A little over two months ago, I big chopped and entered the world of natural hair. I was ~27 months post relaxer and tired of dealing with multiples hair textures. On a whim, I grabbed some scissors and went for it and have no regrets.
Related: I Finally Big Chopped!
Transitioning to Natural Hair
My transition to natural hair was unintentional. I started stretching my relaxer for a number of reasons and before I knew it, I was more than six months post relaxer. I was not ready to relax my hair at that point so I continued stretching and eventually transitioned to natural hair.
Related: 7 Regimen Hacks for Transitioning to Natural Hair
Natural Hair Learning Curve
A hairstylist once told me I cheated because I long term transitioned with wigs and buns. I was low key offended because no matter the path of travel to natural hair, all roads lead to the same result. Therefore, I don’t consider myself as taking the cheat route. However, diss if you wish, but long term transitioning taught me how to care for my hair in various stages. Therefore, the natural hair learning curve has not been as steep and I’m not struggling with some of the things new naturals struggle with.
Related: 21 Things to Expect When Transitioning to Natural Hair
Natural Hair Products
My hair journey has been dedicated to universal products that work for natural hair and relaxed hair. Therefore, I did not have to run out and buy new products after I big chopped. In fact, I’ve been able to use the same products on my natural hair as I used while relaxed and transitioning.
Related: Hair Stylist Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair
Natural Hair Regimen
I like to keep things simple so my natural hair regimen is as follows:
- scalp exfoliate as my pre-shampoo treatment [Komaza Hair and Scalp Treatment]
- wash my hair with a sulfate shampoo [Nexxus Therappe Shampoo]
- shower detangle with a slippery conditioner [Paul Mitchell the Detangler]
- deep condition with a fast acting conditioner that does not require heat [Nexxus Humectress Conditioner]
- use a moisturizing product combination as my leave in conditioner [Jay’s Favorites]
- and, moisturize and seal my hair throughout the week to keep hair moisturized [Jay’s Favorites]
I often switch up products on wash day but the steps in my natural hair regimen remain the same. This simple hair regimen works great for my hair. In just a few short months, my hair has grown quite a bit and I even trimmed it 3 or 4 times since my original big chop to remove some rough ends. I also want to point out, I used this same basic regimen while relaxed and transitioning so it’s universal.
Less is More!
Throughout this hair journey, I’ve learned less is more. It doesn’t take an extensive wash day regimen to grow long and healthy hair. The basics to hair care are simple – keep your hair and scalp free of buildup, deep condition often to replenish moisture, use protein as needed and keep hair moisturized throughout the week. Lastly, have a little patience and the rest will take care of itself.
This is really encouraging. I just cut off my relaxed ends and I’m planning to maintain my regimen. Do you still use wigs or do you try natural styles?
I am using wigs. I haven’t had time to try natural styles with everything that’s going on with my husband’s health. I will play around with some natural hairstyles once things settle down. What styles are your go-to?
Congrats on cutting off your relaxed ends. I’m behind of reading everyone’s blog. How long did you transition?
I transitioned for 18 months. Wigs are defintiely low stress which is good considering what’s going on. I hope things are a bit better. I’m still trying to figure out how to style my hair so no go-to styles yet.
I have fallen in love with wigs. It allows me to experiment without damaging my hair. Things are going much better, thanks for asking. If forced to do a style, I will do a bun. I have that process down. Beyond that, well…I’m not 100% yet.
Hello! For the rough hair you trimmed off, were they scab hair?
Hi Joie! To tell you the truth, I still have some rough hair that needs to be removed. I will do it gradually so I don’t jack up my hair with a bad haircut. I’ve read a lot about scab hair. I suppose by definition it would be scab hair. I tend to say it’s leftover relaxed hair that I didn’t remove when I big chopped. I was very conservative with my big chop and subsequent trims/cuts. In hindsight, I should have been a little more aggressive because I keep finding some relaxed ends each time I wash my hair.
Congratulations on your big chop yay!! Your hair is looking great Jay!
Thank you so much Lebo!!
Hi Jay! How are you? How’s hubby? Are you air drying or blow drying? Your hair looks so nice and fluffy. I’m loving it.
Hey Joan! His health is still improving. We were hoping he would be done with chemo by now but unfortunately, he will have to continue treatment for another 8 weeks. Thank you for keeping us in prayer. Thank you for the hair compliment. I air dry. I don’t have the patience to blow dry.
Happy New Year Jay and all those on this hhj!
I am happy to hear from you and thank you for the update on your husband! I have been praying for you both.
Your hair looks awesome and has grown a lot within two months! Although I am relaxed, I too practice a simple regimen. My hair seems to like the HE, GF, and Pantene products best. I have a minor stockpile of those items. I did, however, find a product in a vox box, OI All in One Milk, that will eliminate at least two products!! It is awesome, smells great and leaves my hair with lots of body, protection and soft; just awesome even when air drying.
Hi Ruth, girl – I’m so sorry for the delay. You know a lot has been going on with my husband’s health so please forgive me. How are you still liking the Vox Box find? I love those boxes. Thank you for your prayers.
Really simple yet effective tips all to work in our favor! Thanks for sharing!!