SHOULD I GO FOR THE BIG CHOP?

Anyone would admit that natural hair is absolutely beautiful, but is that enough reason to want to go for the big chop?

The good news is anyone at all could go for the big chop, for any reason! It could be just wanting to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair or you could be suffering from hair damage and starting afresh seems like the best thing to do. In some cases, you could already have natural hair and decide to take this step because you want a new look or thicker hair.  All of these reasons are perfectly fine.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOTE BEFORE GOING FOR THE BIG CHOP

Before picking up a scissors for your big chop, there are certain things you should take note of 

1. Let a professional handle it

It is advised to let a professional handle it for satisfying results, especially if you’re trying it for the first time. Doing it yourself is definitely not a bad idea, but you could end up giving yourself a bad and improperly shaped haircut. You might also be unable to get out all the relaxed hair, so let the pros do it.

2. Limited styling 

The result of the big chop is always short hair due to shrinkage and if you’re a fan of updos that would no longer be possible until your hair grows out . There’s very limited styling for short hair and you should consider transitioning and growing out your curls more instead if you would  prefer your hair a little longer.

However, if you still choose to go on with the big chop you can try using alternatives like wigs or better still, braiding your hair.

3. New hair regimen 

Since your hair is going to have a change in texture, a new regimen that will be compatible with it is highly recommended and should be introduced. Know your hair texture, explore hair products and habits that are good for your hair’s health and stick with it. 

You should note that your natural hair needs a lot of moisture daily because it tends to dry out quickly, so buy hydrating hair products and avoid products with toxic ingredients that could cause the hair to dry out like fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, mineral oils and parabens.

It is highly recommended to keep your natural hair hydrated at all times with a hydrating conditioner, creams and oils.

4. Hair growth

There is a false general belief that cutting your hair makes it grow really fast. This is untrue. However, the big chop, if done properly and with the right care, makes way for healthy hair growth but unfortunately, it won’t double up your hair growth process. So, if this is one of the reasons you want to go back to your natural hair state, you might want to consider it in order to grow healthy hair instead and not in expectation that your hair will grow really fast.

Switching back to your natural hair could be a bold step to take but it might also be the best thing you’d do for your hair. Your hair becomes easier to care for since you’re dealing with only one texture. Also, you get to grow healthy and strong hair!

If after reading this article, you’ve decided to go for the big chop, I wish you the best in your natural hair journey and I hope you love your curls!