Hair Trend: Brazilian, Peruvian, Malaysian, Indian Hair Extentions

I am sure by now you have all heard about the new weave phenomenons like Brazilian, Malaysian, Peruvian, Indian, Chinese the lists goes on. 2008 figures show that British women spend approximately £65 million a year on hair extensions. I have never understood the obsession we (especially black women) have with hair extensions and weaves. I read a 2008 article on the Daily Mail website headlined "Why I'll never wear hair extensions again" (Read more here ). The article was for a documentary called Whose Hair Is It Anyway? by Singer Jamelia who was carrying out research into the source of our hair extensions, a side we hardly hear about. Another great article is this one posted yesterday. I literally just came across it on twitter as I was about to post this blog. Read it here its crazy and rather saddening to see that hair is such a big deal.  One thing we never consider is how ethical these hair extensions. We don't mind forking spending ridiculous amount of money on them but we don't stop and think about where they come from. Although I am yet to watch the documentary, what that article does is shed some much needed light in the hair industry.


After reading the article I was left with some unanswered questions like why do we chose to wear these hair and questions for the sellers like why do they choose to sell them. This led to a little research. I found an 'eBayer' selling Brazilian hair and luckily for me she agreed to answer a few of my questions.


What do you thing caused the rise in human hair extensions?
Human hair extensions have been around for a LONG time. The goal for some women is to achieve the most natural (not in the African sense) look possible. The problem with affordable human hair that was on the market previously was the fact that it was quite unmanageable. By this I mean the tangling after washing, the shedding of hair, the fact that fibres in what was apparently "human hair" were synthetic or animal hair. So there was always a place in the market for something better.


When did you start using human hair?
I started using virgin (unprocessed) Indian human hair in 2005 for her braids, before discovering its full benefit after using it to do weave. It did not tangle, I was able to curl it and wash it and it still retained its quality" 


Why do you think this type of hair has become a trend seen on Black Women?
That glamorous look is what everybody is striving for which can now be achieved using weaves made from virgin hair. Brazilian hair give you a lot of versatility (straight, wavy and can hold curls well), it blends well with our relaxed hair, it has excellent volume and the natural colours it comes is goes well with our natural colours.I think lace wigs have played a part in the bringing of virgin hair to the market as seen on various stars such as Beyonce and Tyra banks.


What made you set up a business in selling these types of hair?
It's started as a hobby. I have been using hair extensions since I was about 9 years old, but I must confess I only started selling 2 weeks ago (This was in Jun 2011). I have had HUGE interest! We black girls LOOOOOOOVE hair (I wish I'd have thought of this name for my hair lol). 


What sets you apart from other sellers? 
I think my unique selling point is the affordability of the hair and my customer services. I spend a lot of time with customers on the phone, via text or email discussing their hair choices with them. I'm also very polite and try to be as understanding as possible. When you 1st messaged me I had JUST started with literally only a handful of sales and things keep getting better. It's a whole learning curve and a very enjoyable experience.


I also found a Brazilian hair wear who was willing to answer a few questions...

So as a wearer I just wanted to find out why you chose to wear it?

I first started using Malaysian hair about 4/5 years ago. I was initially convinced to make the investment because I was sick for paying up to £50 for crappy hair every time I did my hair. I saved up and spent £200 on two bundles of Malaysian hair and I used this for almost 3 years! I loved it because I could wash my hair while I had a weave with no problems at all. I also thought the weave better blended in with the texture of my relaxed hair.

When did you start wearing it?

I started using Brazilian hair about 2 years ago and I bought some Mongolian hair this year. The price has definitely gone down since I started buying this type of hair a few years ago. I think this is because the market has become flooded and most of the hair out there is of really poor quality. I also don't think there's any such thing as actual "Brazilian" hair. I think that 99% of the hair marketed as Brazilian, Peruvian, etc is Chinese and Indian hair that has been altered for its texture. I don't know about you but Brazil is one of the plastic surgery capitals of the world so I can't imagine that many Brazilian women willing to sell their hair!

How long does you hair last for before you have to buy again and How much you spend on buying and taking care if it?
My hair has lasted me years and I don't spend much money taking care of it at all. I wash it once a week with Herbal Essences or Tresemme shampoo and conditioner. I only really spend money getting my actual weave done and that costs me about £30 every 5/6 weeks. I definitely think I've saved way more money with this type of hair.


Friends of mine know that I am not one to spend a ludicrous amount of money or time on my hair so going out to buy these hair was not even an option so when Annie of Epiphannie A offered me some hair at a very discounted price (what I would have paid for my braids) who was I to decline. They say don't knock it unless you try it so I will try it and let you all know what I think.

T'is the season to be jolly: Little Black Dress (LBD)

So for the 2nd part of my Christmas party wear series. I bring you the 'Little Black Dress'. Every girl must have a Little Black Dress in her wardrobe. It is the easiest thing to dress up and dress down as it allows you to use any bag or shoes.

First up is this really affordable velvet bodice pleated mesh dress for just £7.99 from H&M. It is nice and simple and give room for accessories.

There are loads of lace dress available this season but this ASOS lace high neck body con accentuates your curves perfectly for just of £35.00

This River Island heart print bow prom dress is so pretty and is great if you are going for an elegant look.

I love everything about the Romwe.com Voile Montage Longline dress. It combines the attribute of a Little Black dress but the voile lace makes it an ideal length for people who don't like showing too much legs. Oh and also the sequins just adds to the part look. If you love this dress hurry up and get it because it is a limited edition for just $46.

How nice is this One shoulder feather dress from Miss Selfridge! and its only £50. I love how the feather detail adds some pizzazz to the outfit. Didn't like the fact that it had a backless detail though that just spoils the whole thing. 

My Christmas Wishlist

This is my Christmas Wishlist so friends family and even foes, please take note as these are EXACTLY what I want for Christmas( and what you can get a loved one.

*****WARNING***** Some Items maybe a bit Pricey. Lets just say I have an expensive taste (especially when its someone else paying LOL)

First up is THE Zara bag! as seen on the gorgeous Olivia Palermo. I have come across this bag on different people a million and one times but I still want it. (Every time I go to a Zara store I check it they have it and when they do I spend a lot of time thinking should I buy..should I?....and I then I don't. The one time I was actually ready to buy it. I waited at the till for the Sales Assistant to check the stockroom for  new one but there wasn't any :( and the one on display had scratches al over it and they were not willing to discount it. Now I'm thinking I should have just got it like that seeing as it sold out in stores and only available on eBay)

Zara Plaited Handle bag £79.00

Now like the Zara bag I am sure you guys have seen this plastered everywhere but I have been dying for a pair and would be ecstatic to receive it as a gift. Its the American Apparel Disco pants. 

American Apparel Disco Pants 

I've been registered for my local gym for lord knows how how but I hardly ever go. I just hate the hassle of leaving my house to go and exercise. Anyway that is why I want a WII fit. SOmeone says it actually help and you don't have to leave your house. HOW GREAT is THAT!

Nitendo Wii Fit- Price Differ depending on store

Ok the next thing on my wish list may sound rather odd to you guys but its WH Smith vouchers. I used to love enjoy reading novels and don't know where that passion went but I want to re-ignite it and what perfect way to do it than in the New Year. This would also may a great gift if you know someone who enjoys reading. It doesn't have to be WH Smith it could be Waterstones or any other bookstore vouchers

Get the look: Rihanna

Rihanna Performing on the X Factor (Image from the Daily Mail Website)

I am sure by now you have all seen the Rihanna X Factor performance from last month that got a lot of attention due to the F-Word on her shoe.

Well I am here to give you the chance to get the look including the exact shoe. (P.S you don't have to buy the exact pair if you are not wild and rebellious like her there is also a plain studded version both for £125 from Asos.com)

We all know the dress is by the Amazing Alexander McQueen which is available on Net-a-Porter for £470. Well the lovely people from www.apricotonline.co.uk  have come up with a very very similar version for more than a fraction of the price ....£25!!!! now that is a bargain.

And this £60 basic sleeveless white Pied a Terre House shirt from Fraser will complete the the look

Have you heard about.....Young- Forever Jewellery?

Young Forever is an online Jewellery Boutique where all the Jewellery are £3.00 and under (what a bargain!) I thought I should share the site with you because all the pieces are so stylish especially the nail ring which comes in silver or gold.

All the rings come in one size(measurements are available on the website) and they ship worldwide too so make sure you all check them out on their website : www.y-forever.co.uk or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/youngforeverfashionjewellery 

My Favourite:Christmas Movies.

As a child, the run up to Christmas was always an exciting time for me (except from having to listen to Joy to the world on replay and having people singing it to me too seeing as my name is Joy). I get excited watch my Mum cook and seeing family around me and of course switching in the TV and seeing that they are showing a christmas movie.The Christmas spirit is here and what better time to share with you some of my favourite Christmas movies. 

Nothing! I tell you NOTHING! can beat Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at 6am on Christmas morning after staying up all night to open presents (And get a sneak peak of Santa which I now know does not actually exist. LOL) The movie is an animation released in 1998.

Next up is Home Alone 1 and 2. Now if you haven't seen Home Alone please explain where have you been? even when it's not Christmas they show it on TV. I remember I wanted to get lost in New York after watching the part 2 so I can torture bad guys too.  Oh and how cute was Macauley Culkin in the movies!

Call me Claus is such a nice film starring Whoopi Goldberg! 

You cannot forget The Nativity Story!  This is what Christmas is ALL about if you must watch any of the movies I have mentioned make sure it is this one!!

To avoid making this a picture heavy post I am going to just list the rest! Some are relatively new because as I grew older so did my interests. I am sure you will spot a trend. 

How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000)

Deck the Halls (2006)

Elf (2003) 

The Holiday(2006)

Love Actually (2003)

Shrek the Halls (2007) 

Mean Girls (2004)--I know this is not a christmas movie but there is a christmas scene when the 'Plastics' sing jingle bells! P.S this is actually one of my favourite movies of all time LOL don't judge me

(Images and Information from IMDb.com)

What are you favourite Christmas Movies?