The Big Chop

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As you’re reading this, I’m on my way to chopping off all of my hair.


How dramatic is that?! But yes, today I will be doing what natural hair ladies call “The Big Chop.” It consists of getting all of your processes, relaxed hair cut off, and letting your natural, curly hair grow without any limitations. Believe it or not, I’m pretty excited about it.

I’ve been transitioning from processed, relaxed hair to natural hair for 6 months. My goal was to go a whole year before I cut off the processed ends, but I just can’t take it anymore. Imagine having half of your hair in beautiful curls and the other half in a bone-straight style. Everyday. And you can’t change it. That’s what it was like for me and it was very difficult to figure out what to do with it.

When I was 12, I succumbed to the peer pressure that most African-American girls deal with whether or not to relax my hair. My best friend Jami had long straight hair and I was so tired of the twists that my mother made me wear to school.

I wanted to be “grown.” So a few days before my 6th-grade graduation, I convinced my Mom to let me relax my hair. My hair was down my back, wavy and glorious chestnut color. All natural. And I ruined it. Year after year I saw my hair change, get shorter, get thinner and I figured I couldn’t go back.

Within the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter lots of ladies that have gone natural and will never look back. They’re my inspiration today and I’ll keep them in mind as I see my hair falling to the floor.

Well, I’m on my way. I hope to document this through a vlog, but since I’ll be by myself, I may or may not remember. If all else fails, you can at least see pictures of the process on my Instagram all day today. Wish me luck!

About Amiyrah

My name is Amiyrah and I'm an an African American fashion & lifestyle blogger based in Ohio.

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4 Comments

  1. 11.20.12

    Good Luck!! I’m always terrified when I do something drastic to my hair.

  2. 11.20.12
    Lucrecer said:

    Good for you. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I am seeing my hair look better than it has in a long time. I have been natural for over 12 years.

  3. 11.27.12
    Michelle said:

    Oh that has to be exciting. I don’t quite go that dramatic, but I grow and donate my hair and then cut it. I’m currently about 1/3 of the way through the grow phase (they ruined it when they cut it last time), and I know the feeling of the excitement. Yay for natural – and just think of the money you’ll save 😉 Can’t wait to see it!