Loving My Big Chop! PLUS My #NaturalHair Everyday Regimen

Confession: I’ve never rocked my hair shorter than a bob. Long hair had become somewhat of a security blanket for me. So when I decided to go natural in December and learned about the “big chop,” I swore it off immediately.

Yes Evan Rachel Woods and Halle Berry look as beautiful as ever with short hair. But they aren’t me. I’m the girl who whipped my Outre weave ponytail all through high school better than Beyonce and Willow Smith combined. Short haircuts just wouldn’t cut it.

That is until I started transitioning. As my natural hair grew in, I got more and more excited and impatient about how it would look once my natural kinks and curls took over. And the demarcation line (where natural and relaxed hair meet when you’re transitioning) started getting weaker and weaker. And I was tired of wearing wigs/weaves as my hair grew out.

I couldn’t deny it anymore. It was time for a chop. I am embarrassed to say this but I was so scared I decided to cut a couple of strands myself the day before my salon appointment…only because I was making it such a big deal and I wanted to stop boiling over with anticipation on what cutting 75% of my hair would feel like. (The way I deal with fear is just to run on and face the challenge or I won’t do it at all!)

So I started cutting. And couldn’t stop. It was so refreshing and freeing. Away with those tresses I was hanging on to just ’cause. Hello to a new exciting look!

When I was done, I stared in the mirror face-to-face with a new me. And surprisingly, I was loving every minute of her.

It’s been hilarious how everyone’s reacted. The staff at my job all said the kindest…and funniest…things (my boss took a week and a half to get used to the ‘new’ me).

My family was overwhelmingly supportive (my Dad also known as my #1 fan and my bestie, Sabrina, both thought I looked beautiful. My Aunt said I looked like Jada Pinkett-Smith. Oooo!).

When I finally stepped out in the “industry” with my new look, the ladies loved it (my editor at Juicy Magazine raved in an email) and even the guys did too (most guys have made a point to tell me how much they love the look. Who says guys are only drawn to long hair?). The reaction that moved me the most was my cousin Danielle who said she thought it was beautiful in way that’s effortless. I was shocked but also encouraged. This big chop was a step in the right direction.

 

That’s not to say there weren’t any naysayers. An uncle “just didn’t get it.” But at the end of the day, it’s really about how I feel. For one, I’m proud of myself for taking the leap. And excited for a regimen and style that will protect my hair and keep it the healthiest it’s been in years (Ohhh I’ve been bad to my hair over the years, Glamazons). And more over, I can see my eyes and my smile clearer than ever now. And that’s beautiful to me regardless of how anyone else feels about it.

My amazing roommate, Melissa, was even nice enough to dye it for summer! Owww!

So in rediscovering my hair in its new chopped state, here are the dream team of products that I’ve discovered that work best for me:

1. Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Hair Cream

When I say this is miracle cream from the GODS! I got on a plane to LA and told the guy at security, take whatever you want out of my luggage (okay, maybe not my Louboutins) but DON’T take my Cantu Shea Butter! It prevents breakage, it reduces frizz and split ends but most importantly, it leaves my hair soft and manageable. Like beyond. Loves!

2. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Shampoo and Conditioner

When I wash and condition these tresses, I only use Monoi. Between the smell, the amazing Monoi ingredient that helps my hair grow (seriously, it’s growing like a weed) and how soft my hair is, what’s NOT to love about Monoi? Thanks to a tip from my dearest Ferocia, I leave the conditioner in for about 10 minutes under the dryer and my hair has never looked/felt better.

3. Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

THIS! So for summer, I’ve been rocking a cute curly style and nothing, nothing, nothing keeps my curls in place like Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. In addition to giving shine and providing hold, it moisturizes my hair. No build-up, no stiffness, no gelled-up looking nonsense. I go nowhere without my Kinky-Curly. Fact.

4. Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme

When I want loose waves and curls that aren’t wound so tight, I turn to Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme. First of all, it smells too good (Like your man will be all up in your ‘fro good) and its mixture of aloe, shea, almond and olive fruit oil is truly good for your hair. I especially love this for two-strand twistouts! Perfection!

5. Castor and Rosemary Oil

And finally, among the many great things this journey has taught me, I’ve learned to appreciate oil without all that extra added stuff. Castor and Rosemary Oil have been so great to my hair and have it growing like mad. I put either on my scalp (weekly, but may do it more come Winter) and it just grows out. Try it if you’re not using it already – you’ll thank me!

SHOP HERE:

 

 

OK. Those are the products I need to live right now. I hear the arsenal will change as my hair enters new stages and I’m ready for the challenge!

What natural hair products do you swear by? And any recos? Seriously, I’ll try anything. Also, did you big chop? How was your experience? Frightening? Exhilarating? I want to hear it.

And stay tuned: I’m hitting up Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules for all the dish about natural hair salons, best practices and style how-tos. Will be amaze!

Kisses,

Glamazon Jessica

*Special thanks to Melissa Cornelius for dying my hair in our hair salon kitchen and Nicole Bryant, Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes Blog, Patrice Dickens, Judene Walden, Elaine Welteroth of Ebony Mag, Christina Brown of LoveBrownSugar and Natarsha McQueen of BET for putting up with my endless questions about natural haircare. You guys are the best!