Avoiding the "sadness" after the Big Chop.

 

Not everyone gets the freedom ... heavens opening up ... feeling, after doing the Big Chop. Some people experience sadness, withdraws and even emotional detachment from their hair. Here are some things to know before you do the Big Chop:

Your hair will not be as long as you think it will be
 
The amount of shrinkage you get while transitioning is very different from what you will experience after cutting off your relaxed ends.

The curl pattern you see might not be the same

With your relaxed ends weighing down your natural hair, your new growth's curl pattern will appear looser. However, sans the relaxed ends, you could probably have tighter curls. Be ready for this. This is why I am against hair typing while transitioning. This can be a big letdown for a lot of transitoners post big chop.



Your hair will require more maintenance

While transitioning, the amount of maintenance you have to do to your hair when it comes to moisturizing and daily upkeep is not as much as what you will be doing when fully natural. Natural hair requires moisture. You will have to step up your moisturizing game. While transitioning, your hair might be okay with just doing the LOC method, but after you big chop and your hair does not stay moisturized, don't be afraid to change your method. Try the LCO method instead.

Not everyone will love your hair, even you might not

After you big chop, you might not love your hair. It might feel like a stranger to you. You do have to be ready for this possibility. You have to learn to work with your hair to love it. Also, realize that it takes time to fall in love (for some people).  If you find that you have "post Big Chop depression", it is okay for you to put your hair in a protective style for a while. Another thing is that maybe you love your hair and others don't. Remember...IT IS YOUR HAIR. You cannot please everyone. 

*****

Lastly, the decision to Big Chop and when to Big Chop is yours alone. No one can tell you when to do it. You will know when you are ready to Big Chop.  For now, love your hair.. love yourself... and learn from your hair. For me, going fully natural goes beyond my hair, it is an empowerment.



Comments

  1. mscarcepearlFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    it's so true! :) thank for sharing this! it's very important!

    ivorianappies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DiscoveringNaturalFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:55 PM

      Thank you. By the way "J'ai vécu à Bouaké il ya longtemps." Sorry, my French is a bit rusty. LOL!

      Delete
  2. ErikaFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    Thanks so much for this post. Last month I 'transition chopped' (after a year of transitioning, I only needed about two inches cut off) and I'm definitely experiencing some of these feelings. I am pretty happy with my curls, but I am definitely not happy with the length (or lack thereof). I am eager for my hair to grow back...but I'm trying to remind myself to be patient.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DiscoveringNaturalFebruary 20, 2013 at 3:16 PM

      Congrats on your TBC! Yes, the length was something that took me by surprise. Don't worry it will grow back before you know it.

      Delete
  3. BuddhaganFebruary 23, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    Thanks sis! I'm getting depressed pre-TBC just thinking about it. Last relaxer was Dec '11. I cut 4 inches off about a month ago. My hair is long to begin with so I wanted to do a long transition period. If I can make it another 18 mths, I should be all natural by then.

    ReplyDelete
  4. DiscoveringNaturalFebruary 23, 2013 at 10:00 PM

    You're welcome. Once you get over the initial fear of TBC, and you are ready, I am sure you will be okay. The good thing about natural hair is how versatile it is. Even if it is not long enough, I have found out that there are many styles that once can do to camouflage the shrinkage and shortness. Check my Youtube videos for some tutorials.

    ReplyDelete

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