Big Chop or Transition To Natural | The Pros and Cons
Are you trying to decide whether to big chop or transition to natural? We will discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision.
So, you made the decision to embrace your natural hair. First, we would like to say congratulations and we are very excited for you! Making a decision to love the hair you were born with is very special and empowering. We understand that learning to care for natural hair can be a lot, and we are so happy that you found us so that we can help you. Don’t forget to subscribe, so that you can be notified when we post new articles on how to care & style your natural hair. First, let’s briefly discuss the difference between the big Chop and transitioning to natural?
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What Is The Big Chop?
The Big Chop is taking your hair from transitioning to natural to actually cutting off your ends. The ends are usually either processed or damaged. Once the ends are cut off you are left with the new growth of natural hair.
What Does Transition To Natural Mean?
To transition to natural means growing out your natural hair until you are ready to big chop off the processed or damaged ends.
Now that we have a basic understanding of each, let’s dive on into the pros and cons of both the big chop and transitioning to natural.
The Pros & Cons Of Doing The Big Chop
Pros of The Big Chop
Start To Learn Your Texture Right Away
When you big Chop and get rid of all the relaxed ends at once you are able to start learning your natural hair right away. You can begin to experiment with hair products to see what you hair likes and doesn’t like.
Begin To Embrace Your Natural Hair
Doing the big Chop is liberating. Once you cut off those dead ends and embrace your natural hair it is very empowering. Although you may not feel this way at first, over time wearing your natural hair will help you to build confidence.
Get Creative.
Cutting off your hair may take you out of your comfort zone, but it is also a chance to get creative. This is a good time to experiment and try styles you have never done before.
Cons of The Big Chop
Hair Length
Your hair may not be that long after doing the big Chop. How long your natural hair will be depends on the length of time you waited before deciding to do the big chop. For some, the length of your hair may be a big issue. This may especially be the case if you have never had short hair before or don’t feel confident enough to wear short hair.
Limited Styles
Again, the type of styles you can do will depend on the length of your hair at the time you big chop. You may not be able to do the same type of styles you were able to do before cutting your hair.
The Pros & Cons of Transitioning To Natural
The Pros of Transitioning To Natural
Keep Your Length
If you are concerned about keeping the length of your hair, then transitioning to natural may be for you. When you transition you are able grow your natural hair out until you reach a length comfortable enough to do the big Chop.
The Cons of Transitioning To Natural
Difficult To Manage The Different Textures
Deciding to transition to natural can be difficult because you will have to manage the texture of you new growth and the texture of your ends. The part of the hair where these two sections meet is called the line of demarcation. This area of hair is very fragile and can easily break. So you will need to make sure you set aside an additional amount of time for washing and styling you hair.
If you do decide to wait awhile before doing the big chop, here are some hair products that will help you manage the two different hair textures of hair while you transition to being fully natural.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Combination Set
When transitioning to natural its important to use products that will keep your hair soft and easy to manage. The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Combination Set deeply hydrates the hair and scalp with moisture and helps with manageability.
Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler & Kinky Curly Curl Custard
The Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler & Kinky Curly Curl Custard is the perfect duo. The Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner will make your hair easier to comb through as you manage the the different textures. It can be used as a detangler and a leave-in conditioner to help keep hair moisturized. The Kinky Curly Curling Custard helps to define your curls and gives hold and shine.
As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
Co-washing your hair, also known as conditioner washing, is great for the hair because it helps your hair retain moisture in between washing your hair with shampoo. The As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner contains a special blend of natural ingredients gently removes residue without stripping of it natural oils.
Tangle Buster Brush
Detangling two different textures of hair can be difficult. That is why the Tangle Buster Brush is a great accessory to add to your natural hair kit. This brush helps to glide through tangles and knots while preventing breakage.
Blueberry Bliss CURL Control Paste by Curls
While transitioning to natural your edges may get unruly. The Blueberry Bliss CURL Control Paste by Curls is made of natural ingredients that help to lay down your edges while adding a soft sheen. It may be used on wet hair for a soft hold or dry hair for a stronger hold.
Making A Decision
Making a decision whether to go ahead and do the big chop or waiting to transition can be a difficult one. But just remember that whatever choice you decide, you already made the right one by deciding to embrace your natural hair!
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I have very short hair but not happy with tight curls, what product will loosen my curls beside using a texturized?
Hi:) You could try using a curl stretch cream to help elongate your curls. Try the Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Stretching Cream or the SheaMoisture Curl Stretch Pudding for Curls. Hope this helps!!