To big chop or to not big chop? That is a question almost every natural asks herself when making the decision to take on the big journey. Truth is, the big chop isn’t for everyone.
Some are just not ready to take such a large plunge of chopping all of their hair off and rocking a TWA for months on end. Only to encompass the struggle of shrinkage that makes your fro appear to remain the same short length the entire first year.
This is why a percentage of naturals decide to transition. This is where they hold on to their relaxed ends and find ways to balance the two textures.
During transitioning, most chop little by little away as their natural hair grows out but some actually hold on to their relaxed ends entirely. My older sister is one of those people.
She has been in her natural journey for about 8 months and has only gotten a small trim once.
She has taken a pledge to go heat free, so to manage the two textures of relaxed and natural she has rocked perm rod sets and has recently gotten a drawstring kinky* curly ponytail. These styles have allowed her to mask her relaxed ends so it’s not evident to others.
Because I have been in my natural hair journey for 2.5 years she often runs to me for advice. With that said, she called me yesterday saying that she thinks it might be time to big chop.
Here are three points that might say you’re in the same place:
Frustration arises with dealing with the two textures
If you’re at a point where styling your hair is a constant battle of frustration it may be time to chop. Frustration is a wary state of mind to be in, especially when you are transitioning from getting relaxers, where most say maintenance is so much easier.
If you’re dealing with frustration between the two textures, you don’t want to risk eventually arriving at a decision to just relax again after all of your hard work. Instead go ahead and chop off your relaxed ends to make things easier.
Your natural hair exceeds your relaxed ends
If you’re at a point where your natural hair exceeds your relaxed ends, then it is pointless to continue transitioning to hold on to that little bit of length. Honestly, it’s more work than what it’s worth. Chop em off!
You’re at the point where the relaxed ends can damage your natural hair
Lastly, the risk of holding onto relaxed ends and avoiding trims in efforts to retain length is that it can possibly damage your newly grown natural hair. Split ends can travel up the length of the strand and encourage thinning and breakage. It’s not worth damaging your natural hair in efforts to try to hold on to length of your relaxed ends.
I like this ! I’m getting a cut like 2 inches cut off