Getting tired of that relaxer? Then I guess you are thinking of growing back your hair to the natural state. The big question is should I go through the process of transitioning or just take the risk and do the ‘big chop’ (start fresh). First, let me define and explain the differences of transitioning and big chop for you.
What is Transitioning?
Transitioning is a process of growing out your relaxed/permed hair to become its natural form. Transitioning can be difficult to manage since you have to deal with two different textures of hair. Special attention should be taken to new growth to prevent breakage.
What is Big Chop?
I would like to help you decide by sharing some tips on what would work better for you: to transition or big chop to natural.
Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural
If you are worried about how you look with short hair or you prefer to retain your length then transitioning to natural hair should be just right for you. If you choose to transition then you will have to deal with two (2) textures (new hair growth and relaxed hair) which sometimes not that easy to manage. One should also take into consideration how long they want to go through the transitioning phase to be completely natural. A trim is recommended during this stage and it can be done every 2-3 months or every year. These tips will make your transitioning journey way easier than you had thought.
Wash and Detangle
Use a wide tooth comb on wash days to detangle. Apply as much conditioner and start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. The hair will feel more manageable and easier to comb through. The weakest point of your hair is where the natural hair meets the processed hair. Be gentle when detangling and styling the hair to prevent breakage. To better manage my hair I would do a mixture of conditioner with olive oil. This method made my hair much easier to manage. Hair can be washed with any shampoo of choice or one that specifically rids the hair of build-ups from old products. Also, follow up with a deep conditioner and do a protein treatment every 6-8 weeks. Applying the LOC method to seal in moisture is required after every wash if you want to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Styling During the Transitioning Stage
When styling it is best to avoid head at all cost. If you choose to use heat make sure to use a heat protectant. At the transitioning stage the hair is already fragile and can be easily damaged; therefore, low manipulation styles that does not cause much tension on the hair is needed. During my transition stage, I wore mostly box braids and often after a wash day I would do a flat twist style that would result into a flat twist out after wearing for several days. It is important to choose a low manipulation style that does not require daily styling and maintenance. To also protect your edges use a satin bonnet.
The Big Chop
If you just want to be free from the relaxer or you prefer a low cut hairstyle then the big chop method is your best option. By doing the big chop it allows you to start fresh by allowing your hair to grow from a short phase. This process will help to thicken the hair and allow it to grow evener. After the big chop process, you might need to figure how to maintain your TWA (tweeny weenie afro) short hairstyle if you haven’t done so already.
Get a Professional Hair Cut
Even though some naturals choose to do the big chop on their own, it is recommended to have this done by a professional, so that you can get a nice clean cut to achieve the best result. After the haircut your hair grows back eventually, so don’t be scared to rock your twa.
TWA Wash Day
Wash days for TWA should be super easy. There is not much need for detangling. If the hair is short but of length I would consider washing and deep-conditioning once every week to remove build-ups. Daily moisturizing is necessary to prevent the hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Styling Natural Hair after the Big Chop
There is not much styling options after the big chop. It is possible to try styles such as finger coils, mini bantu knots, tapered cut, sprucing with a hair color of choice etc.
Which method did you choose? Transitioning or the Big Chop
Whether you choose to transition or big chop the main idea is what works for you. While some prefer to big chop and skip the long transitioning process both will end with the same result. I went through the transitioning stage and I also did a mini-chop when my hair reaches the utmost stage of the transitioning journey.
How did you achieve your natural hair after relaxing? Why did you choose to go back natural? Leave your comments down below.
