A Short History of Long Hair
Wigs, hair pieces and hair extensions have been worn for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt and Cleopatra–sometime around 3150 – 30 BC (Cleopatra being alive between 69 – 30 BC). Appearance was very important for ancient Egyptians and indicated a person’s status or political significance. Wigs were also very popular not only in ancient Egypt, but also in Mesopotamia, Crete, Greece and Persia. But the Egyptians were the ones who brought wig-making to a near-perfect art form. The most expensive royal wigs looked like real hair and were used during daily life, and also at major festivals and events. Egyptian wigs usually looked something like a helmet and could be found in bright blues, reds, and greens, decorated with precious gems and stones.
In the 1700’s Victorian women were known for their extremely complicated hairstyles, which used—of course—extensions. Members of the royal court wore hairstyles that took hours and hours to achieve. These large sculptures were often supported and held together using wire, twine, wool, and pads and were decorated with precious gems, metal and large feather plumes. Marie Antoinette set many trends including her signature pouf designed by Leonard Autie, a humble country barber from the South of France. Her famous wig was made of 14 yards of gauze and numerous plumes that stood over a yard high.
Although people were wearing wigs and hair pieces for 1000s of years, Christina M. Jenkins was the woman who started what we think of as modern hair extensions today. In 1949, Jenkins was working for a wig manufacturer in Chicago and trying to come up with a better fitting wig when she developed the “Hair-Weev” technique—a method by which she sewed extensions into braided rows of hair, also known as cornrows. More commonly known as a “sew-in.” Christina Jenkins applied for a patent for this technique in 1951 and it was granted in 1952. Jenkins opened Christina’s HairWeeve Penthouse Salon in Shaker Heights, Cleveland and operated it until 1993. Christina M. Jenkins was a pioneer and entrepreneur in the cosmetology industry. She also traveled the world teaching her techniques to other hair professionals.
When Kacey started doing hair extensions 15 years ago, the general consensus was that extensions caused harm to the natural hair. At that point in time, most hair extension systems on the market used glues, heat, chemicals and braids to attach to the natural hair. Kacey knew using these foundations could potentially cause harm. The natural integrity of the hair was the primary concern when Kacey started using silicone filled, metal beads as a foundation, sewing in her Silk Wefts.
Kacey certainly wasn’t the first person to sew hair into someone’s head and in no way has she ever claimed she invented “sew – in” extensions. She did, however, design her own line of hair extensions, which are available exclusively to her Certified Artists.
As women have been doing forever, Kacey was looking to the past to create the future. And for her, the future became not simply a technique, but primarily the product she sells and believes in. All of the hair in The Kacey Welch Method™ line was personally designed by Kacey. The hair is sourced from the highest quality human hair. All colors, lengths, widths, textures, construction and weights are unique to The Kacey Welch Method™. As we like to say around here, “The Hair is the Method.”
Our mission has always been one of inclusivity, self-esteem and beauty, regardless of race, ethnicity, or hair type. Kacey can be seen traveling the world spreading this message when she teaches her classes. Our ultimate goal at The Kacey Welch Method™ is to empower and educate Certified Artists of every ethnicity so they can help their clients have the hair of their dreams. To this end, Kacey has trained and empowered close to 300 Certified Artists (and counting) to use her Silk Wefts.