Bye Bye, Length!
If you would have asked me 5-10 years ago if I’d ever big chop my hair, the answer would have been a big fat NO. I was so attached to my hair, even when it wasn’t healthy. But now that I’m older and wiser (lol), I’m prioritizing health over length and embracing my crown in every stage. For those of you who are grappling with the decision to big chop, I wanted to compile a list of 5 things I did to prepare for my transformation that made my experience great!
- Find the right stylist. Do your research on stylists in your area (or even outside of your area, if you’re willing to travel) that specialize in hair cuts. You’d be surprised at how many natural hair stylists don’t have a ton of experience with curly cuts. You might also consider going to a barber, depending on the look you’re going for. Whomever you choose, be sure to check out their Instagram photos, customer reviews, and even stalk their clients’ Instas to see how their cuts held up!
- Please, please, please BOOK A CONSULTATION! Never make a major change to your hair without a consult. I’m telling you this from experience. In the past, I’ve walked in to a salon for a signature color I saw on their Instagram, and let’s just say I left disappointed. When considering my big chop, however, I made sure to book a consult. I walked away feeling very confident in my decision. Consultations are also an easy way to find out if the stylist is right for you! By chatting about your hair care needs, goals, and expectations, you’ll rid yourself of pre-chop anxiety.
- Find your look. I recommend you come to your consultation with a vision board of sorts. This board should include mostly looks from your stylist’s catalog. You’ll avoid a “what I asked for vs. what I got” situation this way. If they’ve done the style before, it’s a sure thing they can recreate it! You can also search Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, but keep in mind, your style might not be a carbon copy of the inspiration photo because every stylist is different. *Note* For more predictable results, choose vision board models that share your face shape and curl pattern!
- Give yourself options. If you’re anything like me, you can love your new style initially, but get bored with it shortly after. Don’t think you have to wear your hair in the big chop style indefinitely! Experiment with wigs, braids, and other protective styles- just make sure to care for your hair underneath. Protective styling is also a great way to ease the transition from longer hair to shorter.
- Keep an open mind. Your new cut may take some time to grow on you, and that’s okay! Change always requires adjustment. If you’ve taken all the steps above, you made your decision to big chop after careful deliberation, and you’re not likely to regret it. You got this!
If you found these tips helpful or if you have a tip to add to the list, leave me a comment below!
Happy Chopping!
