I might get jumped here, since I am posting in the inder 25 forums. I am 26. My natural hair is a little past my shoulders. I don't wear weaves, but in the summer months I do wear braidsand or cornrolls extension.
I personally don't see anything wrong with weaves or braids. Especially now since I am older. I think most women wear weaves as a protective style as I know many women with long hair that would rock a weave to give their natural hair a break, especially from perms and the summertime humidity.
Also, there is a BIG stereotype that BW can't grow their hair long. A generalization that was made by the media, because they conclude that since entertainers and or models hide their natural hair itmust be "bad" hair and or short hairneeding weave.
Again some women useweaves as a protective style ask the creater of
http://www.growafrohairlong.com. Her natural hair is 28 inches in length almost waist length.