A New Anti-Ageing System
Katie McIntosh
October 1, 2011

Since I arrived in Kabala I’ve had my hair done in four different African styles (aka not haircuts, but braids, etc.). This past time I had a weave, where all my hair was braided back into a bun and then a bunch of fake hair was sewn onto my head in a ponytail. Andrea and I have a friend here who does it for us in our house and advises us on different styles. Although it usually takes a couple hours to do and another good chunk of time to take out, it is definitely worth it.

There are four major benefits of having your hair done African-style:

1. It looks good. I have curly hair that does not do well in humidity, I haven’t had a haircut in over seven months and my highlights are extremely grown out. Because of these factors, on the average day my hair isn’t particularly attractive. When my hair is “planted”, all (or most) of these problems are hidden under braids and fake hair. Yes!

2. People appreciate it. I won’t focus on this too much since I have mentioned it before, but locals seem to really appreciate it when you embrace part of the local culture – in this case, hair styles. It’s a good conversation starter.

3. Low maintenance. Seriously, this is a big one! It may take a while to put in and it may itch your scalp from time to time, but for the entire time you have your plants in you don’t have to (and shouldn’t for that matter) wash your hair!!!! Wohoooo! It really shortens the morning routine. Don’t worry, I still shower and all that and I think someone would have said something by now if I was emitting an unfavourable smell.

4. It acts as an alternative anti-ageing system (for me at least). This is probably the most important benefit. Let me explain: Thanks to some unfortunate inheritances from the gene pool, I’ve pretty much had wrinkles on my forehead since I was 10-years-old. Or maybe it is because I tend to exercise my face with a lot of expressions…...in any case, it is a fact of life. Or, it was a fact of life. When you get your hair planted, the stylist pulls your hair a lot to fit it into nice, tight braids. It hurts, but you manage because you know you will enjoy the above listed benefits. However, in my case, this means I also get a face lift, but without the stigma. While my hair is pulled back, so is the skin on my face. Goodbye forehead wrinkles! Goodbye ability to raise my eyebrows! Or rather, goodbye ability to lower my eyebrows (since they are permanently raised)! Seriously, after the procedure everyone tells me that my face has changed. For some reason Andrea’s face does not experience the same effects (but she also lacks my forehead wrinkles).

So, I think we have a very serious lesson here: if you are worried about the effects of ageing (not that you should be), do not get a face lift or botox or the like. Go to Sierra Leone and get your hair planted. Not only will your face look younger, but you’ll have a fabulous hairstyle as a bonus! I think I’m definitely onto something.