The Big Chop Exposé: Meet Chloe!

As announced on the Facebook page and Instagram, here's a lovely interview from Chloe, the lady who did her big chop in front of a live audience at Harbourtfront's Black History Month event. To share your big chop and/or natural hair story, please email adeola.ade2@gmail.com. 

A group of women were interviewed about their big chop experience
before the action began!
(From L-R: Emily, please leave the other women's identity below, thanks) 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself including your occupation and place of residence

My name is Chloe, I am 25 years old, born and currently residing in Toronto. I am a woman of many hustles! I'm a management consultant who supports non-profit organizations with their strategic initiatives and leadership development. I am also a professionally trained coach (a new passion), as well as a musician who performs around the city (my first love).

I must commend you on your braveness to cut your hair on stage in front of a live audience! Who or what motivated you to take such a bold move?

After a year of transitioning, I had told others about my desire to do a big chop in February. It just so happens that Safiya of Safiya's House of Kreation was looking for a participant to do a live big chop for a Black History Month show at the Harbourfront Centre. When I got the call from Safiya, I was initially pretty nervous about volunteering. But the experience I have had this past year in being trained as a coach and coaching people through things they fear is what made me commit to walking my talk. So I went from saying "maybe" to "hell yes" to the live big chop!

Meet Chloe, Safiya and Bee Quammie

How long have you thought about wearing your natural hair out?

What really flipped the switch for me was a year ago when I made a last minute cancellation of a hair appointment for a relaxer and I was charged a crazy amount of money. I was disappointed about how much money I had been spending on my hair for treatments, weaves, and products. That's when I decided I would grow out my natural hair. I have also been inspired over the years by many women on youtube with long, luscious natural hair. My hair texture is very thick and I was curious to see what kind of length I could achieve if I really took care of my hair.

Safiya doing her thing while Chloe answers some questions

What would you say about the natural hair community in Toronto or Canada as a whole?

From what I can see, it is growing rapidly! I see women in Toronto every day with beautiful locs, twists, and fros. Even in the corporate environment I work in, there seems to be a greater level of comfort with women wearing their hair in its natural state. I love it and I hope the trend continues!

What was your friends and family member’s response when you told them you’ll be cutting your hair and what is their response now that you’ve done it?

My fiancé and close friends were excited but family members had no clue why I would want to do such a thing.They were concerned with how I would look and how others might receive and perceive me. I think the fear comes from not knowing there are many different style options for naturals.  Now that I've cut it, my fiancé LOVES it and my family members have been pleasantly surprised by how it looks. 

Just about done, just fluffing the fro

What are some of the remarks and/or compliments that you’ve received so far?

Friends have told me it suits me more. I suppose that makes sense, seeing as how that's how my hair grows out of my head! But I'm surprised by the amount of women who fear going natural because they don't think it will "suit them". So I take that as a compliment! I have also noticed that since my big chop, I'm more confident in the way I carry myself. Other people have picked up on that as well so it's great to know my hair is adding a more bold flavour to how I express myself.

How supportive is your significant other about your decision and how supportive is he now?
Very supportive! He loves seeing me experiment with styles and it gives me the confidence to continue to try something new.
 
It’s been a while since you cut off your relaxed hair, how would you describe your attitude towards your hair? Would you say you love it more or you feel indifferent?

I am actually surprised by how much I am loving my natural hair. Even from the first day, I couldn't get my fingers out of my head. I have fully embraced it and I enjoy spending the extra time taking care of my hair and myself.

What is your hair care habit like, now that you’ve gone fully natural?

I am co-washing about every four days and using natural oils, butters and conditioners on a daily basis. I like kimmaytube's (a youtube naturalista) leave in conditioner method that combines aloe vera juice, leave in conditioner, and your favourite oils based on their pH level.

Bee takes a pic of Chloe's new do and shows it to her

Do you style your hair at home? If so, which natural hairstyles have you tried so far? 

Yes, I still my hair at home. I have been rocking flat twist-outs the most. I find I can get the best curl definition with this style and I can do it relatively quickly. I am still trying to perfect the bantu knot!

Many women are afraid to do the big chop because they feel it will make them look like a boy, what advice would you give such ladies?

I would say that doing your big-chop and having shorter hair actually gives people a chance to see more of your beautiful feminine features. Your eyes, lips, and your body aren't buried underneath your hair. People get to see more of YOU so it's a great opportunity to enhance your features and explore what else about you makes you feel most feminine.

Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview, is there a website where readers can visit to learn more about you? 

People can connect with me on Facebook or on Twitter @its_chloec.

What do you think of Chloe's new do?

Do you share similar experiences with Chloe? Will you do the big chop in front of an audience?