Found In Transition: Chime Edwards On Protective Styling

I’ve only worn a weave twice in my life, but I understand its magic. Hair weaves allow you to completely switch up your look in an instant. Many women choose to utilize it as a tool to transition so they don’t have to deal with the (bipolar) textures of their hair. It’s a smart way to escape the daily wear and tear, but your mane can die a slow death if you don’t use them the proper way.

If you’re into sew-ins, it’s very important to get a closure. Closures are oblong or circle shaped lace pieces that have hair attached to it so you don’t have to expose your real hair. Closures protect ALL of your hair. I know women have “leave-outs” to ensure the weave blends better, but this requires flat ironing, which can lead to heat damage. Also, using glue or tape to secure the closure can tear away at your edges and leave little to no hair. And I know you don’t have time for bald edges!

If you don’t like closures, opt for a wig or braids. Wigs are low maintenance but you still must take time to moisturize and care for your hair underneath. Just like plants need water and care on a regular basis, so does your hair. Also, when you wear braids or other weave styles, it gives your hair a break between installations.

As you transition, explore different styles until you find a healthy option that works best for you. Remember, using weaves can be useful and fun, but it’s not worth it if you end up bald-headed in the end. Be smart!

Chime Edwards is an extremely popular YouTube vlogger with over 145,000 subscribers. Chime was also featured in Nikki Walton’s (Curly Nikki) book, ‘Better Than Good Hair.’