Over the years, we’ve seen some of the naturalistas we’ve come to adore start fresh with a second big chop after growing gorgeous hair. “Is she crazy?!” Well, there may some good reasons for them doing it. Here are four.
Damage
Because heat damage is irreversible, it’s a huge reason why many opt to reach for the scissors. Some may choose to deal with it and just trim a little here and there while doing styles to camouflage the damage. But if you just can’t take it, a big chop may be the answer. Not properly taking care of your hair after coloring it can make it dry and brittle leaving it susceptible to breakage and split ends. For some, the damage is so out of control that starting over is the best answer. Really, whether you have color or not, if you’ve neglected your hair over time— not keeping up with trims, not moisturizing enough, etc— maybe you’d do better with much shorter or no hair that requires less work.
Read Also: 5 Ways You Can Treat Heat Damage
Short Hair is Just EASIER
Cropped hair wearers everywhere talk about how simple and low maintenance their hair is… and it makes sense. They spend far less time on their hair overall than us girls with length. Think about your typical wash day- exactly. Even if you’ve gotten your routine down to a point where it no longer takes all day, you still spend more time on it than someone with short hair. Day-to-day maintenance and upkeep is shaved down to minutes! Plus, those with short hair spend far less money on products since they have less hair to put products on! Who doesn’t wanna save some cash? I think, if nothing else, that’s probably the best reason for a second big chop!
Read Also: You Just Big Chopped | 5 Things People Are Saying
You Need a Change
Maybe you’ve had some big developments happen or there has been a huge shift that causes you to look at life differently. New job, a new place, college graduation, significant weight loss… What better way to fully celebrate those changes and milestones than by “reinventing” yourself with a whole new look?
You’re Bored
What often happens with many is that they’ve gotten their hair to a comfortable length and have mastered all the twists-outs, braid-outs, updos and rod sets out there. Now what? A second big chop seems to be the cure. Cutting it all off is like starting an adventure all over again. This can be a way to bring some fun into your life as you experiment with techniques for the new length and maybe even switch up your fashion a bit to complement the new do!
Sure, we may all be shocked when we see anyone we know (or kinda know from youtube) suddenly do something as drastic as a second big chop, especially if their coming from long hair. But think twice before giving them the side eye. She may have some good reasons for doing it. Either way, it’s just hair, right? 🙂
Would YOU consider doing a big chop for the second time? Why or why not? If you’ve already done it, what were your reasons?
Helen pearce says
April 23, 2016 at 7:53 amI’ve been natural for about 11 months now and I’ve noticed my hair had been growing a lot more. But I’ve been putting braids in which has affected my edges. And when I do have it on of braids I will straighten my hair.
I use heat protect when I do this but I think it has damaged my hair.
I do a deep condition about every 3 weeks and was my hair every 3-7days.
When I do just have my hair out not straightening at all I’ll brush it out it looks big but I’ve got curls and at the ends it all straight and limp.
Could you recommend anything for me to do to improve the health of my hair.