There is a new buzz word around, “transitioning”. For those who have not come across this term yet, it is the term used to describe the period you are changing from relaxed hair to natural hair.
Grooming with Heather R The big chop, also known as the “BC”, is another popular term nowadays. The ladies are trading in the straight hair for afros instead. I began my transition phase earlier this year because I was no longer fond of my relaxed hair, since it could not suit the body structure I would have wanted and it was so dry.
The body regimes I was trying were not suitable for my processed hair and so I thought — why not go natural? My plan was to let my new growth grow to a significant length then I would do my big chop but alas, I neglected my demarcation line and disaster struck.
The demarcation line is the line where the new growth grows into the processed hair. This line is very fragile and if it is not taken care of, this is the point at which your hair will break. I neglected mine and when I washed my hair the processed hair became so knotted that there was no way of detangling it, plus I did not have the patience to work through it. So, my premature big chop was born.
I have since fallen in love with my new hair but it is still at that weird length. So I have been braiding it regularly so that it would grow fast enough. It is growing and the texture is better by far. The Phrophro regimes are working now. I have been googling beautiful hairstyles for natural African hair and cannot wait to try them out as soon as I take out my braids.
REASONS TO GO FOR THE BIG CHOP
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It is an affordable way to change your look. It is inexpensive to maintain because the moisturisers and oils are not expensive and natural hair is easy to maintain at home. It is low maintenance, that is, once you find your look you can just wake up, ruffle it up a bit and you are good to go. You can give your hair and scalp a break from all the chemicals. Breakages will be minimised, but of course that is if you treat your hair right.
THINGS TO NOTE
While you are in transition, you need to take care of the demarcation line. Moisturise it so that it does not break off and damage your new growth while you are at it; If you find out that your new growth is difficult to manage, you can texturise the new growth by relaxing it for half the time you would normally relax it. It will soften but still maintain the texture it has;
Do not neglect your hair; carry on with your previous regimen. Natural hair needs tender, loving care too. Have fun with your hair. Google ways to style your hair on the internet. Some women have been doing this for longer than some of us. So it is worthwhile trying out something new.
Manipulate your hair while it is still wet
Manipulate your hair while it is still wet because it will be easier to manage and it will break less. Comb with a wide-toothed comb to avoid unnecessary breakages. Use fingers when styling the dry hair. A comb may be painful and it may stress out your scalp.
If you are thinking about going natural, give it a shot. You will not regret it. If you hate it, you can always go back to your processed hair.
