Posts by: nicoleseck

Short Hair, Don’t Care: Ara’s BIG CHOP Story

On 23 Jan, 2013 By 0 Comments
Photo of Ara before her BIG CHOP.

Photo of Ara before her BIG CHOP.

 

What’s your name and what city are you from?

Ara Sonia Vanessa Henri,  Haiti.

Why did you decide to go Natural?

I got tired of relaxer; I wanted to be me for once.

Why have you decided to BIG CHOP your hair?

I’m a little impatient – I couldn’t wait years waiting for my natural hair to grow, so I decided to cut off the relaxed hair.

 

Following Ara's BIG CHOP.

Do you feel differently about wearing your hair short and what has been the response been from others?

Way different, never thought I would feel sexy with short hair. Around me some people like it others no, but I don’t care too much about what people may think of my hair, it’s mine no?

What advice would you give to other women who are contemplating going natural? 

 Believe me women, you will feel free, and mad at yourself for not doing it sooner.

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Short Hair, Don’t Care: Alisia’s BIG CHOP Story

On 6 Jan, 2013 By 0 Comments
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What’s your name and what city are you from?
Alisia Young. I’m from Pickering, Ontario.
Why did you decide to go Natural?
I decided to go natural because I felt I was losing my connection to myself and my roots. I was also very tired of trying to fit the mold of Eurocentric beauty ideals – nothing is wrong with the texture of hair leaving my scalp, so why would I keep implying that by drastically trying to change [let alone damage] what is naturally me? — that was a question I asked myself for years. Most of all, I wanted to begin a journey of self-acceptance and learning about how to care for my hair. My hair was permed since I was a child, then I texturized it from the ages of 16 to 18.
Why have you decided to BIG CHOP your hair?
Mainly, I wanted to live my life without chemicals, and self-sufficiently. I also felt that it was possible due to the numerous natural hair tutorials released on YouTube by awesome hair gurus. I feel that my hair is also a statement for my own self-acceptance, and as learning takes time, what better a time then now? I did the Big Chop February 29th, 2008, and since then I have started locs [May 9th,2012]. I am so happy with my decision, especially because of the struggles and judgments I’ve overcome, in addition to the massive support I have received. I will never go back to the chemical lifestyle.
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Do you feel different wearing your hair short and what has been the response around you?
I felt different and uncomfortable, but at some level, I felt liberated. At first I received questions such as – do you have cancer? are you a lesbian? and some people thought I was a male. My initial response was that I was offended, but overtime, I viewed those misunderstandings as teaching opportunities – rather than be upset with people for their ignorance, I learned to be compassionate and understanding of their perspective, but also let them know that how they express their viewpoints can be hurtful. Now, my hair is a bit longer, but not yet past shoulder length, so I still consider it to be short. More often I receive questions from other women who would like to go natural, and many people asking if they can touch my hair ;)
What advice would you give to other women who are contemplating going natural? 
Really ask yourself why you are making this decision: are you doing it for attention, or is there a personal calling within you to take that step? Also, be ready to accept that not everybody is going to be happy with your decision – not everyone is going to be supportive. However, on a positive note, if you are making this decision mainly for yourself, lack of support will not hinder you from continuing on with your decision, and feeling good about it.
The awesome thing about 2012/2013 is that there is so much support in the forms of YouTube, online forums, and informational books. Knowledge is power, and by going natural, you are helping your mind, body, and spirit to grow and flourish.
Happy New Year!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: ShaTerra’s BIG CHOP Story

On 24 Dec, 2012 By 0 Comments

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I chose to go natural because perms were no longer working in my hair and I wanted more. I wanted the long, HEALTHY, curly hair I had when I was 6 years old. Perms were burning my head and breaking off my hair.

I decided to BIG CHOP because I was tired of transitioning. I had been transitioning for 7 months to retain length but the longer my natural hair got, the more “in the way” the permed ends got. Plus, it took a horrible turn of events to make me go into the bathroom and grab the scissors, once I started cutting the perm out, I couldn’t stop. It was a purging, liberating moment I needed in more ways than one to let go of a lot in my life including my unhealthy hair.

I loved my hair after I chopped it short. My husband was in shock at first, then he loved it. I have had nothing but positivity thus far. I am proud of myself. I used to be very insecure about my hair and have never had it short. This is a big step for me.

A piece of advice I would give to women who are contemplating going natural — just do it! If you think about it or listen to others, you’ll never do it. It takes a certain level of mental strength to want to chop your hair and it’s okay to transition if you have to but, do remember — it is hair and it will grow back. Go into it wanting a healthier, more positive you, not for reason of others.

~ ShaTerra Jenkins

 

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Short Hair, Don’t Care: Ashley’s BIG CHOP Story

On 12 Dec, 2012 By 0 Comments

The Big Chop Story

Why did you decide to go natural?

My name is Ashley Rose. Okay, so… I’ve never done the BC. I’ve worn my hair natural my entire life [no perm, just straightening]. When I was younger I wanted the long silky hair I saw all the girls with but my mom refused to let me perm it. I’m so glad. I would toy with pressing it and weaving it to achieve the looks I wanted. Several years ago, my doctor delivered the news that I wasn’t the healthiest so I decided to really hone in on what I was eating. I turned to clean eating and got rid of the chemical-filled products I was using on my hair.  Things like parabens, SLS, alcohol were NOT permitted in or on me.

Do you feel differently wearing your hair short and what has the response from others been?

It took me a while [and research] to find out how these things that negatively affect my hair,and overall, health.  A decade later and I’m still natural – but now I truly love and embrace my natural kinks.  My friends ask me all the time if I would perm my hair and I always say NO. I would never contemplate perming my hair. Why would I? My hair is very manageable with the products I use now [all natural and sometimes organic] and I have been experimenting with natural updos and yarn dress along with Solange braids.

What advice would you give to other women who are contemplating going natural?

Some of my friends have also gone on to grow out their perms and wear their hair natural – and I couldn’t be happier about it! To anyone who is contemplating doing a big chop or going natural, I say do it! Your health and your hair will thank you.
Thanks,
Ashley Rose

Short Hair, Don’t Care: Tameka’s BIG CHOP Story

On 10 Dec, 2012 By 0 Comments

Why did you decide to BIG CHOP your hair?

I decided to BIG CHOP my hair for three reasons:

1) Finances

2) Wanted a change

3) I truly wanted to find out if I only felt pretty because I had permed, weaved and/or long hair

Do you feel differently wearing your hair short and what has the response been from others around you?

I do, I feel more real and honest with myself and with others – that I am not hiding behind a hairstyle but the real and true me is shining from the inside out and not the other way. Most responses have been positive and uplifting.

What advice would you give to other women who are contemplating going natural?

Go ahead but, do it for the right reasons and for you.  Not because your friends or natural advocates are telling you to or your spouse wants you to but, because you want to.
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