Braids on white women - thoughts?

Hi y'all,

I'm a white woman thinking about getting braids. I'm a musician and think it would be an opportunity to do something different, funky, and also let me grow my hair out a bit. I'm interested on different opinions and feedback on this idea. I'm particularly interested on how people would view this from a cultural perspective. Any thoughts?

--willow

Kintaro,

No offense meant. I am asking these questions because:

1. I'm white (well, a mut, really, but I look pretty white)
2. I am thinking about getting braids (multiple/many braids)
3. I am a performing musician, so before I make a drastic image change, I like to take a lot of things into account, and different people's perspectives are part of that for me.

So, with that in mind, I really am interested in actual, real intelligent perspectives from folks...

Thanks,

willow

Imitation is the ultimate compliment.

Go for it if it fits the professional persona you are trying to create.

Inga,

I sing and play rhythm guitar. Rock/atlernative with a country/folk influence. I'm really looking to do something which is funky, feminine, and different from what I've done before. I've got pretty short hair right now, and was thinking long would be good, but I've got 3 problems.
1. When my hair gets really long, because of the texture, my face gets lost in it, and my eyes are my best feature, so I don't want that to happen. Braids would be a way to do long without it also being a bit "big"
2. I look horrendous with my hair at any length above my chin and below the middle of my ears, so "growing it out slow" would be an image nightmare for about 6 months to a year.
3. The next 6 months to a year is going to be crucial in my career because things are really picking up steam, so growing my hair out the traditional way is not an opiton because of reason #2.

And I just plain like the way they look. Especially when they're not microbraids, but a bit thicker, just past shoulder length, and braided in an interesting pattern. It's not about imitating anyone or trying to look anything other than who I am, and more about just being me. They look fun, sassy, and sexy to me....

--willow

I'm thinking sort of an ani de franco look here

I'm a black woman and I could care less if a white woman wears braids. It is a free country ain't it?

How many sistas are getting their hair straightened or dyed blonde or red like a white woman?

Rock on, Willowtree!
Good luck with your hair and with your music. :) :)

Lotsa Love,
Inga

The only thing I can say is be very careful. I have heard of women having all their hair break off when braided in all those tiny braids. I had mine done in the Bahamas and it hurts for several days because they pull your hair so tight. That could also be why the hair breaks, I don't know. I do remember that the first time Faith Hill cut her hair short it was because she had worn it in braids for several weeks and it had turned to brittle straw. I didn't leave mine in for very long so I didn't have any problem.

I haven't seen too many white women, other than Bo Derrick in the movie 10, who look good in braids. Little flyaways tend to stick out and unless your hair is really thick, which it sounds like yours it, it can look really sparce in braids.

I would say go for it if you wish but be cautious. It would be nice to have maintenance free hair but not at the cost of having it all break off.

Well, braids can be un-braided. So do what
makes you happy.

Willow...I am a 46 year old, white female artist, and plan the same as you. Why? Because it is a fun look. Creative, yes. A racial thing. Maybe. but the sisters have been straightening and lightening their hair forever and no one is stamping their feet! Go for it!!! I am.