Transitioning: Or Avoiding the Big Chop

Kudos! There's nothing wrong with wanting to accept your hair the way it grows out of your scalp. You will soon find that going natural is about more than your hairstyle: it's a journey of self-discovery. Just like any journey it can be filled with ups and downs, but take heart. You will eventually come to the happy hair place you've been seeking.

If you've been talking to people about going natural, or watching videos on YouTube, or just walking down the street, you've probably heard the term- "The Big Chop." The first time I heard it I had no clue what it was, but my stars, it sounded painful! For the uninitiated, I'll let you know now that the "Big Chop" simply refers to cutting off all your relaxed hair in one fell swoop.

Yep. One fell swoop. Bye bye, years of hard earned length. Hello, oddly shaped head.

If you're uncomfortable with the idea of cutting so much of your hair at one time, you're not alone. The thought of revealing my big head to the masses made me physically ill. Even though I'd been pondering on going natural for some time (years), I wasn't ready to take such a leap of faith.

What if it looked crazy? I couldn't go back and fix it later.

Would I looked like a man? That would not be sexy.

Many women choose the alternate route of transitioning. In simple terms, this means trimming a bit of your relaxed ends ever so often, until you're only left with your natural, un-relaxed, fresh from the scalp curls. How often you trim depends on your personal situation:

1. How much time do you have on your hands?
2. How fast does your hair grow?
3. How scissor happy are you?
4. What kind of odd looks are you getting from your husband/significant other?

Yes, transitioning is just as simple as it sounds. Some folks will try to persuade you that you need a lot of products, or even a special "kit" (yes, I'm calling you out, kit makers) to transition. In my experience that was really not the case. My product stash consisted of good shampoo and conditioner, and a styling product. (In my case, all the products were Miss Jessie's: The Creme de la Creme/Curl shampoo and conditioner, and the Stretch Silkening Cream.) A little bit of trial and error will probably be necessary to find out what products your natural hair cottons to. (No pun intended, I'm just Southern.) Anyway, it will probably not be the same products you used on your relaxed hair, because the texture will be totally different.

Once you've made the first trim, don't rush yourself. Let your hair grow, and go with the flow. You don't have to trim a lot at a time, just as much as you are comfortable with. It may take months, or a year, but slow and steady is not a bad thing. It took me about seven months to transition, from October of 2009 to early May 2010.

What in The World do I Do With it?

Transitioning styles can be as unique or as tame as you like. Some people favor buns, to protect the hair, others favor twist outs. I myself was partial to the braid-out as I transitioned- the wavy results seemed to be the best way to blend my natural and relaxed textures. What are braid-outs and twist outs, you ask? They are just what they sound like: Braiding or twisting your hair, then taking the braids or twists out. Simple. Don't let the natural hair jargon scare you away.

My advice? Experiment. Your natural hair is pretty resilient, so long as you treat it with care. Don't go tugging and abusing it, now. Just try a new style, if you're so inclined.

The Take-Away

Some folks are able to go all in, and do the Big Chop. It makes them feel empowered, they immediately embrace their particular head shape, throw on some dangly earrings, and rock that look.

Some of us aren't so brave. We need our hair - it's a security blanket for whatever reason. We're attached to it. We don't think our bare scalps are meant for public consumption. Whatever.

The point is, either way is fine. Don't feel like you have to Big Chop to go natural. Transitioning is just another means to the same end.

Honey, you'll take to that natural texture like pigs take to mud!

Sorry. The Southern came out again. ;)