She Had TOO Much Hair! So We Chopped it All Off
Benefits of a Big Chop on Natural Hair
She Had TOO Much Hair! So We Chopped it All Off
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Today, we’re diving into a transformative hair journey featuring a big chop and silk press on one of my returning clients. She’s always had a ton of hair, capable of growing it to impressive lengths.
However, during our consultation, she shared her struggles with maintaining her thick, strong hair. Let’s walk through her journey, the products we used, and the techniques that brought her hair back to life.
Embracing the Big Chop
My client has been battling with the overwhelming task of managing her long, thick hair. She dreaded wash days so much that she resorted to living in protective styles and washing her hair only once a month. While her hair’s strength allowed her to get away with minimal maintenance, it wasn’t a sustainable way to care for her hair. She admitted she wanted a change, something more manageable, and had always dreamed of a chic bob cut.
Below is a picture of her hair before her big chop:
The Initial Cut
After our consultation, we decided it was the perfect time for a big chop. Cutting her hair shorter would reduce the time spent on washing and styling, and give her a fresh start. Often, a new hairstyle brings renewed enthusiasm for hair care, encouraging better habits.
She was eager to make the first cut herself, and she did it with confidence. The transformation began with cutting off about 5 inches of her hair, immediately lightening the load and setting the stage for a sleek bob.
Strengthening with Olaplex Treatment
To prepare her hair for the silk press, we started with an Olaplex treatment. Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that strengthens hair by repairing broken bonds within the hair shaft. This treatment is essential for her, especially since her hair had been in protective styles and unwashed for a month. The Olaplex treatment ensured her hair was strong enough to endure the upcoming heat styling.
I used a hair steamer to help the Olaplex treatment penetrate deeply into her hair, providing essential moisture and hydration. Steaming before any heat styling is crucial as it helps retain moisture and prevents heat damage.
Moisture and Repair with Deep Conditioning
After the Olaplex treatment, it was time to shampoo her hair. I used a moisture-rich shampoo to ensure her hair received maximum hydration. Next, I applied a Deep Repair treatment infused with keratin, a natural protein found in our hair. This treatment provides both moisture and strength, crucial for her previously dry and weak hair. It also helped with detangling, making it easier to manage her thick hair.
Products for the Silk Press
Post-deep conditioning, I prepped her hair for the silk press with the Silky Smooth Bundle. I started with the Emergency Miracle Treatment, a leave-in conditioner that provides a foundation of moisture and protection against daily wear and tear.
For heat protection, I used Le Deux, a blow-dry cream that smooths the hair, making it easier to blow dry while keeping it moisturized. To seal in the moisture and add an extra layer of heat protection, I applied Amethyst Oil. This oil not only acts as a sealant but also speeds up drying time, which is a significant benefit given her thick hair.
What to Expect When You Big Chop Your Hair
Mixed Emotions:
After a big chop, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions from excitement and liberation to anxiety and uncertainty. Give yourself a week to adjust to your new look before forming any solid opinions.
New Hair Routine:
Your hair care routine will need to change. Focus on keeping your hair moisturized with a good deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and an oil to seal in moisture. This simple routine helps prevent damage and promotes healthy hair growth.
Gentle Detangling:
Curly hair is fragile and requires gentle handling. Finger detangling is the best method as it allows you to feel and gently separate knots. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush sparingly.
Styling Your New Cut:
Styling short hair can be daunting, especially if you’re used to longer lengths. Experiment with different hairstyles like twist outs, braid outs, and wash-and-gos. Accessories like bobby pins, hair scarves, and headbands can also add flair and versatility to your look.
Regular Trims:
Even after a big chop, regular trims are essential to maintain healthy hair. Schedule trims every three months to keep your ends healthy and your style looking fresh.
Seek Professional Guidance:
If you’re struggling with your new hair routine, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional stylist. They can provide personalized advice and recommend the right products and techniques for your hair type.
Best Hair Regimen After Your Big Chop
Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioner regularly to ensure your hair stays moisturized and strong. The Deep Repair Treatment is infused with keratin proteins to rebuild your hair’s strength.
Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture levels and protect your hair from daily wear and tear. The Emergency Miracle Treatment's lightweight formula is perfect for daily use even for finer hair textures.
Heat Protection: Before any heat styling, apply a heat protectant like Le Deux blow-dry cream to shield your hair from damage. This step is crucial to maintain healthy hair.
Oil Sealing: Use a lightweight oil like Amethyst Oil to seal in moisture and add shine. This oil also provides an additional layer of heat protection and speeds up drying time.
Gentle Detangling: Incorporate finger detangling into your routine to minimize breakage and damage. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush sparingly to assist with more stubborn tangles.
Protective Styling: When you need a break from daily styling, consider protective styles like braids or twists. Remember to take breaks between protective styles to allow your hair to rest and breathe.
Regular Trims: Maintain a schedule of trims by booking every three months to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends.
Hydration and Scalp Care: Keep your hair and scalp hydrated with regular steam treatments and scalp massages. These practices promote blood flow to the scalp, encouraging healthy hair growth.
Conclusion
After completing the silk press and finalizing her bob cut, her hair looked full, healthy, and chic. The shorter length will save her time on wash days and styling, making hair care more manageable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your hair and considering a big chop, remember that it’s a fresh start that can rejuvenate your hair care routine and overall hair health.