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Rather than assuming and asking myself questions which I should be asking others, I would sometimes ask women why they decided to make the bold move. Unfortunately the responses I've gotten have always left me with more questions, because some of the answers don't make sense to me. To give you a few examples, I might get someone tell me they just had the urge to chop it all off because they were tired of their relaxed hair and nothing was working. Sometimes they tell me they had a lot of damage and just had to let go of the damaged ends or that short hair is easier to comb and manage. While all these responses are valid, I feel most of the issues they were having could have been resolved had they taken the time to really learn about Black hair basics. And so I think some people do the BC out of ignorance.
So is the BC always the solution to unhealthy, damaged hair? or the key to a stress free hair?
Chopping one's hair gets rid of the problem temporarily, it won't however eliminate future neglect and mistakes you made in the past. So instead of grabbing a pair of scissors, I suggest you go to an EDUCATED stylist to get a consultation on the state of your hair and ask questions on how you can properly take care of your new growth so that you don't end up doing another BC 2years down the road. You can also look up the various resources online on Black haircare, but keep in mind that the advice given may be conflicting and even damaging to the overall health of your hair.
I believe simple changes in your regimen and lifestyle can improve the overall health of your hair, even if its relaxed hair. Changes such as frequent washing, conditioning, deep conditioning, moisturizing and wearing loose protective styles can truly bring your hair back to life.
So do I walk around with damaged hair?
Once you've acquired sufficient knowledge on your hair and you've actually put some of the principles into practice in which you are now starting to see some difference both in the old lifeless hair and the new growth, then I think you are ready to go chop off the damaged ends. I recommend working and getting to know your hair for at least 3months before doing the BC. This allows you to get enough practice with your hair in terms of styling, washing, combing, deep conditioning, trimming and generally getting a feel on how to work with your hair when it grows long.
If you happen to do the BC because you didn't know how to take care of your Natural hair once it grows longer than 3 inches, then I suggest you read the following posts
1. To comb or not to comb your hair?
2. 5 reasons Black hair shouldn't be combed often
3. Wash day basics: 7 steps
Why did you do the BC? Did you join the train only be feel clueless after you've made the decision? Did you do the BC out of ignorance? What steps do you think needs to be taken before chopping it all off?
Well said dear... I didn't do the big chop, i transitioned and just trimmed off the little bits of perm left.
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indeed! Knowledge truly is key, great post!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that taking the time to research and learn about black hair care will help promote healthier hair and care practices. And its wonderful to help and lead others towards useful information about anything. But sometimes our intentions to help others can be off putting. Speaking from an experience with a stylist that gave her card to me and proceeded to tell me she could "Do wonders and teach me a thing or two about my hair." I didn't take her seriously because of her pretentious approach. I also thought her hair looked awful. Funny this happen because I told her I was happy with my current stylist and her advice on my hair when she asked me about my hair.
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