Going for The Big Chop can help your natural curls reach their full potential after years of damage from color, bleaching, blow outs, relaxing and straightening. Here’s my story and the epiphany I had while going for a shorter do! The Big Chop is a Big Thing in the Curly Girl World
Full Answer
What is a big chop and how does it work?
Curl Centric defines the term big chop as the act of cutting off all of your relaxed hair, leaving only your beautiful new growth, which is natural hair. Big chopping is the quickest way to go natural and unlike the alternative, transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.
Should you go natural or have a big chop?
There are several big chop hairstyles (i.e., TWA styles) that you can wear immediately and many natural hairstyles to choose from after your hair start to grow out. Going natural can be a great experience. I’ve been natural for more than ten years, and have thoroughly enjoyed my natural hair journey. I couldn’t even imagine relaxing my hair again.
What happens to your natural hair when you big chop?
When you big chop, your natural hair journey starts immediately. You begin your natural hair journey with whatever new growth you have at the time. 4. You’re a Superstar Have you ever wanted to feel like a celebrity or superstar?
Is a big chop the best option for short hair?
If you hate short hair, the big chop may not be the best option if you end up being unhappy with your appearance. The big chop is a shock because your hair will be cut so short.
Does hair grow faster after big chop?
Misconceptions about the big chop: Contrary to popular belief, your hair won't actually grow faster. “However, because it is no longer brittle and breaking, it will grow healthier and give the appearance to be growing quicker than before because you're retaining more length,” she says.
How long will it take my hair to grow after big chop?
about 1.5 years to 2 yearsHair typically grows half an inch each month. So expect about 6 inches for the year! How long after the Big Chop will my hair be shoulder length? It will be about 1.5 years to 2 years.
Does the big chop help?
Doing the big chop makes getting used to your hair texture so much more comfortable. Big chop hair is manageable and simple. Compared to transitioning, it gives you only have your one hair texture to manipulate.
Why you shouldn't do the big chop?
Con: Few Style Options. The big chop is a shock because your hair will be cut so short. It also doesn't leave you with a lot of options when it comes to styling. After a few months, your options will increase as your hair has some new growth.
Is it better to transition or big chop?
If you transition, you'll get to keep your length, but you'll have to deal with styling multi-textured tresses. If you do the big chop, you'll get rid of your relaxer in one fell swoop, but you might be left with only an inch of hair.
Does hair texture change after big chop?
Your Hair Texture Changes The same happens when you big chop. You may notice a difference in your curls and see a more defined pattern than before.
How do you take care of your hair after the big chop?
Here's some tips on how to grow out your natural hair after the big chop.Wash, Deep Condition & Moisturize Regularly. First you'll need to choose products that work for your natural hair. ... Trim Regularly. ... Keep Heat Styling To A Minimum. ... Wear Low Manipulation Hairstyles. ... Protective Style. ... Vitamins.
How long should I transition before the big chop?
three to four monthsBe patient. Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it's going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you're completely chemical-free.
How do you moisturize your hair after big chop?
Keep a spray bottle handy in your bathroom (filled with distilled water) and spritz your hair in the morning, followed by an application of Qhemet Biologics Coconut & Green Tea Softening Serum. Lastly, apply a creamy moisturizer like your Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream.
What do I need to know before going to the big chop?
Let's start with the things you need to know before you do The Big Chop.Be 100% Sure. Be 100% sure that you want to cut off all of your hair. ... Don't Cut Blindly. So you've decided that you're going to be bold and cut your hair. ... Your Hair May Not Look Anything Like You Expected. ... Your Hair Is Unique. ... Choose Products Wisely.
How long will it take my 4C hair to grow?
How long can 4C hair grow? Your hair grows at roughly ½ inch per month which means that the typical head of hair will grow six inches per year. 4C hair is made of tight coils which makes it more prone to dryness and shrinkage.
How do you get the curl pattern after the big chop?
1:223:07How to: Make Your BIG CHOP Super Curly | 4C Hair Friendly | Nia HopeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI use Shea moistures curl enhancing smoothie and then I'm just brushing that to evenly distribute itMoreI use Shea moistures curl enhancing smoothie and then I'm just brushing that to evenly distribute it throughout my hair. And I'm taking a small little section like you're seeing here.
How can I make my hair grow faster after big chop?
Here's some tips on how to grow out your natural hair after the big chop.Wash, Deep Condition & Moisturize Regularly. First you'll need to choose products that work for your natural hair. ... Trim Regularly. ... Keep Heat Styling To A Minimum. ... Wear Low Manipulation Hairstyles. ... Protective Style. ... Vitamins.
How often should you wash your hair after the big chop?
every 7-9 daysShampoo: At the minimum, every 7-9 days. Healthy hair growth starts with a clean scalp.
How do you style your hair after the big chop?
4:035:19STYLING MY NEW BIG CHOP | HOW TO SLAY YOUR TWA | 4C HAIRYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then I'm going to tie my hair up with a scarf. And this is my little secret right here I don'tMoreAnd then I'm going to tie my hair up with a scarf. And this is my little secret right here I don't have the thickest edges. But I'm just going to take some black eyeliner.
How do you moisturize your hair after big chop?
Keep a spray bottle handy in your bathroom (filled with distilled water) and spritz your hair in the morning, followed by an application of Qhemet Biologics Coconut & Green Tea Softening Serum. Lastly, apply a creamy moisturizer like your Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream.
Kira’S (MY) Spontaneous Chopping Experience
To make the chunk of hair that I cut out less noticeable, I simply patted my afro down, extra tight. I also wore afro puffs. My mistake can make yo...
How to Do The Big Chop Yourself
Step 1. Using the comb, section off your freshly washed hair into four large sections using the diagram below as a guide. 1. Part or section your h...
Would You Rather Use A Stylist to Big Chop?
If you’re not comfortable big chopping your hair or haven’t found the time to big chop on your own, maybe you should consider hiring a stylist for...
Choosing A Stylist For Your Big Chop
The best thing you can do is to figure out exactly what you want. Begin with the end in mind, thinking about what you want your hair to look like w...
Big Chop Hairstyles vs. only Cutting Off The Relaxed Hair
When you big chop, do you want your hair cut into a style or do you simply want the relaxed ends cut off?Option 1 – Getting a Big Chop Hairstyle: I...
Who Should Do Your Big Chop?
Many women choose to allow their spouse to cut their hair, which is a great option. Also, if you prefer to have your hair cut by a stylist, there a...
The Conversation With Your Stylist: “The Interview”
The conversation with your stylist should really be viewed as an interview since you have a service that you would like to have performed. You’re l...
Our Final Thoughts, Plus Top 5 Benefits of The Big Chop
Going natural can be a great experience. I’ve been natural for more than ten years, and have thoroughly enjoyed my natural hair journey. I couldn’t...
What is the Big Chop?
If you aren’t sure what exactly a “big chop” is, it is cutting off all the damaged or over-processed hair.
What is the alternative to doing a big chop?
The alternative to doing the big chop is transitioning your hair over a more extended period. With this process, you would trim your processed tresses over time.
What is the difference between big chop and transitioning?
Big chop hair is manageable and simple. Compared to transitioning, it gives you only have your one hair texture to manipulate . Whereas If you decide to transition would have to learn how to manage two different hair types, ...
How much hair do you need for finger coils?
I would suggest that your hair be at least 2 inches to achieve the desired look. Finger coils have better results with at least 2 inches of hair, but a good twist you would need at least 3 inches to get a good grip.
Why do girls have a thought in the back of their heads?
This thought we have in the back of our head is understandable because as girls we are usually raised to believe we should have a certain length of hair to look feminine.
Does cutting your hair make it grow faster?
Many women think that cutting all your hair off and starting fresh allows your hair to grow much faster than if you were in transitions.
Do roommates cut their hair?
One of my roommates did the big chop, and the other decided to transition, so she wore weaves and braids to grow her hair out and just gradually cut off her ends.
What Is The Big Chop?
The big chop is the act of cutting off your relaxed or chemically processed hair therefore revealing your true natural hair texture. The big chop is the quickest way to become 100% natural. Those who decide to do the big chop typically transition for a couple of months before cutting their hair.
Ready To Do The Big Chop? 3 Key Questions To Ask Yourself
Deciding to big chop after a few months of transitioning can be nerve-racking. Ask yourself the three questions below before making your decision.
What are the benefits of big chopping?
Listen up – product junkies. One of the biggest benefits of big chopping is that you only have to deal with the texture (s) of your natural hair, instead of your relaxed hair texture also.
Who Should Do Your Big Chop?
Many women choose to allow their spouse to cut their hair, which is a great option. Also, if you prefer to have your hair cut by a stylist, there are some things to consider.
Why is it important to cut your hair big?
Big chopping allows you to accentuate your natural beauty which can be covered up by your hair at times.
What is the quickest way to go natural?
Big chopping is the quickest way to go natural and unlike the alternative, transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. It’s not only different in physical approach, but it’s also different mentally. To big chop, you have to emotionally detach yourself from your hair’s length.
Why do you need to dry your hair before a big chop?
For example, potential damage to your hair , the fact that wet hair often appears longer than dry hair, and differences in porosity are a few reasons why we recommend drying your hair before you big chop.
Why do you have to have each square sectioned off with a rubber band?
The goal is to have each square-sectioned off with a rubber band so that the line of demarcation is exposed above the rubber band. Having the line of demarcation visible allows you to use it as a guide as you cut the relaxed ends off of your hair. Step 4.
When you chop your hair, what happens?
When you big chop, your natural hair journey starts immediately. You begin your natural hair journey with whatever new growth you have at the time.
Do You Need a Big Chop?
Whether you are a chronic lightener or curling wand addict, there are certain types of hair that are more prone to damage than others. Curly, wavy and fine hair are generally considered to be on the more delicate side.
Potential Psychological Impact
While cutting off most of your hair can do wonders for improving your hair health, it can also have a temporary impact on your mental health. There are two main reasons for this, mainly the disruption to our self-image and the eschewing of traditional beauty standards. Luckily, a little preparation can help to offset these effects.
After the Big chop
If you are used to having long hair and moving into a closely cropped cut, be prepared to have a LOT of extra time on your hands. Besides being edgy and fashion-forward, ultra-short cuts typically take much less time (and product!) to care for and style.
Does the big chop really work?
A post shared by Ashlyn | Curls. Brows. Style. (@ashparaskevas) on Feb 9, 2020 at 9:09pm PST
Does hair grow faster after the big chop?
It's not so much that your hair grows faster after a big haircut—your hair is dead and a haircut isn't going to affect your internal workings— it's that your ends are now much healthier, which means they won't break off or split as quickly. But to maintain that health, you've also gotta be smart about your heat-tool usage.
What is the Big Chop?
It doesn’t mean cutting off your new growth and it definitely doesn’t mean going bald. The big chop is simply the removal of your damaged hair all at once. Some women will grow out their chemically altered ends for a while and finally chop off the straight ends after months. Choosing to big chop this way means that you will have some new growth to work with when you go for it. Other women choose to cut all of the perm off immediately for a fresh start. Either way, you’ll see a difference in your hair health once you big chop.
Do you grow back your hair with clippers?
Those clippers can be scary. It is very important to sit down and reflect about why you want to cut your hair. Yes, your hair will grow back, but it will take time. Make sure this is something you really want.
