I Big Chopped- Onyeka

CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
O: When I first chopped, I was so nervous and scared. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was happy to be natural, but I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t really know what to do. I wasn’t ready because I chopped my own hair at the spur of the moment. Two days after my big chop, I got some Senegalese twists and wore them for 2 months. Now, almost 3 months after my chop, I love my natural hair. The 2 months I had twists in, I did all kinds of research on TWAs and natural hair. I also bought a bunch of products.

CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?
O: My family loves my hair! They all encouraged me while I was transitioning and gave me amazing feedback after my chop. My dad really loves natural hair, and my mother is and has been natural for years. Since I can remember, my mom has been telling me to stop relaxing my hair. I never listened to her, but I wish I had! My sister is natural as well. We started our transition together. My friends have also been supportive. I’ve been giving tips to them, even the relaxed ones! I convinced one of them to transition!

CN: What are your plans for your hair?
O: I definitely plan to grow my hair out. I really want to see if I can reach APL by May of next year. It’s amazing how much growth I’ve retained in the last 3 months. I’m confident that I can reach my goal.

CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine? If so, what are your favorite accessories, or go to ways to glam up your look?
O: I don’t find it necessary just because I’m natural. I feel that every woman should doll herself up and feel feminine. I always wore earrings and jewelry when I was relaxed. So that hasn’t changed, but now I wear a bit more make up. Being natural has boosted my confidence. I find myself dressing more edgy and taking more risks. I wear a watch, some bangles, and earrings! I’ve also been experimenting with different shades of lipstick and lip gloss.

CN: How do you keep it moisturized?
O: I made a shea butter whip that I use to moisturize my hair when it’s dry. I also spray some diluted conditioner on my hair at night and seal it with castor oil or coconut oil.

CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style?
O: I style my hair by doing twist-outs. I use shea butter and Kinky Curly Curling Custard to twist my hair while it’s wet, and I let it dry overnight. I wake up to a cute, curly twist-out every time. I usually style my hair once or twice weekly after either a co-wash or on my actual wash day.

CN: How do you preserve your curls at night?
O: After I do my twists for a twist-out, I throw on a bonnet, and the next morning when it’s dry, I take them down. I try, but the keyword is try, not to play with my hair during the day. By the third day, I will spray my hair with water and conditioner then retwist my entire head in huge chunky twists for a nice stretched big twist-out. I always wear a satin bonnet to sleep.

I also just started a YouTube channel! Check me out!