To Chop or Not to Chop...that is the Question *April's Answer*

(5 years relaxer free)

Why go natural?
I was very unhappy with my chemically relaxed hair. When my hair was relaxed, it always grew to a certain length and then broke off severely. So, I decided that I would try to go natural; I couldn't lose anything!

Did you ever consider doing the Big Chop?
At first, no! Never considered the big chop. About a year and a half into my natural transition, I did....mainly because I wanted to be free of hair duties (lazy).  If anyone didn't know, natural hair is high maintenance, baby! Much attention required!

How did you transition to natural hair?
I made my transition into natural hair by backing away from the creamy crack by extending my touch up periods.  At first, I would get a touch up every 6 months. Then, every 8 and so on. Once I reached the year mark, I said, "No more creamy crack for me" (so, as you can see, it took me some years to convert). During my transition, I wore my hair in roller sets, twist outs, and ponytails to manage the different textures. It took me a total of two and half years to fully transition to my natural state.

Did you cut your own hair or go to a stylist?
Stylist. I would go to my favorite natural hair salon in Atlanta, Too Groovy, and get my hair blow-dried, straightened, and ends clipped every six weeks. That way I would shed the relaxed ends instead of just doing the big chop.

How did you manage the two hair textures during your transition?
I manage like 4 different hair textures! I had one side that was wavy, one curly, one straight and a super kinky side. Lol! But I managed with different hair styles like, wet twist sets, spiral roller sets, etc. I believe that you can train your hair to do whatever you like so I was very persistent with having it in a style that showcased all of my hair as the same texture!

Was your hair easier to manage once you were 100% natural, and not having to deal with the two textures?
YES! Less tangles! Thank God for Knot Today by Kinky Curly!

Do you wish you had big chopped?
NAW NAW NAW

Once your hair was 100% natural, did you feel liberated? Or regretful?
Liberated! I love my hair so much more now! It's beautiful, it's healthy, and I have endless options for hairstyles!

Is natural hair really all it's hyped up to be?
I really don't feel that it is as hyped as it should be! Natural hair, believe it or not, is for the high maintenance! Whether you're rocking dreads, an afro, or have your press-n-curl game going, you have got to take care of it for it to look good! But it's worth it; my hair is not me, but if it's on me, it will look good!

How did your friends, family, and colleagues react to your natural hair?
Family and friends that didn't understand were non-believers until they saw my long, healthy strands of hair hanging down my back. That usually would shut the negative peanut gallery down! Thereafter, I would get calls and questions on tips about "how you do that?" or "what you do to your hair to get it like that?"

My coworkers, on the other hand, never said they didn't like my hair.  Funnily enough, whenever my hair is straightened, they are quick to let me know how pretty it is. But when I'm rocking my hair in its natural state, um...not so much the same reaction. But what can you say, society has its own way of thinking.

Do you miss your relaxed hair?

Not by a long shot!

In your opinion: Big Chop or Let it grow before you let it go?

Can't really say because everyone is different.  For me, I clearly think the let it grow process is better and that is just because I am a very deliberative thinker.

                                                                  

                 
*If you liked April's interview, check her out on Check Please! She knows good hair and good food!