My own experience of wigs
As I reflect on my lifelong fascination with wigs, I’m brought back to my childhood in Ghana. My grandmother would sit for hours, braiding and weaving hair into stunning creations. The way she transformed simple strands into works of art amazed me. She taught me how wigs are deeply rooted in African culture and allow for self-expression.
In many African societies, hairstyles carry significance. They can indicate a person’s marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth, and rank within the community. For important events like festivals, rites of passage, and ceremonies, many Africans don elaborate wigs made of woven or braided natural hair, plant fibers, or even strips of cloth. These wigs represent pride in their heritage.
I remember watching my grandmother construct intricate small knotless braids for a neighbor’s wedding wig. Her agile fingers moved swiftly as she created tidy cornrow braids by hand, without any visible knots. The bride looked regal on her big day with long, flowing locks created lovingly by my grandmother.
When I came to America as a young adult, I noticed natural black hair being condemned as “unprofessional.” This ideology stems from racist standards of beauty established during slavery. My wigs allowed me to conform when necessary, while preserving my natural hair. For Black women, wigs can be more than just fashion—they empower self-expression when our culture and bodies are policed.
As an African studies student in college, I became fascinated with the origin of wigs. Ancient Egyptians of all classes and genders wore wigs symbolizing status. Pharaohs donned multi-braided wigs with golden cobras at the brow. Even commoners wore braided wigs made from sheep’s wool. 3,000 years later, the tradition continued as lush dynastic wigs signified prestige in royal courts across Africa.
After college, I got my hairdressing license and opened my own natural hair salon. This allowed me to celebrate and care for the hair my culture had been shamed for. My clients were excited when I offered custom wig-making services. Though wigs were historically symbolic of status, I wanted to make them accessible for everyday women. I found my calling in helping clients style and protect their natural hair under beautiful large knotless braids wigs.
Constructing a flawless wig takes artistry and precision. I shape a custom wig cap to fit the client’s head, then I hand-tie natural hair bundles into the cap, one knot at a time. Unlike messy braided wigs often sold in stores, the knotless braids styles results in smooth, flowing tresses. My clients are amazed at how the wigs blend seamlessly with their natural hairlines. Wearing my knotless braids wigs makes them feel beautiful and confident.
As my salon grew in popularity, I noticed wig-shaming online accusing wearers of “deceiving” people. But I believe wigs are about self-expression, not deception. They allow women the freedom to effortlessly switch their style from long to short, curly to straight, bold red to pastel pink. My clients appreciated having versatile options without the damage of constantly restyling their real hair. Wigs opened up a world of beauty and creativity for them.
Eventually, I wanted to reach more women with my custom wigs. I started an online wig shop with instructional videos and wig care tips. My wig designs resonated with modern women seeking both versatility and celebration of their natural texture. Celebrities even started wearing my wigs, influencing mainstream acceptance.
One meaningful moment was getting a custom wig order from a woman undergoing chemo. She sent a photo of her signature long butterfly locs she lost during treatment. I designed a wig replicating her locs with hand-tied curly hair bundles. When she received her wig, she cried with gratitude saying she finally recognized herself again. I was touched knowing my art form restored not just her hair but her spirit.
Today, my wig brand has grown into a global platform celebrating the Black hair experience. My wigs empower women to freely express themselves, honor their roots, and take pride in their beauty. While wigs have an extensive and symbolic history, I find purpose in evolving their place in modern culture. My art transforms simple strands into something that gives women confidence. Just like my childhood watching my grandmother braid magic into wigs, I now devote my life to sharing that same magic with women worldwide.
Worthy of being chosen：FANCIVIVI Braided Wigs
Wigs of FANCIVIVI empower women to freely express themselves, honor their roots, and take pride in their beauty. While wigs have an extensive and symbolic history, I find purpose in evolving their place in modern culture. My art transforms simple strands into something that gives women confidence. Just like my childhood watching my grandmother braid magic into wigs, I now devote my life to sharing that same magic with women worldwide.
All wigs I chose were from FANCIVIVI, a brand that specializes in braided wigs for black women. I discovered them while researching stylish, high-quality wigs online. FANCIVIVI aims to make wig-wearing convenient and accessible for all women. Their braided wigs are designed to be protective styles that can boost confidence.
Wearing the FANCIVIVI wigs and seeing how great they looked and felt made me excited about the brand. I appreciated that their wigs allowed me to keep styling my natural hair simple on this trip. Their focus seems to be on making trendy, quality braided wigs that give women flexibility and confidence. As I plan my next vacation, I look forward to exploring more of FANCIVIVI’s selection of synthetic braided wigs that move and feel like the real thing. Wigs open up a whole new world of hassle-free styling.
