Are you tired of chemically treating your hair and ready to embrace your natural texture? The big chop is a bold and liberating decision that many women make when transitioning to natural hair. It involves cutting off all of your relaxed or chemically treated hair to reveal your natural curls, coils, and kinks. If you're considering the big chop, this guide will walk you through the process.
Table of Contents
- How to Big Chop Natural Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for a Successful Big Chop
- FAQ About Big Chopping
- Hair Care After the Big Chop
How to Big Chop Natural Hair
The big chop is a major change, but it's relatively easy to do. Here are the basic steps:
1. Decide on the Length
Before you cut, decide on the length you want to go. Some women go completely bald, while others leave a few inches of hair. It's up to you to decide how much hair you want to remove.
2. Find a Stylist or Do It Yourself
You can either go to a stylist to have your hair cut, or you can do it yourself. If you're doing it yourself, make sure you have sharp scissors and a mirror to see the back of your head.
3. Wash and Detangle Your Hair
Wash and detangle your hair before cutting it. This will make it easier to cut and prevent tangles.
4. Section Your Hair
Section your hair into small parts and use hair clips to hold it in place.
5. Cut Your Hair
Starting from the back, cut each section of hair as close to the scalp as possible. Continue until you've cut all of your hair.
6. Style Your New Cut
After the big chop, you'll have a new short cut. You can style it with headbands, scarves, or other accessories.
Step-by-Step Guide
If you're nervous about cutting your hair, follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Your Tools
Gather the tools you'll need, including sharp scissors, a comb, hair clips, and a mirror.
2. Decide on the Length
Decide on the length you want to go. Consider your face shape and personal style.
3. Wash and Detangle Your Hair
Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb.
4. Section Your Hair
Section your hair into small parts using hair clips.
5. Cut the First Section
Starting from the back, cut the first section of hair as close to the scalp as possible. Use your fingers as a guide to cut the hair.
6. Repeat
Repeat the process for each section of hair, working your way towards the front.
7. Check Your Cut
Use a mirror to check your cut from all angles. Make any adjustments as needed.
8. Style Your New Cut
Style your new cut with headbands, scarves, or other accessories.
Tips for a Successful Big Chop
Here are some tips to help you have a successful big chop:
- Take care of your scalp by washing and conditioning your hair regularly
- Protect your hair at night by sleeping with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase
- Experiment with different styles, such as twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-gos
- Be patient with your hair as it grows out
- Find a supportive community of natural hair enthusiasts to share your journey with
FAQ About Big Chopping
Here are some frequently asked questions about big chopping:
1. Will my hair grow back?
Yes, your hair will grow back. Natural hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month.
2. Will my hair texture change?
It's possible that your hair texture may change as it grows out. However, this varies from person to person.
3. Will the big chop hurt?
No, the big chop shouldn't hurt. However, you may experience some discomfort if you cut too close to the scalp.
4. How long does the big chop take?
The big chop can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
Hair Care After the Big Chop
After the big chop, it's important to take good care of your hair to promote healthy growth. Here are some tips:
- Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner
- Moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil
- Protect your hair from heat damage by avoiding hot tools
- Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to promote hair growth
Congratulations on taking the first step towards embracing your natural hair! The big chop can be scary, but it's also empowering. Remember to be patient with your hair as it grows out, and have fun experimenting with new styles.
