The BIG chop

Ask any fabulously naturalista about their experience and everyone will give you a different story when it came time for their BIG chop and anyone that has done it can probably tell you the date and how they felt them minute they did it.So what's all the rave about the BIG chop. The BIG chop is when someone decides to cut any processed hair from their head. We at Emma's Essence consider this a BIG step. For some people, this step is as spiritual and emotional as it is physical. For some of us it signifies a new beginning. It represents a new step and a new chapter. Maybe it signifies being free of the creamy crack many of us considered ourselves "victims" of. For some of us it signifies freedom to express ourselves in our own individual way and for some of us it may not have been that big of a deal.. just needed it off. Whatever your reason may have been, we wanted to explore the BIG chop process.

Majority of our fellow fabulous naturals we know went through a transition phase before doing the big chop. This means they may have worn braids or weaves while trying to allow their processed hair to grow further from their scalp. This transition period has no specific time limit at all. Some people transition a few weeks and some people transition for up to a year. It is during this transition time that we begin to realize how different our natural hair texture is and some people experience hair breakage because of the different textures.

Although some people choose to go to a salon to get their chop done, it can be done from home just as easily. One of the best ways to complete this process is by wetting the hair and completing a very good shampoo on the scalp. Once the scalp is clean, add some conditioner to the hair, starting with the scalp and working your way down the hair follicles. After this process is complete you will be able to notice the difference between your processed hair and your natural texture(which will be thicker than the end of the hair shaft). Simply part the hair and cut where the thin texture begins. Continue the process of parting and cutting until it is completed.

Once this process is complete, rinse the hair, add your favorite oils and take a deep breath. Believe it or not(and most of us know by now), you have just completed the EASIEST part of your natural hair journey. We will post some pics of some FABULOUS chops for you to feast your eyes on.