A Big Chop Won't Make You Look Like A Boy, It Will Make You Look Like Yourself - Meet Ebun!

Meet Ebun!

This week's "Big Chop Exposé" series features Ebun, a regular and a long time reader on this blog. Ebun was the first winner of the first giveaway I had on this blog where she won a lovely handmade necklace by Tols Creations. And so it only makes sense that I interview her for this series. Enjoy!

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

My name is Ebun. I'm a student studying French and International Studies. I'm also a  freelance writer, natural hair blogger and budding photographer residing in Lagos, Nigeria. 

How long did you transition for before doing the big chop?
I transitioned for 9 months. From March till December 2013.

When did you finally take the big leap? Did you cut your hair by yourself or did you go to a salon?
I big chopped on Christmas eve, 24th December 2013 by myself. I just stood in front of the mirror with a pair of scissors and chopped it all off. 

March 2013, Beginning of 9 months transition journey

Do you plan to wear your hair out in its TWA (teeny weeny afro) state or would you let it grow out in a protective style?
I haven't installed extensions since the big chop and it's been a breeze. I love wearing my hair out, especially since the weather is too hot for extensions. 

What would you say about the natural hair community in Lagos?
Natural hair is still gaining grounds in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. But I think with time, as more and more women start to wear their natural hair out in public, it will then be generally accepted by the public.  

What was your friends and family member’s response when you told them you’d be cutting your hair and what is their response now that you’ve done it?
I can never forget my mother's reaction, she was dumbfounded and thought I had gone bonkers. She is however learning to accept it as I have made the personal decision to grow out my natural hair. As for my friends, after throwing several jabs at me initially, they're finally been converted. Infact, I big chopped one of my friend's hair in February and will be doing another one in July. 

9 months post relaxer

How receptive are your social contacts with your afro? What are some of the remarks and/or compliments that you’ve received so far?
My friends (and a few others) adore my hair especially since mine has the longest length. They can't seem to keep their fingers off it. The compliments varies from ''Oh, I love the texture of your hair'' to ''That bantu knot-out looks amazing'' to ''Your hair's so full'' and ''I love your hair!!''. It goes on and on. 

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?
Oh I love my hair! I actually look forward to wash days and deep conditioning as I now enjoy the extra care and time I give my hair.

What is your daily or weekly hair care routine like, now that you’ve gone fully natural? 
I spritz my hair daily with my hair spray (water, glycerine and extra virgin olive oil) and I seal with hair butters and/oils. I Co-wash twice a week and deep condition weekly.

Dec 2013, post big chop

Do you style your hair at home? If so, which natural hairstyles have you tried on your natural hair so far?
I'm my own personal hair stylist. My go-to style is the braid out, it's a quick and easy hairstyle which works perfectly for me because it stretches my hair out and helps to retain moisture for a longer period of time. Once in a while, I will try the bantu knot-outs and twist-outs. I'm yet to explore more styles due to the length of my hair, but I look forward to trying out more hairstyles in the future. My latest style is the 'frohawk and I love it already!

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?

You know I felt that way initially but then I realized that everyone has their individual unique shape. Cutting your hair won't  make you look like a boy, but like yourself, only with shorter hair. So go right ahead! 

Thank you so much for doing this interview, is there a website where readers can visit to learn more about you?
 It's my pleasure. You can find me on my blog 

3months post BC+ 12months post relaxer = 1year growth!

Do you have a big chop story to share? Contact me today to share your big chop or natural hair journey. 

Got other thoughts, ideas and comments about this post or other posts? I'd love to hear from you. Don't be too shy to leave your "footprint" in the comment box below :)