Recently, a friend of mine came to me for hair advice. She expressed her frustration after having tried everything recommended for her hair at the beauty supply store. However nothing seemed to work.
She had massive hair loss, and her hair line was barely there. She explained that her hair felt dry and brittle most of the time. She sent me a picture of her hair; and it was a sight to be seen (putting it lightly). She claimed to be doing ‘protective styling’ by braiding and weaving so that she could rest her hair while transitioning.
She failed to realize that these ‘protective styles’ might not be protecting anything at all. Instead, they caused her pain and agony. Her scalp and hair were so damaged from the pulling of braids and weaves and she was not properly caring for her hair while she was wearing these styles. She had no choice but to grab the scissors and do the ‘big chop’.
I questioned her about her current hair care regimen, and as I had predicted, she didn’t really have one. She pretty much bought whatever the workers in the beauty store placed in her hand that claimed to be good for damaged hair.
First off we need to understand that product labeling is a marketing ploy to get your money! Instead look past the big label and look at the tiny ingredients list and understand the first 3-5 items – at least – and the order in which they appear.
Her products were mostly Dr. Miracles and Organic Root Stimulator shampoos and conditioners along with grease (instead of natural oils). YIKES! I had to help her build a hair care regimen and encourage her to stick to it.
It is very important to understand what goes into your hair, build a regimen, and STICK to it. You do not have to stick to the same products; however, the basic steps in your regimen should remain the same.
If you have had a bad hair experience and really want to improve the health of your hair and scalp, then do not make the same mistakes twice. Building a simple, easy to navigate hair care regimen will help you understand your hair better and give your hair the care and attention it needs so that you will never have to grab those scissors again and do a big chop.
Keep it simple and love your hair journey and you will be on your way to healthy hair in no time. Following are some simple guidelines to help you structure or restructure your hair care regimen if you ever need to start over again:
1. Assess:
First, assess the hair products that you currently have.
► Shampoos should be sulfate free. This prevents your hair from becoming super brittle and dry after shampooing.
► Use moisturizers and conditioners where the first ingredient is WATER. Water is your best friend.
► Use moisturizers, conditioners, and styling products that do not contain Mineral Oil* and Petrolatum.
2. Pre-Poo:
Pre-pooing is where you prepare your hair for the shampoo process by applying a treatment to your hair to prevent your natural hair from becoming too dry (stripped of the natural oils) after shampooing.
How to Pre-Poo: This is normally done using carrier oils like coconut oil*, olive oil*, avocado oil*, etc. You can also pre-poo with a homemade mixture like oil, conditioner, and honey which your hair will love, love, love.
► Put your hair into sections.
► Saturate your hair with your pre-poo ingredients.
► Finger detangle (This will be a breeze).
► Cover with cap for 15 minutes, rinse, and then move on to shampooing your hair.
Benefits of Pre-pooing:
► Adds moisture to your hair and scalp.
► Shortens detangling time.
► Less conditioner is needed (because your hair will feel soft after the pre-poo process, overdosing on the conditioner is not necessary)
3. Cleanse
Having a healthy scalp and hair is the foundation of healthy hair. Your scalp and hair need to be cleaned of dirt, debris, and any product buildup to allow your scalp to breath. You wash your face of all impurities right? Well your scalp is no different.
Keep it clean by shampooing with a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate free shampoos – as explained above – do not strip your hair of its natural oils while still leaving you with a clean head.
If your hair and scalp are not really dirty, but you still feel like doing a wash, then you can wash it with a conditioner. This is called Cowashing.
This method will put moisture back into your hair while lightly cleaning it. Some girls are 100% ‘Cowashers’ however I am a firm believer that shampoo gets the job done properly and removes product buildup.
4. Condition
Conditioning our natural hair is very important. We need our strands to be strong and healthy. This step in your wash routine is critical because this is where you will feed your hair with the needed nutrients.
Every time you shampoo you HAVE to follow up with a conditioner. It is important to use a rinse out conditioner that has great slip like Tresseme Naturals Conditioner, Herbal Essences Conditioners or Shea Moisture Conditioner*, just to name a few.
The slip from light conditioners like these help with detangling, and simply reduces the stress that can come with the process.
Working in sections, apply the conditioner to you hair, finger detangle then detangle with a wide tooth comb*. Follow up with a deep conditioner* of your choice.
Trust me; your hair will thank you!
5. Moisturize
Ok, our natural hair needs Moisture, Moisture, Moisture and then some! After your hair is fully cleaned and conditioned, you need to be moisturized. I have tried different ways of moisturizing my hair, and to me, the LOC method is the most effective.
The LOC Method is simply the order in which you moisturize your hair so as to retain moisture and have soft hair. First you add a Liquid (L) based product, followed by an Oil (O) of your choice, and lastly you add a heavier Cream (C) to seal it all in.
6. Style and Go!
Style that hair and be fabulous. Experiment and play with your hair picking styles that will allow you to retain length. If you’ve had problems with braided styles in the past, steer clear of them and pick more natural styles. Low manipulation styling can also help you retain length.
Conclusion:
Remember, without a consistent hair care regimen, your hair cannot grow healthy. Love your hair and treat it like you love it. Everybody’s hair is different so listen to your hair and give it what it needs.
Trial and error will be your companion until you find what your hair likes. Don’t be frustrated and do not fight your hair. Instead, enjoy your natural hair journey.
Have you ever had to start over? Comment below!
Chop-chop!!
I pray that I don’t have to start over the in between stage is something, but if I have to I know what to do. I know the LOC Method, I know which products work on my hair short…..I would pray like I did the first time and keep it moving. I’m 10 1/2 months post big chop and It is what it is….my back to curls journey is fantastic
I wouldn’t mind starting all over again I would like to but do it a lil more different need to find good products to go with my hair instead of over drying my hair
I started over. I was pregnant last year so I was natural for a year. I had my son in may perm in june. I totally regret it. I had shoulder length hair. I never permed it again. In January I chopped the perm off. I’m not going back my hair is so much softer and grows better without it.
I should start over again now
This perm is breaking off my hair something fierce! I just needed a hit of my creamy crack! I need rehab!
I would’ve never fell into the con of relaxers for manageability.
I would not let it grow as long.
Know what products to use and stick with it instead of turning in to a product junkie
I cut it all off . But it’s growing back now healthy .
I would have never gotten a relaxer/perm- I wish I was all natural from the beginning-I luv my natural hair and hopefully I won’t have to start over
Take care of it better
I would’ve told my mom, back in the 80’s not to let me get a jheri curl! 🙂 #realtalk
Great. Happy that you are enjoying your natural hair journey. I think if you take care of your hair you wont have to start over.
Me too! I used tht dr miracle perm kit abt a yr or so ago and my hair hated it! Was coming out in chunks and hasn’t recovered yet! My hair is so dry and brittle:( I’ve been trying all kinds of homemade this tht and the other as well as good shampoos and conditioners–spent a small fortune to keep from hvg to just chop it all off. And my daughter practically threatened me not to perm it anymore–but I did:( was hvg such a time tryn to find good hair styles to cover the holes in my head–but I’m going natural–no more perms–my hair has grown some since then and the patches are starting to be covered and I do use a fill in at times–but what a dreadful experience this has been.
I want to shave my head so bad.
It’s 4month that i have go natural, if i had to start over i will wish that i never had perm my hear Never
I’d give my natural hair a try to see what it’s actually like – by the time my mom turned me loose to manage my own head, I was already relaxed. My relaxed hair is healthy and heading towards ap/bs length, but I’m sooooo curious as to what I might be able to do with my ultra kinky natural hair – I’ve never actually tried.
Start over. I mean it’s hair… It’ll grow back!! Lol
I never wudof gotten it relaxed went all the way to my junior yr in high school witout one an made tht mistake and went there i wish i wudof just left it alone
I wouldnt dye my hair if i were to start all over.
Oan i wouldnt care if i had to start all over…i love my unique hair and the natural me!!
Maybe transition longer vs big chop. I would have definitely gone natural much sooner.
BIG CHOP
Much to my dismay I have had to big chop again this week. I have cut my hair off 4 times. I recently found out that I have a vitamin D deficiency. One of the side effects is alopecia. Here I go agan!
Last month found out I have a Vitamin D deficiency too. Now I know what was wrong with my hair. I’ve been taking Biotin and my Dr. prescribed 2,000 units of Vitamin D and my hair is really looking a lot better already. Hope things work out for you.
Cut it off and move on…
I don’t know about my hair but that model’s eye makeup is AMAZING.
I was told to do the big chop almost 3 years ago by my then stylist. Mainly because of my stylist using the glue in quick weaves. I am still having trouble growing my temple areas in , but it is progressing now. Before my big chop, I had not had any chemicals in my hair for a year and a half. I have a wonderful stylist now who gives me great advice on my hair. I make sure I go to my appointments every 2 weeks , like I have done for years.She also told me that she thinks that I was advised wrong and that i really should have never had my hair chopped off. I was told later that my ex stylist was jealous of me. Crazy right?? I have learned to be careful when it comes to choosing a stylist.
I wouldn’t have permed nor cut my hair
I am so lucky to have hair that grows at a decent length and doesn’t require too much to keep it healthy and moisturized. However, I had to do the BC again last month because I have trichotillomania (I pull out my own hair). It was so broke off, all different lengths, damaged and bald spots that I had to cut it all off. Its so disappointing after going a whole year of growing it out. Anyone else have this problem.
It would be heartbreaking but if circumstamces force me, i will have to take it with a pinch of salt!!
Explore my natural texture more. Well I have been natural all of my life, but I use heat to manage my hair. I often wonder how different my texture would be if I never used heat.
Do you prepoo on dry hair?
I HAVE STARTED OVER SO, SO MANY TIMES!!! OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, I HAVE CUT MY HAIR OVER AND OVER. MY #1 STYLIST SUGGESTED THAT I COMB A PERM THROUGH MY HAIR, NOT LETTING IT STAY ON UNTIL MY HAIR WAS STRAIGHT, UST LONG ENOUGH TO RELAX MY NATURAL CURL. I LET HIM DO IT AND USED THE WAVE NOUVEAU LOTION AND MOISTTURIZING MIST. BUT, I WANTED TO BE NATURAL!!! I’VE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST MISTAKE I MADE WAS TO LET ANOTHER STYLIST PUT A CURL RELAXER ON MY HAIR. BIG MISTAKE…..SHE LET THE PERM STAY ON TOO LONG, AND BY THE THIRD WASH, I NOTICE THAT I HAD SEVERE BREAKAGE IN THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!!! AND, IN SPOTS, MY HAIR IS SOOOOOOOO THIN. MY HAIR HAS ALWAYS BEEN THICK, NOW WHEN I COMB, I CAN SEE HOLES. I ALSO NEED A GOOD REGIMEN TO MAKE MY HAIR GROW SOFT AND NOT TOO KINKY!!! I HAVE BECOME A PRODUCT JUNKIE, SO ANYTHING YOU SUGGEST, I PROBABLY ALREADY HAVE, JUST DON’T KNOW HOW TO ACHIEVE A STYLE I LIKE. EVERY PICTURE I SEE ON THESE SITES AND IN MAGAZINES APPEARS TO BE WOMEN WITH WHAT WE CALL “THAT GOOD GRADE OF HAIR”, AND THAT’S WHAT I WANT. I KNOW EVERYBODY DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME GRADE OF HAIR, SO HOW CAN WE “KINKY SISTERS” GET THAT LOOK WITHOUT HEAT AND CHEMICALS???? PLEASE HELP BEFORE I GO BACK TO THE “BOY CUT”!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE!!!
If I had to start over, I would probably get a relaxer.
I had to start over just last week, after 2 years of growth because keeping my ends moisturized was really difficult due to having highlights; I was truly over it. I wanted to cry looking at how short my hair was again but I knew my hair would be healthier without it.. In one week my hair grew a half inch by using a good hair regimen that includes the LOC method, the inversion method w/Jamaican black castor oil and the GHE method. Patience, a good regimen and lots of TLC really works miracles.
Use less heat
If I had to start over, one thing I would not have done was to braid my fragile hair. I already had thin hair and the pulling from the braids did not help and really irritated my scalp. Notice I said had thin hair. My hair has thicken up a great deal. My scalp and hair did not take well to braids at all. I really did not consider the damage that had already weakened my hair. So after paying a very good sum of money on braids, and yet more hair loss and irritated scalp. I decided after seeing how poorly my scalp and hair condition was that I started pining my hair up or roller setting and keeping my hair moisturized, conditioned and oiled. Sleeping only with silk or satin pillows and scarfs. I even mist my hair with oils and water and wear a plastic cap and often apply steam to my hair. Not to forget I also use different assortment of herbs and natural oils for some of my home made products. But back to braids, regardless of the conditioning, protein treatments and oils I was using the damage was there and there was no getting around it. So I changed my thought process on my hair and really started paying attention to the condition of my scalp and then my hair. If I had to start over, I would continue to do what I am doing right now: by treating my scalp to promote a healthy environment for my hair to grow. Conditioning and using protein treatments for my hair and the use of different types of oils for different needs for my hair and scalp. I would name them, but there are too many I have tried. Since I decided to transition from relax to natural. I did not do the “Big Chop”. I instead started clipping my ends every 8 to 12 weeks and spend more time in getting to know my hair and scalp to see what really works for me. Again, working from the scalp to hair process. I became more concern with the condition of my scalp then my hair and this still holds true today. Its only been 6 months, but my scalp is healthier and my hair looks and feels so much better. The big plus is that I am not seeing so much breakage like I use to, my hair is not brittle and dry, and I enjoy getting to know my natural state of my hair. I actually can see that my hair has grown; whereas before, I thought my hair would never grow, but in actuality my hair was growing, but breaking off just has fast as it was growing.
I’ve had to start over three times already; when I cut off my dreads in 1994, when I cut my hair off to support my sister going through breast cancer a few years back and the last time was a year ago when I was transitioning from a relaxer. I actually like the TWA stage because my hair loved wash-n-goes then.
I cut mine & I feel free and even more beautiful!
Hi,
Can you give examples of products to use for LOC? Initially I had been using blue magic coconut oil, but it contains petroleum ;( So will no longer use it. I will look for the natural coconut oil. As for the moisturizing before shampooing, do I just use honey? Or can I mix it with avocado? I did my big chop about 7 months ago and my hair doesn’t seen to grow. I braided for the first time this Jan and when I took it off, my hair cuts seriously. So using a wig now. However, I think weaves/extensions are friendly to my hair. I need your urgent help and advice. Regards
I need some he[p have been natural for about 3 years now. And was told that I have alopica I need help on what is best thing for me to try. really need SOME HELP. MISSING MY HAIR
Hi Brenda, I think you need to focus on your scalp. You need to do things that will make your hair not fall out or have bald spots. While there are no miracle creams and pills you can treat your scalp by massaging back castor oil and coconut oil into your scalp. Mix them if you wish but also use them on their own too. In addition to that, start taking a multivitamin and add a Zinc supplement to your diet. As your doctor about the correct dosage. And lastly, do not put stress on your hair to cause pulling – girl you don’t want that. Try that and let me know.
http://www.glamnaturallife.com is my blog and my info is in my profile here as well. Good luck.
Wish i hadn’t flat iron my hair!
I absolutely loved this article and found it very interesting. I am currently working with my 6 year old cousin’s hair. Her hair was badly damaged by a perm. Her hair was so badly damaged/tangled it took me 11 hours to detangle it where I could even get a large tooth comb through it. I am so grateful for patience. Not to mention she is “tender headed”. We have come a long way in just 1 year and I have received so much useful information from the Black Hair Information site and reading the hair journeys of others. Thank you Black Hair Information and all of you who share your experiences. God bless and good luck to you all.
I cut mines off in October into a low fade.. Right now I’m going it the right way.. I made a few mistakes my first time around
I would do all of my research first…hair type, products, protective styles…instead of just going for it. Lesson learned.
Because of alopecia and folliculitis, I’ve had to cut my hair off several times. I used to say “it’s just hair. It’ll grow back.” No longer true. Regardless, whether I’m bald or sporting the afro puff when it does grow…In God’s eyse…I’m perfect.
it was the best thing i ever did for myself . starting over is like a rebirth.
I did a big chop about two weeks ago. I can’t tell you how liberated I feel. I had length but the knots, tangles and scab hairs were out of control! The maintenance was consuming my life! This time around I will DC more, trim, moisturize and twist my hair at night. I’ve also started doing henna and other treatments to smooth the cuticle of my hair.
Bittersweet!!! I’ll know what to use instead of trying to use everything. Lol
I shaved mines off recently so already get to enjoy this 🙂
I would cry reeealllly hard and long. If that is what I’d have to do, I’d forget about having length and keep a twa. Only because that would be my fourth time in two years regardless of my regimen. I am on Thyroid meds and have to take a Vitamin D pill due to lack of a thyroid (it was killed a few years ago by radiation). Now that my hair has finally grown and I’m almost to goal I am excited – APL. Just today, I was contemplating a big chop because this weekend I saw where my hair on the right just in front of my ear and on the left, just behind the ear has broken off to ear lobe length and I don’t know why. Two weeks ago my hair started breaking profusely and I tried everything to get it to stop (protein, moisture, AV/Water mix) and nothing. I checked a long strand that fell on my bed covers this morning and the strand was strong and I had to really pull in order to break it so I know it doesn’t need protein. While reading the article I thought about my regimen and the only thing I changed was my pre-poo step. I combined my pre-poo product with my DC products and now thinking about it that is the only thing that has changed. This week I won’t do the pre poo and see if that will make a difference in the breaking. In the end, if I had to start over, I would do exactly what I said in the beginning – cry really hard and long then go back to the twa with malice. no lol, just smh sadly.
Oh I have many, many too many times and I decided at this go around, going completely natural was my saving grace! I remember back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I had a Jheri Curl and loved it! When I would blow dry my hair and curl it with a warm curling iron, my hair was past my shoulders and I was in heaven! Well I messed that up by throwing in some hair dye and my hair started breaking off! I made matters worse by perming my hair relentlessly and damaged my hair to the point I started wearing weaves or wigs. I did not take care of my hair properly and learned the hard way. I then adopted just wearing my hair in braids with extensions and discovered my hair grew, but, lack of having a hair regiment caused my hair to dry out, get split ends and it was just a mess. I had no choice but to cut it!
I made up my mind to get “serious” concerning my hair and scalp, by watching You Tube Videos, checking out websites concerning how to manage, treat and correctly style my hair and I have learned a lot. I begin reading the ingredients of products I was using and realized some of them did more damage and I threw them away and incorporated “natural ingredients” such as water (aqua) first, using jojoba, olive oil, coconut oil and other essential items, Aloe Vera Gel, Glycerin and avocado etc.,. I also learned that mineral oil and petroleum clogged the hair roots and just “sat” on your scalp. No moisturizing or healthy attributes for the hair or scalp. I carefully listened to other women who spoke of various essential oils for their hair, understanding that I had to have a hair regiment, correct diet, exercise and rest, drink plenty of water, untangling my hair with my fingers, stop manipulating my hair with this style or that style, use less to no heat, ensuring that I learned how to do pre-poo, hot oil treatments, deep conditioning and moisturizing treatment, keeping my hands out of my hair, closely examine my hair by looks, the texture, the feel, the way it moves etc., taking time and patience with my hair and learn to appreciate what I have and be grateful. And tying my hair up with a satin scarf or bonnet.
I went natural over a year ago and I love what I have learned from other women, the essential oils I use on my hair and how my hair responds, the advice and suggestions given on this forum and I am excited about my hair. Sure I have a long way to go to get my hair back past my shoulders, but this time I am using common sense verses vanity. I find myself at ease and more confident each and every time I come to this site and I’m still learning from others and I truly like that. I have no intentions of using chemicals again in my hair and I like the natural look, it’s less time consuming (at least for me), I enjoy looking at my natural curls and love the feel of my hair! I really don’t want to mess this up and start over! I cried for days when my hair fell out due to my own stupidity, this time, I will be patient, consistent and encourage myself and others what I am doing to get “my hair” back!
I have had to start over a couple of times mostly because I wasn’t caring for my hair properly. I have had to learn so much about caring for natural hair. I also had to dedicate time to taking care of my hair. Thanks to blogs like this one that are so informative my hair growth and strength has improved dramatically.
I am in the middle of not knowing what to do. My hair was growing well until I tried one of the popular hair growth vitamins. Once I stopped my hair broke off all the way to not being able to even tug; that only happened to the crown of my head. I am left with a clown hair style with hair on the sides and back. I don’t want to cut it off because the only way for it to look half way decent is to go bald – not going to happen. For now, I am wearing a weave on top and sewed one track along the back and sides to help blend in the top weave. I have received numerous compliments on the look and even had some ask that I do their sew ins. I don’t think I could start THAT low again, too devastating for me.
I just recently am starting all over again. 2 years ago I shaved my head bald to go natural. 2 months ago I shaved it again down to 3/4 of an inch. I did it because of damage, breakage, tangling, splitting, and dryness issues that I had with my hair. I didn’t know what else to do. I was bummed about having to cut my hair again, cuz I REALLY wanted to grow my hair out. The short cut really isn’t my favorite look on me at all. I much prefer how medium to long lengths look on me. Plus I hate not being able to do different styles with my hair. But at the same time, a fresh cut is definitely what my hair needed to take away all the damage. I think this time around I’ll have better luck with my hair. I plan on eventually trying out the Maximum Hydration Method. I think It can really save my hair from all the problems it had before. Hopefully 3 to 4 years from now I have the long, healthy hair that I’ve always longed for.
I’ve had to BC more times that I’ve stopped counting 🙁 I have an auto immune disease that attacks my follicles. I big chopped last time Nov. 2013 and my hair was coming along well until I decided to texturize it with a mild relaxer. When that went ok and after completing my cortisone shots, I decided to fully relax my hair with the new Creme of Nature Eden relaxer which was a major mistake on my part. Now my hair is falling out badly and no matter what I try, I can’t stop it. My hair is kinky and coily when natural and I don’t like the look on me also being in my late 40’s has changed my hair. I will try to transition but if it comes to doing a BC will go back to wearing wigs until some length is obtain. I feel like a failure because my hair and scalp are trying to tell me that my relaxed hair days are well behind me now.
Chop chop, I’ve started over three times already lol
No relaxer
I would shave it once again !! Already did and I loooved it !
I would love for you to do a post on women who transition back to relaxed hair. Are women who are pregnant and experience a hair texture change while having relaxed hair.
Big chopped two years ago after being relaxed for years, best decision ever 🙂
Big chopped in April this year and have yet to let it grow. Seem to love it short for some reason. I’ve cut it twice and so far, don’t see me letting it grow too much longer than it is right now
I’ve chopped 5x. I’m not planning to start over again.
Mad as hell
Re-chop! I’ve done it 3 times. Lol
I’d be sad, but I know my hair do much better. I’m sure it’d be back in no time.
Big chopped from relaxed hair ten years ago; wore dreadlocks for five years then big chopped again five years ago. I have remained loose natural since. If I had to start over again. ….oh yeah in a heart beat!!!
No big deal. I’d do it all over again!
Your fro is fab!!!
Thank you but that’s my DIY wig, channeling Ms Pam Grier.
Visit the link below to see pictures of my hair.
http://www.naturallyfitqt.com
I wouldn’t braid as much
I would for sure. To have healthy natural hair yes yes I would
I’m thinking about it.
Things happen in life that you have no control over. If I had to start over with me hair, I would just at it and say to myself as just hair so I would just embrace the journey again
I did it about 3 yrs ago. It was sooo liberating… I was no longer a slave to my hair! I didn’t realise how much stress it was causing me trying to hang on to damaged long hair, until I didnt have the stress anymore.
I would scream
I would jump off a building
Relaxer
I have, twice! Only because i love to change my hair so much lol
I would do it again
I did and my hair is gorgeous!
Seriously I would cry bc I worked so hard to get where I am now. I know people say its only hair but my hair and I have a love hate relationship and I would hate to lose it.
I would try sisterlocs or just be more patient with its loose state. But I’m 3 years into my locs already so I don’t plan on starting over any time soon
I think starting over is a common part of the journey for a lot of people. For me it’s just been part of the struggle. Even if you just do a semi chop rather than a big chop. I hope I’m on my last journey now lol, things are going well so far this time, I think I’ve finally got my hair down
I’m done. F**k it. I’m wearing wigs forever . I’m gonna be the Grinch about it my whole life too
I didn’t big chop, so I would cry…Lol
I did the big chop. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The only reason I haven’t is bc my husband loves my Afro.
The girl in the pic looks like Trina Braxton.
I just did and it was the best decision I have made but I need to start looking up some good hair care regimens!!!
Stick with the hot comb. I get lazy about pressing and will use a texturizer to make blow dry straight easier. Plus occasionally I like a curly fro
had to do the big chop way to much because of hair weaves
I’d do it again and do a better job of enjoying each phase.
I LOVE your hair!
Thank-you so much!
Freak out!!
I might like it!!
Never Chemicalized it. Aka Relax
I don’t care. Did it plenty of times from relaxers to natural back to relaxer because I didn’t know how to style it to big chop to dreads relaxed again natural to stay but no bleaching this time.✌️
No chemical
Ummm….just start over.
No biggy. Just hair 🙂
I big chopped and I love it! Now im almost 6mths.
Just cut all mine again. I like to try dif styles.
I refuse to start over I was forced to 3x with out knowing it. I went for a tape up and trim walked out with way less hair. She stated all of my perm wasn’t gone. After the second chop I should have lefted her with no payment SHE did my first chop smh. I still don’t like being natural but I think once it reaches the length I’m striving for I’ll like it I’m not going to give up.
Starting over is the norm for me. I LOVE short hair. Just when I THINK I’ve made up my mind to grow it out, I’m like “Screw this!” ~chop-chop-chop~ Smh. So indecisive.
Its nothing wrong with cutting it all off & starting over again, its kind of refreshing
Chop mines on Monday 1st time. Still getting used to it. Don’t know what to expect.
I would never again put a relaxer in my hair
Id do it in a heartbeat. No hair is very liberating but if i did restart id be sure to utilise oils religiously!
If I had to start over I would embrace it
I’d hate it
After 3 years of natural I gave myself a perm last month. I hate it I want my curls back so the big chop here I come again
I’ve done it and glad I made that choice.
Embrace it!! I have big chopped about 5 times. No biggie
I have cut my hair (big chop) twice since I’ve been natural. I have no problem with short hair and fall in love all over again every time
It would not be a big deal to
me because I like short hair.
I take the big chop every summer and braid it back up in the fall been doing it so long that one summer when I didn’t do, people noticed and comments of liking it chopped better kept coming up, lol, I love my hair every way I’m blessed to do.
I think I need to start over. I just cut 3 inches of heat damaged about a month ago now my ends are splitting again. tried to pay attention to my regimen so that the split ends would not come back. My hair lasted exactly little under 4 weeks. This is the 5th week and I see midshaft splits as well as ends. I noticed my hair was getting hard in the areas where it would bend from the twists I had. I could see it starting to bulge in those areas. I admit, I took my hair down weekly to moisturize and re-twist and my hair managed to feel good when I took It down so I probably could have left it twisted longer than a week. It was smooth, shiny and plump. The last take down was dryer than all of the other take downs and I noticed the split ends. I used a revitalizing leave-in conditioner and detangler by jane carter the last week instead of aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch detangler and I believe it dried my hair. I like jane carters nourish and shine a lot though. I also sprayed my hair with a spray bottle of olive oil and water
I touch my hair a lot too and I don’t know how to stop. I try to keep it under a scarf or satin as much as possible to keep my hands off of it. I need to cut those ends. so the month it grew is not going to matter at this point. I am so upset with myself. This is my second year and now I am at first year hair.
I think I need to start over. I just cut 3 inches of heat damaged about a month ago now my ends are splitting again. tried to pay attention to my regimen so that the split ends would not come back. My hair lasted exactly little under 4 weeks. This is the 5th week and I see midshaft splits as well as ends. I noticed my hair was getting hard in the areas where it would bend from the twists I had. I could see it starting to bulge in those areas. I admit, I took my hair down weekly to moisturize and re-twist and my hair managed to feel good when I took It down so I probably could have left it twisted longer than a week. It was smooth, shiny and plump. The last take down was dryer than all of the other take downs and I noticed the split ends. I used a revitalizing leave-in conditioner and detangler by jane carter the last week instead of aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch detangler and I believe it dried my hair. I like jane carters nourish and shine a lot though. I also sprayed my hair with a spray bottle of olive oil and water
I touch my hair a lot too and I don’t know how to stop. I try to keep it under a scarf or satin as much as possible to keep my hands off of it. I need to cut those ends. so the month it grew is not going to matter at this point. I am so upset with myself. This is my second year and now I am at first year hair.