Hair extensions, or hair pieces, have been used by Egyptians since ancient times, particularly in ancient Egypt. This practice established a social distinction between Egyptians and the rest of society. Indeed, according to Nazaire Gnanhoué, a Beninese entrepreneur and hair extension expert, "having beautiful hair was a sign of belonging to a higher social class."
Both men and women used this method to adorn their hair . Women, in particular, would adorn their locks with gemstones or ornaments before attaching them to their own braids. This historical era also saw the invention of the weaving method.
Men were also forced to cut their hair and then wear wigs made of fiber or wool .
The influence of Nazaire Gnanhoué on the democratization of hair locks
After World War II , hairpieces (or wigs) and hair extensions (as we know them today) became increasingly popular. After 1945 , only the wealthy part of society used hairpieces or wigs. It was only accessible to wealthy or well-known people . However, "Christina Jenkins, an African American, patented the net weaving method (sewn technique) in 1951," as Nazaire Sourou Gnanhoue points out.
It's only in the last two decades that the use of hair extensions has become widespread among the general public. Since then, we've seen a real democratization of the use of hair extensions.
What are the benefits of using hair strands?
Hair extensions, or hair extensions, can be used by women (and men) to quickly and artificially change their hair , according to Nazaire Gnanhoué. With hair extensions, you can try new ways to style and cut your hair for an evening or a few days.
Today, we see that the majority of people who use hairpieces are from Africa. Natural or synthetic hair extensions and wigs are popular among African women who want to change their hair style . Kinky hair requires more attention and takes longer to grow: 0.90 cm per month for kinky or curly hair compared to 1.2 cm per month for straight Western hair.
Hair extensions are also used by women with curly or frizzy hair to protect their hairstyle and be able to achieve other hairstyles without using relaxers, which are known to damage hair and its natural texture.
Hair transplants can also be performed following a medical condition, such as cancer, in which case complete or total hair loss may occur. Hair extensions or wigs may then be used to cover the affected area.
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What are the functions of hair strands?
Hair extensions, hair pieces or wigs are attached in different ways.
• Weaving is an ancient practice (originating in ancient Egypt) that is still practiced today. It is possible to use a sewn or quilted weave, as well as a glued weave.
• Clip-in extensions are attached to the hair using clips, while hot keratin extensions are bonded to the natural hair using a hair dryer. This is the most popular procedure these days for making highlights at home !
Will the hair strands be real or synthetic? Analysis by Nazaire Gnanhoué
According to Nazaire Gnanhoue, both natural and synthetic hair strands are widely used worldwide. Natural hair is made from real human hair, as the name suggests. India is the source of most of this hair. Natural hair exports are dominated by China: 500 tons of hair per year and a turnover of €140 million per year .
This is due to the beliefs of Hindu women. Women and men cut or shave their hair in temples as a sign of devotion and in exchange for a prayer for a peaceful and pleasant life. Hair factories collect this cut hair and sell it.
According to Nazaire Gnanhoue, natural hair extensions businesses are still failing to meet customer needs , due to reports of women selling their hair in Eastern countries (Ukraine and Russia) as well as in Asia (China and Vietnam). As a result, a significant proportion of people who use hair extensions or hair extensions are turning to synthetic alternatives.
Plastic or animal fibers are used to make these strands, which are produced by the Bella Collection brand, the world leader in synthetic hair. Their use is just as widespread as that of natural hair. Synthetic hair strands are less expensive than natural hair, which appeals to a large number of consumers.
