I Did the Big Chop and Now My Hair is Growing Like Crazy!! 5 Tips to Help with the Awkward Stage.

The Big Chop was the most liberating exciting part of going natural for me. I felt empowered and excited about my new journey to returning to my natural texture. My hair was curly, coily and obeyed my every command. UNTIL....It started GROWING!!!

 Suddenly, this new hair texture that was growing out of my head was becoming a nuisance. I had no idea what to do with it and it was becoming more of a challenge every day.

These 5 Tips Helped Me Tremendously!!

1.) Stop comparing your hair to the natural hair pictures floating around social media.

These pictures are usually of people who have been natural for sometime and they have had the trail and error of finding what works for them. In most cases your hair will look nothing like your hair crush! Just face it, you are a newbie so you have alot to learn about how to care for YOUR hair.

2.) Except your texture for what it is.

To be honest I thought that since my hair was a nice grade when it was permed I assumed it would be well behaved and manageable in its natural state. WRONG!!! My hair does not curl and wave up with water only. Actually it puffs up like a marshmallow and looks dry even when its not. My hair needs to be moisturized DAILY and thrives when coated with butters and creams immediately after its wet. That is how my hair grows. Oil/water combo is my best friend. I didn't learn that over night.

3.) ACCESSORIZE!

Headbands, bows, flowers, barrettes, banana clips etc. can help spruce up your dull hairstyle. I hid behind my hair for so long that I felt naked without it. Sometimes I felt like I looked like a little boy with my TWA so a cute little headband or flower on the side made me look and feel more feminine.

This was my hardest stage.. That hair in the back drove me crazy!! It was two short to put in a ponytail and too long to brush it down flat. I almost cut off the back and sides for a more tapered look but I'm glad I didn't because its down my back now!! WOO HOO!

4.) Hoop it Up!

Hoop earrings have always been a staple for me. Whether my hair was relaxed or natural big hoops helped liven up any look... Even if you aren't into big earrings a simple pair of stud/button earrings can add pizazz to your hair and outfit.

5.) Have fun!

The way our hair looks is important but it's really not that serious. YOU ARE NOT YOUR HAIR!  At the end of the day its just hair. If you plan on rocking the TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) for a while or if you're trying to grow out your hair, JUST HAVE FUN! My husband is a Master Barber on the side so he would shape up my fro when it looked lopsided. My friend said Super Cuts shaped up her fro for $8 bucks!! Twist it, coil it, braid it, weave it up or whatever. Just have fun and enjoy this journey. The hair gurus we crush and salivate over took time to develop their hair also. It doesn't happen over night. Don't give up. Hang in there. *wink* :-)

What if my man doesn't like my Natural Hair???

Every once in a while someone will ask me the question, "What if my man doesn't like my Natural Hair?" 

Every situation is different, I can't speak on every relationship...but in my case HE LOVES MY NATURAL HAIR...now.

When I made the Big Chop it was in the wee hours of the morn and everyone was nestled quietly in their beds...lol...I wrestled with the idea for YEARS. Every time I decided to go natural I lost my nerve and talked myself out of it. This particular morning I couldn't sleep. I stood in the bathroom mirror staring at my long bone straight tresses and nappy roots. My new growth was screaming for me to pick sides. I was either going to perm my new growth or cut all my hair off. I grabbed the scissors and went to chopping.

After I came down from my rush reality set in, the alarm was going to go off in a couple hours and I had to be at work in a few. 

I put on a scarf and called my husband in the bathroom. I snatched off the scarf and his jaw hit the floor. It seemed like he couldn't stop blinking...he didn't have any words!! LOL!

Even though I told myself that it didn't matter what he thought of my hair. I loved it and that was all that mattered!!! HMPH!

(In reality, I stood there sheepish awaiting his approval. lmbo)

He was like, "What in the world?" He turned me around trying to figure out if he liked it or not. Then he said, "I like it...I think." He shaped up my TWA and I threw on  a wig and went to work.

Basically, he was shocked to see the head of hair I had been growing for the decade we were married all over the floor. Honestly I don't think he really cares either way. I could tell it took a little adjusting because he would stare at my head sometimes when he didn't think I knew he was looking. Five years later my hair has hardly ever been the topic up for discussion. He just kinda sees only ME and not my hair. I am very fortunate because I am always doing something to my hair.

MY TWO CENTS::

As long as your hair is clean and kept I don't think ANYONE should be shunned for wearing their hair in its natural state. Its hard to believe it when sistas tell me their boo was turned off and left them because they went natural. It says alot about the person and how they view their significant other. 

I would have probably done the BC anyway even if I knew he wouldn't have liked it because it was something I wanted to do. You have to compromise in relationships but not for the sake of your self worth. If it makes you feel good, do it!!