I Big Chopped- AnKe

CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
A: I BC’ed on Nov. 30, 2010. I loved it from the moment it was cut off! I’ve never been all that attached to hair, so length wasn’t a huge issue. Although I will admit I was worried about feeling feminine at first, but I actually feel MORE feminine without my hair. I can actually see my face and my features! I love it and have never felt more beautiful!

How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
My friends were very supportive and loved it. My boyfriend was the first person to see it and his positive reaction gave me even more of an ego boost (as if I needed one… you couldn’t tell me NOTHING that first day!! haha). The only person who had a negative reaction was my mother. She was pretty upset which in turn upset me, but I understand that she is pretty traditional when it comes to certain things. Hair is one of them. Once she got over the shock, though, she came around. And I’m sure once she sees it in person over Christmas, she’ll love it too 🙂

What are your plans for your hair?
As of now, I’m just enjoying being natural. Especially the freedom to wash my hair as often as I please (that’s my favorite part!!! haha). No particular plans as to length (I’m really enjoying the twa stage and might stay here for a while)… I mostly just care about learning how to keep it soft and healthy with as little fuss as possible. I’m trying really hard not to fall into product junkie-dom… but it’s tough with sites like CurlyNikki out there tempting me!

Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
This is a “yes and no” question for me… I do feel the need to doll up my look but not necessarily because I feel masculine with short hair. It’s more like “whoa I have this new accessory (my head), let’s see how I can play with this look”… so I feel more free to have over-the-top jewelry and scarves e.t.c. It’s so much fun!

If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
Earrings are a must!!!! I also love colorful scarves/cloths/shawls (I call them all shoulder throws) and fun hats (although I’m just starting out building my collection of those). I also have a lot more fun with makeup. I feel like I can be a bit more colorful without looking overdone.

How do you keep it moisturized?
My hair was extremely dry and brittle when I first cut it. Probably due to my complete lack of proper hair care when I was relaxed. At first I co-washed and conditioned daily. That has lessened slightly to about 4 or 5 times a week. Then I ACV rinse for my dry/itchy scalp. I’m pretty light-handed with products in the hair… I use SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie for moisture with olive oil or shea butter for sealant. My hair definitely needs daily moisture or it feels like a brillo pad, so even if I don’t co-wash it, I get it wet and moisturize every day. So far my little TWA is soft and smooth with no breakage. I aim to keep it that way!

How do you get your waves or curls popping?
Still discovering my curls. They’re emerging and are popping pretty well on their own, though. I am also still learning hair care so I don’t really do much to it, but the fact that I have curls at all puts a smile on my face every time I see them. I was surprised to look in the mirror a few days after my cut and see an actual curl pattern coming out.

Why did you choose to go natural?
I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time. I tried to transition several times and always went back to the creamy crack. Mostly because I had no idea how to properly take care of my hair and so it was always dry, brittle, and hard to manage. So, I gave up. Then I found sites like this one and it helped me learn a lot about hair and that soft hair is not impossible (or even all that difficult) to achieve with *proper* care. So I took the plunge and couldn’t be happier!

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