The age-old debate over when it’s appropriate for young girls to wear hair extensions has sparked conversation once again. Recently, Monique Ingram, founder of Go Sleek Hair Salon, stirred the pot by sharing her experience installing a weave on her 10-year-old niece.
“Before you condemn and start to tussle in the comments,” she wrote in the post’s caption. “Parents may allow their kids to wear temporary hair extensions for various reasons.”
She then began to cite situations, like cheer or sporting events, special occasions, like school dances or photoshoots, and unexpected hair loss as some of the reasoning behind the decision. Although many people in the comments section agreed with Ingram, other users still believe weave is not for children. The debate continuously prompts the question: how young is too young for a weave?
The Childhood Experience
Reflecting on her own hair journey, Ingram recalled her first encounter with extensions at the age of 8, when she sported single braids. However, it was her first sew-in during middle school that truly marked a milestone. Despite societal norms, Ingram felt empowered rather than scrutinized. She embraced the opportunity to experiment with her look, much like her peers.
“I don’t recall any negative feedback from adults,” Ingram told 21Ninety in a recent interview. “They were more shocked that I was able to do these extension styles myself.”
For her, the experience was more about showcasing her talent in hairstyling, rather than facing criticism. Her first weave had more emotional impact above all else. The sew-in for Ingram was a moment of liberation rather than insecurity.
“As a child, I was in my own bubble, not really caring what anyone thought about my hair,” she said. “All I knew was I loved it, and all of my older sisters, cousins, and peers also wore extensions already.”
Installing Weave on Children
Ingram caters to a clientele of young girls eager to explore their own beauty narratives. Contrary to popular belief, she reveals that installing sew-ins for children is not uncommon at her salon. Similar to the Instagram caption, she shared that they usually come in for major events, like dances, cheer competitions and birthdays.
“It’s very common,” Ingram said. “Mothers just want their daughters to be happy.”
She acknowledges mother’s tend to have apprehensions, particularly regarding the appearance of the extensions. “Their biggest concern is to ensure it looks natural,” she said, highlighting the delicate balance between youthful expression and parental discretion.
There’s no question that Ingram believes that feeling beautiful has no age limit. At it’s core, children donning hair extensions is simply just a journey of self-expression and identity.