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Yes, I Wear Fake Hair
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Inspired by Tyra Banks’ appearance on TV without her weave, The Daily Beast’s Meghan McCain lets her hair way down and confesses to a lifetime of extensions and other salon magic.
While guest hosting The View last week, the subject of Tyra Banks appearing on her show without a weave or a wig came up during the Hot Topics segment. I have long been a huge Tyra fan and consider her an inspiration to young women, including me. The idea of her being seen without fake hair was another awesome moment of Tyra bridging the gap between reality and television.
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The conversation soon turned to our own hair—real and otherwise. Sherri Shepherd admitted that when she was little she wanted “Marcia Brady hair” like I had. For that matter, I said, so did I. If Tyra had the courage to go on TV without a weave, I wanted everyone to know this: Not all the hair attached to my head is real. Yes, I have been wearing different variations of permanent and semi-permanent hair extensions since high school. Even as far back as middle school if you count the banana hairclip with the sliver of hair attached to it I wore to my eighth-grade dance.
For those who watch Tyra, the buildup to her appearing sans-weave was a big deal. For men out there and women who have virgin hair (that’s never been processed, dyed, or had extensions or weaves put in it) let me explain that for women like Tyra (and myself) to go without a weave on television is almost unthinkable. I have appeared on shows with and without hair extensions, and I far prefer the way I look when I have them in. On the night my father accepted his nomination for president, I wore a giant Madonna ponytail extension (circa her Vogue tour)— much to the dismay of some of the campaign advisers, I might add.
On the night my father accepted his nomination for president, I wore a giant Madonna ponytail extension (circa her Vogue tour)— much to the dismay of some of the campaign advisers, I might add.
The problem now is a feeling that such illusions are necessary. I have been wearing fake hair for so long that I can’t help feeling my hair doesn’t look nearly as good without some pieces in it. Also, having your hair flat-ironed, blown dry, and teased so much takes its toll. I have worn my hair every single length and style you can possibly imagine, so people were surprised to hear that I am a member of the hair-extensions club. The response to this revelation both on Twitter and in my life was also unexpected. My friends and women following me on Twitter seemed to appreciate the fact that I was being real and revealing the extra help I get from extensions. For the men reading this column, it’s kind of like admitting to plastic surgery or getting your chest waxed.
It’s admitting that we as women—especially women who appear on television—don’t just wake up like this. It takes hours and hours of sitting in the hair and makeup chair. Sometimes when people meet me they are surprised by, among other things, how pale I look in person. Basically, because I don’t run around every day with fake eyelashes and extensions in, it’s all a part of the smoke and mirrors of television. Why do I feel the need to share all of this now and expose that I am a frequent user of hair extensions? Because all the young women that follow me should know that it’s OK to look like your real self and it’s OK to get a little extra help when sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t give you everything you want.
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
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Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
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Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
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Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
niknoks
Wow, I think it's official Meghan McCain has run out of things to write about.
sandyej
Did she ever really have anything to write about? If she did, it had already been used up before her recent stint on TheView. With her and Sherri it was like a meeting of the Brady girls wanna-bees.
drakeremoray
And she is on "the view" saying "I am a political columnist"...please...let's review, she wrote:
Yes, I wear fake hair
The GOP's House Hottie
My View of the View
Why I Love Bikers
...
What is next? Go write for People or something...
oliverckerr
Her father ran for president and her mother is worth more than 100 million dollars. Therefore she is a columnist, or a confessional "writer." You are what you wanna be. She could get mommie to invest in the beast. Whoever said Tina Brown was a dummy. Stroke stroke.
michaelslevinson.com
reardongalt
She should have titled this:
"Yes I'm a RINO, and I look like one too."
Rdschenkel
It's funny cuz it's true
highyellow
At least she doesn't pile on the make-up like a trollop, you ____.
Jenn1007
You know...I am neither a McCain fan nor know much or care much about knowing his daughter...on the flip side...having not known her personally, I find it quite interesting that all of you have the time and energy that you have soo negatively spent writing all of the nasty things you have about a person whom you have never met...and are soley judging just on your dislike for her father or from what you have seen from her in the media. Interesting how quickly we pass judgement...simply because we feel this is stupid and senseless to chat about....it is important to her...and wtf do you care if she divulges it? I mean really, I can only hope that no one passed judgement on all of you so damn quickly, or judges you because they really have nothing better to do....are all of you really that perfect? I guess you must think so....just remember when you are busy passing judgement on others and saying malicious mean things for no reason...eventually kharma WILL be a bitch.
winterparkmom
Actually if you've ever seen her answer questions in an interview, you'll see why so many are snarky here.
She is un-intellectual and feels she is eminently qualified as a "columnist" based purely on the fact that she was on daddy's campaign bus. My 14 year old has more fleshed out, non ideological opinions than this young woman, and doesn't speak like a valley girl in the process.
Veronicaxy
We need a voice for smart, political moderation. We sorely need her generation to rise above the bully pulpit of late, and some future stars will.
Meghan's stated intentions are great but so far off the mark of what she's willing to deliver in her writing.
Her inability to focus on social issues, her inability to draw on political or community experiences beyond being a daughter of a politician (really surprising for someone of her age and means who could be out there doing quite a bit) yet calling herself a political columnist is what is causing the problem.
She'd be completely fine for 'lifestyle'-type editorial which is what she's doing now.
TheIntellect
I think the fact that everyone of you who are making rude, negative, derogatory comments apparently have enough time in your lives to focus on the negative. SO WHAT? Let Meghan stand out and up for all the the young woman in America. You want to put her down but yet you are probably the same people that complain that the youth do not get involved. Nice way to encourage young Americans? Whatever happened to the UNITED states of America? Focus on the positive and be a little more supportive and maybe things in our country might turn around. Nations should not be divided. United we stand, divided we fall. So what if you don't like her faher. He didn't win the presidency, get over it!
mariehugo46
I think Megan McCain is lovely, she is super smart, she's getting our attention, so she has proven she is above average. Miss beautiful, has big boobs which is (American men & women's dream). Jessica Simpson is also beautiful, she looks equally great small or larger. So, I hope these women keep on full speed just as they are. Big butts and boobs are in!
johnwr3
I think Meghan has much more to write about than hairdo's. I hope she reads my comments.
Dear Meghan...I have tremendous respect for people who speak from the heart and share their impressions and thoughts in an interesting way. However, you are much more than a pretty face who writes witty commentary on our life and times. To me, you seem to react to stories of the day vs. having a proactive view based on your unique position in our changing society. You should become the "Carrie Bradshaw" of the young political set and yet you write articles like this one? Why? I liked it but you could be so much more! How about telling us how a blended family molded your political views or what's it like to be an open person or what's your favorite thing about your mother and father or what did your father's "profile in courage" teach you about honor? Use your life experiences to educate all of us about persons, places and things in your life that we'll never experience. Your life has given you so much. What can you share about it that will create a teaching moment for the America you love so much?
simplyequal
she apparently isnt interested in the work it would take to be a credible political blogger. her age and life experience arent good enough excuses when she could be studying up on real topics and understanding varied sides of real events. have liked some of her blogs but disappointed that when she fails, as with bill mahr, she doesnt do the work needed to give her credibility and brush herself off and go back into the grownup world.
oh and i have flowing perfect-texture hair either but dont feel glued-in extensions would make me more worthy and acceptable somehow. vanity trips should be stated and recognized for what they are.
evanrm
What?! You mean she used to have something worth saying? Hmmm. I must have missed that one.
EdmondDantes
Who the fuck cares?
sauce21
amen brotha
josephcrusso
Succinct. And perfect.
Uncommonsense
Well, I, for one, am simply SHOCKED that she wears hairpieces because she has such a natural, wholesome look!
Actually, the comments section to McCain's articles are the very best feature TDB has to offer.
Rdschenkel
Agreed!
missbike
She's having what Kanye was on?
Now that you have that hair, get a job stripping Meg. Tell us what a shitty job to pay the rent is like.
rahrah
Maybe this should go in 'Sexy Beast.'
But Meghan should get back to writing about her vision of the Republican Party's future, or something. Maybe it's because I'm a guy that I could care less about hair extensions. FWIW, every time I've ever seen Meghan on TV or in photos, she appears to be rather beautiful. Tyra, too, weave or no weave.
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n--Y--mutch13rproadventurer
Fuck yes, right on the head if the nail.
missbike
No, disgusted.
By this self centered spoiled brat with a single grey cell. She thinks anybody cares? LMAO!!!
As fun to laugh at as Sarah Palin. Who in your murky family has the meth lab Meg?
naomaf
I watched you on THE VIEW and your hair looks just fine. BUT, always wearing BLACK is not SLIMMING. I lost 35 pounds years ago and I was not really "overweight." It is not easy, but if you would lose a few pounds you could quit with the BLACK and wear pastels, etc. Less poundage would make you feel better and look GREAT. Just a suggestion.
genmanager
WTF is wrong with you people. Is she like, what, all of 25? Give her a break. Before all the slammin' I have been reading her for about three months. She gives her five cents worth just like you. It took guts for her to post on this subject. How many of you have not tried to make yourselves look better? Perhaps this is because of jealousy because your last name is not McCain. No, I didn't vote for her father but jeesh.
reardongalt
"Less poundage would make you feel better and look GREAT."
Yes, and it would make her ass not look as fat.
Lolo00
Rude.
Ritarita
Very rude
But what would you
Expect with a name like
Rear dong?
reardongalt
I'm reminded of the joke:
"Honey, do these pants make my ass look fat?"
"No, you're ass makes your ass look fat."
Veronicaxy
Rita! You're back! Hooray!
missbike
Oh stop it! She's a heifer. Needs to be in the gym, but sweat messes up overbleached hair with extensions so the over made up stripper look has to distract from the size of her ass. What she wears hardly matters. Besides, Meg has learned nothing from her quite elegant mother. She can't dress herself to save her life, much less hide the piano legs.
cbl99201
Word.
Southpaw
Ah, the bedazzling pampered princess of a political legend living the good life and cost of personal stylings and enhancements no object with a moneybags mommy. Media outlets vie for her two cents. American royalty at its finest.
possumdearie
Who knew so many rich folks wear horse hair?
Some say Meghan has reached a new low here,
but I say it's parr for the course.
And a horse is a horse, of course, of course.
Lead Meghan to culture, but she can't think.
It's enough to make her mom pop pills and drink.
oliverckerr
Excellent! Please visit michaelslevinson.com and see the videos the story of Adman and Even in the Gar den ov Edum. Every line a delicate rhyme. Also at youtube.com/poetprophet
missbike
American royalty? This bunch of crackers with suspect money and a neurotic kid acting out in public?
Oh come on! Little Meg would be doing a real job or some serious sort of volunteer work if she were rooted in the Revolution. And earlier.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
Kamedas
perhaps without the weave and extensions Meagan might appear less cliché ...and a lot less Dynasty.
mutterhals
Stop the presses! Princess wears a weave! I have a head full of luxurious, beautiful hair, so I've never felt the need to paste horse hair to my head.
amanda07070
I can't believe no one has commented on the fact that Meghan is "inspired" by a brainless rage-filled wannabe diva such as TYRA BANKS.
With all that is happening in the world, what makes you think anyone, anyone at ALL gives a s$%& about your hair, size or (most importantly) views?
boj4ngles
I was thinking the same thing. Tyra Banks as an inspiration? Epic fail. What's next? Will Meghan reveal the inspiration she draws from Britney Spears? Aren't cultural commentators supposed to be cultured? Maybe Meghan is trying to comment on political and pop culture at the same time? I'm probably thinking about it too much.
I have tried to read her posts with an open mind and give her the benefit of the doubt, but not anymore. At this point it looks like a "let them eat cake" moment is impending. How can anyone continue to take her seriously?
oldpunk
Tyra as a inspiration ?
Is this what she chats about on the road with Bikers?
I have looked for her in Sons Of Anarchy but have not seen her yet.
larryfromkansas
OK, Rapunzel. Let down that weave. You claim you're a reporter. How about some full disclosure here.
Vermonter
I'm not sure how many times I have to say something like this: whether she is writing about "her" party or "her" hair this woman rarely produces anything but drivel. Please find someone with more talent than her weave to continue covering the young R's!
Jenn1007
Interestingly enough though...you took the time to comment on it...so she must be doing something right...:)
debnewyorker
more 'o that pretzel logic again..snore
right up there with "i know you are but what am I"
you must be 12
ladiesbane
Miss McCain, I had a similar revelation years ago about makeup. When I realized that I would no sooner leave the house without makeup than without a shirt, I decided it was time to work low- and no-makeup days into the rotation. Not only do you need to live with your own unaugmented self, but you need to project unadorned confidence while moving in a world of powerful men who don't wear pancake on non-camera days. Republican women have a reputation for looking like shellacked Stepford wives. Change the waters in which you swim. Let your true face (and hair) be seen.
BabsPA
LIKE THAT!!
jaguarxjs
See, this is why you can't trust women, even their appearance lies!
Thank you.
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