At some point in natural hair journey, many have done what's called a big chop. This can be exciting or scary for anyone.
I still remember my big chop experience. It took me weeks to decide on the perfect cut, reading lots of articles online and watching YouTube videos on what to expect before doing a big chop. When I felt I had all the right information, I woke up one morning and did my big chop.
Doing a big chop is more than just cutting your hair. It usually requires knowing your hair texture and what would suit you or not.
To help you get started, here are six things you need to consider before doing a big chop.
6 Things to Consider Before Doing a Big Chop
1. Seek the help of a professional
It's better to go to a professional for the big chop. If you want anything shorter than a short curly Afro, it's best to seek professional help. Cutting your own hair might result in an uneven or weird shape, which could leave you unhappy with the result.
2. Have a hair care routine
It's advisable to have a hair care routine that you can stick to. Shampoo and condition your hair once a week, and try deep conditioning it every other time you wash your hair.
You can also co-wash between washes if you prefer. Your routine doesn't have to be complicated, just something you can stick to consistently.
3. Find products that work for you
Watching a YouTube video of someone with similar hair texture and using all the products they use won't necessarily work for you.
You can watch videos of people with similar hair textures and take note of the products they suggest. But keep in mind that what works for them may not work for you. They might have different factors affecting their hair, like porosity level.
So, try different products to find what works best for you. Once you find the right products, stick with them.
4. Keep your hair moisturized
It's important to keep your hair moisturized every day after the big chop. If your hair is dry, moisturize daily. If your hair retains moisture well, moisturize at least every other day.
Keeping your hair moisturized is crucial after the big chop. Get a good moisturizing conditioner or try a mix of leave-in conditioner and oil.
5. Don't worry too much about your hair growth
To avoid feeling like your hair isn't growing, don't check how much it has grown every day. Instead, try not to think about it too much and let it grow naturally.
Constantly measuring your hair growth may discourage you and make you think that it isn't growing.
If you've done a big chop, consider wearing wigs most of the time and keeping your hair underneath. After a few months, you may notice that your hair seems longer.
6. Use accessories
After cutting natural hair short, many women feel less feminine and confident than they did when they had longer hair.
To add some style to your TWA (teeny weeny Afro), try wearing accessories or jewelry. This is a fun way to experiment with your new look and discover what suits you best.