesitated to get them but eventually was inspired enough and decided to try it out. “Dreadlocks work for me because they are easy to maintain, I don’t have to worry about my hair being messy in the morning or scared that it may get wet in the shower. It grows quickly and I can have so many looks with it!” Uwase said. “I love my dreadlocks and I have a peace of mind because there are no chemicals in my head,” she adds. Weaves are another hairstyle that women are opting for. Jessie Kumwembe Ndisale, working with DHL in Malawi, says that wearing long curly weaves are great because they enhance her looks. “It brings out my image which is confident, sexy & mature,” Ndisale said. The great thing about a weave-on is that it gives one the option if changing the length of their hair to achieve a whole new look instantly! Relaxed hair is a common option for women nowadays; its results can be transformational however, it’s a hairdo that needs special attention and maintenance to avoid breakage and dryness. “I have relaxed hair and love it,” says Emily Mutaga, a young lady who works and studies part time in Pretoria, South Africa. “I can hold it anyhow I want, but mostly in pony tails. And when I have an occasion to go to, I simply rush to the saloon and style it up beautifully.” Many women have worn braids at one point in their lives, and some prefer to do so more frequently than others. Glorious Batte, a working lady and mother to be, likes braiding her hair on a regular basis because it’s easy to maintain. “There is no need for combing and it is really convenient especially when I’m busy. I love short braids because it looks good on women with diamond heads like me,” says Batte. Anitah Ezres, a Kenyan living in Kigali has a thing for crazy hair. She expresses that she likes crazy hairdos and enjoys trying out new styles. He only downside is that at the moment she can’t do so due to communication barriers between herself and hair dressers in Kigali’s saloons. “I wish I was a hair stylist so that I can do my own hair but I am not. Because I can’t communicate with hair dressers here I always braid my hair which does not need much attention,” Ezres said. As women, we are blessed with the ability to choose from a wide range of hair styles as we discover what suits us best. So once you find a hairdo that you are content with, have fun with it and allow it to reflect you for who you are as an individual. Ms.efuahagan@gmail.com