Wigs for African-Americans

At Rosalind Stella’s Wig Boutique, we’re proud to be part of the city that boasts the fourth-largest predominantly-black community in the country, just behind Brooklyn, Detroit, and South Side Chicago. African-Americans have contributed a tremendous amount to our city, including in the arenas of fashion and hair. That’s one reason why at Rosalind Stella’s we sell wigs that cater specifically to their unique needs.

What Is “Afro-Textured” Hair?

As anyone of African descent can tell you, Afro-American, or “Afro-textured” hair, is unlike any other type of hair. Instead of the each shaft being round (like Asian hair) or nearly round to oval (like Caucasian hair), it is a squashed elliptical, which causes it to grow in tight coils. Afro-textured hair looks and feels drier than other hair types and is often described as “wooly,” “kinky” or “nappy.”

Because of its unique texture, it has a look all its own and can be styled in ways other hair types cannot be, such as in the iconic afro. For this reason, many African-Americans do not just want a black wig – they need a wig that has been especially designed to mimic African hair. Hair that has been treated in this way is called “Yaki hair.”

Why Yaki Hair?

Yaki hair is non-African hair that has been treated to look and feel like the real thing. Why not just use genuine African-American hair? Well, for one, this type of hair is very fragile and prone to breakage. Preparing a natural-hair wig is a rigorous process that requires collecting, washing, combing, tying, heating, and often styling. Genuine African hair is ill-suited for the task. It is also less frequently donated and cannot be procured in as high of quantities which would make the resulting wigs very expensive.

Instead, hair from other parts of the world (often from Asia) is treated, permed, colored, and styled in such a way as to be almost identical in appearance and feel as African hair. This kind of hair is termed Yaki hair, and may be created from the hair of a single donor (Remy hair) or multiple donors.

Types of Yaki Hair

Just as African hair can be styled and treated in a variety of ways for different looks, Yaki hair comes in four main variations. Silky or Straight Yaki resembles African hair that has been chemically relaxed and flat ironed. Regular Yaki retains the relaxed look, but is less shiny. Kinky Yaki resembles unrelaxed hair that has been blown straight. And Coarse Yaki is similar in feel and appearance to untreated, unstyled hair.

Regardless of your preference, we have a wig to suit your needs at Rosalind Stella’s. Our Yaki hair wigs are available in a wide variety of textures, colors, lengths, and styles, so you can look your best without sacrificing your personal taste.

We invite you to see for yourself by stopping in at our Bustleton Avenue location or by calling us at (215) 725-3930.

Rosalind Stella’s Wig Boutique is proud to serve the people of Philadelphia, including South Philadelphia, Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, and Main Line, as well as Jenkintown, Abington, Cheltenham, and the surrounding communities.

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