I've Big Chopped, Now What?

My big chop 12.20.2010

The weather is getting warm outside letting us know that summer is on the way!  In fact today in NC, the weather is forecast to be 90 degrees!  As the temperature rises, we have a tendency to want to shed; our clothes and our hair.  For those of you who are transitioning to natural hair, this may be the perfect time to get ride of those relaxed ends and do the big chop! Maybe some of you have already cut your hair.  You now may be wondering, I have this TWA, what do I do with it?   Well never fear, here are some tips for maintaining your TWA!

1.  Develop a simple maintenance routine!  There are many natural hair products out there, be careful not to go overboard buying products.  All you need is a sulfate free shampoo, a conditioner, an oil for sealing in moisture, and a styling product.  For a relatively inexpensive brand for just starting out I recommend either Curls or Shea Moisture products.  Both can be found in Target stores where there is a relatively high African American demographic.

2.  Combat dryness by moisturizing your hair regularly!  Many new naturals often complain of dry hair.  The best way to keep your hair moisturized is by applying water. This doesn't necessarily mean shampooing the hair every day (a common mistake that new naturals make).  It does mean however, that your hair needs water frequently.  Mist (don't saturate) your hair with a spray water bottle for moisture and a light oil (i.e. coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil) to the hair to seal in the moisture.  Always sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to keep dryness at bay as well.

3.  My hair looks dull, is it unhealthy?  Naturally curly hair reflects light differently than straight hair because it has bends and curls in it therefore instead of it being a totally reflective surface, its structure fragments light.  It is very rare for highly textured hair to appear "shiny", however you will notice that it does have a healthy "sheen" to it.  Again, the use of light oils can help with this.

4.  Utilize low manipulation styles on your TWA.  A few simple hair styles for your new TWA is a wash & fro (without gel) or a wash & go (which uses gel to define your natural curl pattern), finger coils & coil outs.

Finger coils on a TWA

5. Accessorize your new look!  Your TWA will naturally draw attention to your facial features.  Use the time to try a new bold make up look, feature your favorite jewelry accessories and wear flowers, bows, and unique headbands in your hair!

6.  Lastly remember, short natural hair DOES need care & maintenance.  Short natural hair is not  get up and go hair.  While you may not have to spend hours styling your hair you will need to care for your hair in order for it to have a healthy and neat appearance.


Do you have any questions about maintaining your TWA?  Leave a comment in the comment section below and I'll answer them!





NaturallyNita is a women's lifestyle blog.  After chronicling her natural hair journey 2.5 years ago, Nita realized that there were many other life  journey's where she could share her lesson's learned with others.  This blog focuses not only on natural hair but also health/fitness, business, finances, spiritual & personal growth. www.naturallynita.blogspot.com

Easter Look!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Ressurection Sunday!  I am so thankful that He rose and that He lives!  I truly don't know how I would live without my belief in Jesus Christ.

Here is my Easter hair and outfit (SN:  do adults still buy Easter outfits for themselves?  I didn't.)  All that was new was my cream flower that I got from Target.   

Product Review - Moroccan Argan Oil Ecostyler Gel

So you guys, I think I've finally made my peace with EcoStyler and my wash and go's.  Now that my hair has grown a little longer, and that I've realized how simple this styling option is, I'm actually loving it.

I prefer the Moroccan Argan Oil gel because it tends to be a little heavier than the Olive Oil version and weighs my curls down more.  I've been rocking the above wash and go since Saturday.  It's now Thursday.  Each morning to refresh my curls, I just spray with my water bottle, fluff my hair to it's original style and go.  Now that it's on average 75 - 80 degrees outside, I don't have to worry about leaving with wet hair.

The Ecostyler gels can be found at your local Sally's Beauty Supply, which often runs sales on this for $2.99 for the 32 oz jar.  Usually, it's $4.79.  The gel has almost an orange aroma to it, but I can't smell it in my hair.  I have found that applying a generous amount of coconut oil under this gel doesn't make it quite as hard but it does have a max hold of 10.  As you manipulate your hair from day to day, you'll find that the hair does lose some of the crunchy feeling but maintains the hold and curl pattern.

Day 6 Hair!!

My Twist Out Results!

Just a quick post to show you the results of my twist out.  I used Curls Creme Brule with a little Aloe Vera gel to set my twists.  They stay twisted up for a whole day and then I un-twisted them out this morning with a little coconut oil on my fingers.  I was very pleased with my results!

Do You Miss Salon Visits? I Do!

Comb coils with 2 strand flat twists

Friday, I went to Taji's Natural Hair Styling to get my hair done.  I looked forward to the experience all week.  For me going to the hair salon when I was relaxed, was my one regularly scheduled (every other week, reoccuring appt to be exact) pampering session.  For me it was nothing better than laying back in that shampoo bowl and having my scalp massaged (it makes a smile come to my face just thinking about it)!  Then because I am a natural extrovert, I enjoyed the experience of being in a shop full of women and chatting about our day, men (of course) and current events.  Such is the case when I go to Taji's.  It's a professional salon, I get seen on time, I have a great rapport with my stylist and others in the salon so I love going!

One of my major goals as a natural in addition to growing healthy hair is to learn for the first time in my life to style my own hair.  Another one of my goals is to find another way to save money.  Though I will splurge from time to time, I find that when it comes to spending my money, I tend to be more practical.  I won't get too deep into that (it's a WHOLE 'nother post), but debt is evil..... 

I really enjoyed my experience on Friday.  I enjoyed getting pampered so I've made a decision is that I will get my hair professionally done at least once a quarter and of course for special occasions. My hair is still fairly short so my at home maintenance is still relatively easy.  And let's just face it, I like playing in my natural hair!

Let's look at the comparison what I WOULD have spent on relaxed hair care versus what I have spent on natural hair care since December 2010.  I have not counted products because I bought product as a relaxed hair girl as well.

Relaxed Salon Care
6 shampoo & roller sets			at $35	210
2 relaxer	at $60			120
				330

Versus

Natural Salon Care
Big Chop/Comb Coils			85
Partial 2 strand twist			80
Comb coils			55
			220

I plan to wear my comb coils for about 2 weeks.  The pictures I have posted are day 3 hair.  All I do to maintain is to sleep in a satin bonnet and fluff in the morning with coconut oil.

Picture collage personalized with Smilebox

Roller Set Take 2

Me and my long haired Chihuahua - Princess

This is just a short post to show my hair for this week.  It is another perm rod set.  I used more rollers than before to get more curls all over.  My plan is to tie my hair down with a satin scarf and hopefully the curls will maintain (fingers & toes crossed). 

2 Weeks of Wash & Go's!

So I know I haven't posted too many new hairstyles these past two weeks.  Mainly because I've been rocking wash & go's and puffs.  They have been quick and easy to set, moisturize, and maintain. 

This week I will attempt a different style, it may be a variation of the above or something totally different.  Stay tuned.....we'll all be surprised (I have no idea what I'm going to do yet.  LOL)

My Perm Rod Set

This weekend I tried yet another style on my growing TWA....a perm rod set.  To prep this style, I did my usual wash regimen (adding the deep treatment masque since it's been two weeks since my last DT).  I then applied my leave in and the Jane Carter's Wrap & Roll setting lotion.  I used gray and pink perm rods for this style.  I was really nervous about whether my curly hair would smooth around the rods but it did and came out very nicely.  I slept in the rollers the first night. The second day I didn't re-roll, I had a little less curl definition and alas I got caught in the rain the 2nd day.  There went my curls!  But it was nice while it lasted!

Free picture collage customized with Smilebox

My Wash & Go

With this week's focus being on defining my curls, I decided to co-wash my hair earlier this week and do a wash and go.  I am not a fan of the wash & go set with Olive Oil Ecostyler gel so I decided to use a cream based styler and forgo the hold.  I chose the Curls Curl Creme Brule'.  I shingled my damp hair with the Creme Brule' and got the below results.  It defined my curls, my hair was soft, and smelled great all day!
I'll definately try this again.  By the way, I only made it through Wednesday with the wash and go.  I wanted a different look by day 3.  So be on the look out for my next style attempt with my growing TWA.

I also wanted to check my growth by looking at the difference between my TWA right after my BC to now.  Check out the slideshow below.  I'm growing!!!

This slideshow personalized with Smilebox