Many naturals have a common goal. Besides the obvious, which is to have a healthy mane, they want length and retention. I have read so many articles about length retention. How do I get my hair to grow long? How do I keep the hair I’ve grown? SO many companies claim to have the answer in the form of a pill, a cream or oil. If you open up almost any magazine, there will be a before and an after photo of a woman suffering from alopecia who now has hair past her buttocks thanks to some miracle grow product. As a little girl, my hair was long but never quite long enough as far as I was concerned. I would tie brown ribbons on the ends so that they would blend in with my hair and give the illusion of long Rapunzel like hair. Girls were teased if they had shorter hair and compared to their male peers. No one wanted to play with the doll that was “bald headed”. Growing up with these images ingrained can be traumatizing for a little girl. So much so that as an adult, it can still creep in and eat away at your self esteem. I had a woman tell me once “Men like long hair, short hair is not sexy.” I was almost offended until I stopped and said to myself “she’s brainwashed” and dismissed the comment. The thought of having a head full of long hair and cutting it may seem unfathomable to some but to others, short hair is desired. Here are a few reasons people do the big chop post transition.
1. Necessity
If damaged ends are an issue, some find it easier to simply cut it off. Trying to repair hair that has been the victim of excessive heat and color requires a lot of time and effort. It’s almost like trying to repair a damaged relationship. Sometimes the best solution is to let go and cut your losses, literally. A fresh start at a healthy head of hair may do wonders for your mental as well.
2. Boredom
After I had my first child, I cut my longer than shoulder length hair because I wanted a new look. I was simply bored with the look. I thought I needed something to make me feel more attractive after months of waddling and feeling huge. Some people just need a change and consider cutting their hair as the first step towards renewal. I’ve heard stories of people who have grown long, beautiful locs for years and after cutting them feel a sense of release and relief. Hair for them was weighing them down mentally and physically.
3. Too Much Maintenance
I thought natural hair was supposed to represent freedom?! Well that freedom does not come without a price. More hair, more problems! (Biggie was so inspirational!) The maintenance that goes along with long tresses and retaining the length can be overwhelming for some. The tangles and knots create a lot of frustration driving some to start channeling a Brittany Spears episode. The longer your hair gets the longer tackling all of this takes. It can be very challenging on your patience. Those quick wash and goes you did while your hair was short are no more.
Don’t assume everyone who is natural desires long hair. It takes a lot of confidence to wear shorter hair because you cannot hide your face behind the hair. I wore my hair extremely short years ago and I loved it. You could always rock both like Cassie!
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This is up in the air for me. I BC'd in late 2011 and I'm getting impatient for it to grow. However, I don't think this is because I don't like short hair. Actually, I enjoy the low-maintenance. I've never had long hair though, and I'm curious to see how long it will grow without the constant manipulations of flat-irons and chemicals.
OMGoodness, I BC on 3/2/12! I have approximately 1/2 inch of hair. I have always had mid-length to long hair. I don't know if I ever want long hair again! LOL, I absolutely love this short TWA! I can see all of my beauty with this short hair. I love what I see when I look in the mirror! I stop everytime I pass a mirror no matter where I am, lol. Who would have thought. I would BC again indeed. Thanks for the blog!
I recently undercut my shoulder length natural hair (1/4" back and sides, 15 inches top) and I love it. I didn't want to totally give up my length, but I have always loved short the look and feel of short curls. Now I have the best of both worlds. I can pin the top up into a "Rhianna" mohawk which shows off the longer ringlets and the cropped curls or let the top down to cover back and sides and wear a bob.
I have BC'd 3 times! I LOVE my TWA and the low maintenance associated with it! And I thinks it's super sassy in the summer!!!!
YES!!! I BC twice and I loved it more the second time!
I just had my hair cut 2 weeks ago. Though I can't really call it a BC since I was already wearing a relaxed mohawk…I just cut off the mohawk! I've worn my hair short for many years now. Short relaxed, short twists, now I'm wearing a fade and I'm loving it! I don't feel any less feminine nor less beautiful. I'm going to rock this cut until I get bored (or until it gets too cold, whichever comes first) and I really don't care whether people like it or not!!!
I did! Just this April! I had an extremely horrible and mortifying dye job that left my hair in terrible condition. Although I have length goals, my hair health goals come first so, when I saw the grow out challenge I decided it was past time to say goodbye to the damaged orange ends. Would I again… I don't think so. 🙂
In a heartbeat!
Harrietsdaughter…God Bless You and Keep You.
I love this article! My last relaxer was March 15, 2011….followed by my BC, April 16th, 2011. I'm NOT a patient person (lol!). I am a large woman and I have a fat face. Guess what – I don't care! I feel great and I look fine. I sport lipstick and a beautiful smile – and, for the most part, only medium-size earrings! I've received many compliments. Big girls, go on and ROCK that TWA! My last haircut was May 10th….so I have approximately 2 months of new growth – and it's driving me crazy! My cousin keeps asking me when I want him to cut it, since I traditionally sport short hair (it's so low maintenance…). I'm going to TRY to be patient and let my hair continue to grow out for a while, just to sport a new look BUT trust me, I'll BC again in a HEART BEAT! 🙂
YES!!!!! I would definitely BC again! Unlike many naturals, long hair is NOT my only goal. Lifestyle, convenience, and my time become more important as I get older. I do see myself BCing in the future. Honestly, I liked my chic-sort look as well. It took a tremendous amount of confidence, but ease of styling plus the attention I got was well worth it:)
Not anytime soon. I want to let it grow out first
Great article! Pretty dead on about the emotions of doing a BC/deciding to wear your hair short.
I did a BC when I was 15 because I picked my split ends and damaged my hair like crazy. I was so traumatized by how I looked during that time that when I decided to go natural last spring, I knew the only way I could cope is if I transitioned. One of the main reasons I decided to go natural was because my hair was not growing past mid-shoulder in its relaxed state. It was still damaged at the ends after I killed my self esteem cutting it 9 years ago lol. Plus, I still had a problem picking at my ends. I cut off all the relaxed ends last month after 15 months of transitioning. While I love my hair now, I have had long hair most of my life and I prefer it. So, in short, I will not BC again unless I have to.
P.S. You spelled BRITNEY Spears name wrong. I love the girl so I just had to point that out lol.
I would BC again for any number of reasons. Truthfully, I've BC'd about 4 to 5 times during my 24 years of relaxers so when I BC'd to go natural 8 months ago, I had no qualms about it. If my hair was damaged, if I got bored with my hair, or for any other reason if I felt like it and really wanted it, I would BC again. Wishing all the best for you.
harrietsdaughter wishing you health and healing. i have seen other cancer survivors come back stronger (body and hair) and i'm hoping that for you as well!!
as for me, i did an initial bc to go natural. then i did another to cut my locs. both times i felt a little less cute right at first but when it grew out a little bit i felt sassy, lol. i would bc again rather than hold on to damaged hair or to start over again. i was on the verge of another bc recently due to hair frustration but a significant cut has helped me for now.
back to harrietsdaughter's she puts it all in perspective. it's just hair!
I just chopped from hip length (stretched) to APL (stretched) shouldergrazing length when curly.
It was definitely out of boredom. I'm LOVING it short. It's WAY easier to deal with. It hasn't been this short in a while.
xo
Dani
www.okdani.com
WOW – so many interesting comments! Alot of things I didn't think of. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
@HarrietsDaughter – Many God blessings to you!
I just did another BC, after two years of growing my hair. I felt as though I was becoming to consumed with my hair, I was getting frustrated with trying to style and get it a certain length. I'm enjoying having it short!
I don't know about a serious BC, but once I get to a certain length, I plan on staying there. I have no desire to have waist or hip length hair. I spend enough time on it now (it is in between APL and BSL) I don't know abut a huge BC, but its not completely ruled out. When I'm older, like in my 60s or 70s I can't imagine wanting to take the time on my hair that I do now.
The only way someone would get me to BC again is if I was dumb enough to put chemicals in my hair in the future. Since I have no desire for relaxed hair anymore, I don't see myself doing a BC, unless it was absolutely necessary, i.e., my hair was in an unhealthy state.
I'm not knocking those who love the bald or TWA look, but I'm not suited for very short hair. It does nothing to compliment my face shape, nor does it suit my disposition. I love to have a lot of hair, always did! I've always had a head full of hair and I like the look on me. My preference has nothing to do with societal pressures or any childhood trauma related to having short hair, I simply prefer long hair.
But, I would never discourage the next lady from rocking a cute short hairdo. I admire women who look good with short hair, because it is not the most flattering look on me. If I looked good with short hair, I would probably BC every few years or so. But, that's not the case for me.
Yes I'll BC again! I'm waiting until my hair gets the desired length..once I'm tired of it I'll BC again.
I will never BC, again. I despise short hair on me. This is the first time in my life that I have had short hair, and although I'm enjoying watching it grow. I would not voluntarily BC again in the future.
I've BC'ed so many times, my friends from college are always baffled why my hair isn't as huge as they expect.
I mostly cut when bored with styles or during summer's heat.
I just BC on 7/5/11. I would have to say no, I would not BC again on purpose. I'm only saying that now, because I want my hair to hurry up and GROOOOOW!!
I did my first BC last April and it was a great experience but there were definitely some trying times. My hair was growing well the first 6 months, but I had terrible breakage in the middle of my hair this past winter, to the point where it is barely 1 inch of hair there and the rest of my hair is 4-5 inches. I think that I have to face the fact that I will have to do another bc to make it even and start over…but I just don't want to let go. It can be disheartening when you are doing everything "right" but still experience bad breakage. I do believe it takes a lot of courage to do a bc but thank god there is a natural community online to support me. I think the fear is obviously mental, thus you have to be in the right state of mind and truly believe in your worth and beauty to do a bc! I know I will get there soon to do it again.
Id say no. I never plan to get a relaxer again so I will never have the problem of two textures. Plus my healthy hair habits will prevent me from having to cut off heat damage. I like have a head of hair!
Yes, I would consider it…I have no fears and I think it would be even more exciting the second time around because of the knowledge I have gained that I didn't have the first time…"NOVEMBRE"
Yes. I'd BC'd again, but this time I'd rock my short hair w/confidence and with some color and some big ole hoop earrings, along with an earth tone color eye shadow. OH yelp and some sexy MAC lipgloss! Yes, I'd do it again. I believe the second time around would be better because I have knowledge and experience on my side!
@Harrietsdaughter by His stripes you are healed. Amen.
I more than likely will not. I enjoyed my BC but don't see myself going thru that phase again if I didn't have to.
NaturallEGood
I'd do it again, in fact I will!
Maybe we need to start a REAL Locs of Love called Locs and Locs of Love OR simply, Real Locs of Love.
I guess no one wants our hair. In Chris Rock's movie, he couldn't sell it to an Asian-owned beauty supply store which sells weaves. They said it wouldn't sell. Interestingly though, the Japanese are buying afro wigs for style faster and more furious than humidity induced hairshrinkage. :0
@Tianna Mae…if your hair is afro-textured, Locs of Love will not accept it!
I did BC again
@harrietsdaughter – God bless you in your recovery
Like Anonymous July 20, 2011 12:04 PM I also have a big round face and although when I BC'ed in May 2010 I was a bit smaller so it didn't look as bad. I could not go that short again. I need some length! 🙂 It doesn't have to be all down my back but more than a TWA.
I kept a buzz cut for 3 of the 4 years I have been natural, so I have no problem with big chopping at all. I am just now allowing my hair to grow out for the first time since being natural, and I prefer wearing a fro vs. the curly/wavy look. My dream to is to make people mad in theatre's across the world b/c they can't see from behind my huge fro lol…
But that's just this week, next week I may wanna go GI Jane on 'em lol.
I'm glad I have experienced having longer natural hair (twice now) but I've had my hair short more times than I can remember since keeping my hair natural. Like a few others, I've never been a woman who pined after long hair. I didn't know it was an option until right before I went natural. I've vacillated back and forth, and may chop again…who knows?
harrietsdaughter- I wish you peace, happiness and serenity in your recovery. Please take care of yourself and pamper your body as well as your spirit!!
I would BC again. I BC'd over ten yrs ago when I went natural, but I also experienced having a very short hair cut when I was relaxed.
The natural BC was liberating and I received the most compliments on my natural hair to date when I had a TWA. It was easy to care for and I loved the fact that I didn't see anyone else's hair that looked like mine. I didnt know what I know now about caring for it, so I would love to do it again and use all the techniques I know now (i.e. regular DC, henna, etc.).
The only problem is that I love having styling options that a TWA doesn't allow for.
One day, I WILL be doing it again though!!
Not for me. Although longer hair can be more work, I can always "bun" my hair easily for low-maintenance and protection. Also, my hair is more fine so detangling isn't as much of a problem as it for others. I need some length to cover the lack of thickness.
Blessings sent to you, harrietsdaughter.
This is right on point for me, I would most def BC again. I rocked a cesar for the last 6 years until this February when I decided to let it grow to experience my "natural" hair. I must say it has been trying not to cut it all off again, you get use to the freedom of not having to worry about a style and extensive maintenance. It has been 4 mo for me since my BC and I cant say that I will make it past a year before BC it all off again. Gotta lov that cesar 🙂
I will definitely BC again and sooner than later. I have been growing my hair for about 2 years now after my initial big chop and I'm ready for a change. I'm just about shoulder length in the back and almost chin length in the front (stretched). I now am getting to the point where I have more hair than I want to deal with. I plan on BC at the beg of 2012 and rocking a baldie for awhile.
@harrietsdaughter, I'm praying you win the battle. God is a healer!
I'm actually contemplating a BC now. I love short hair and it's so darn hot right now!
I plan to do a 2nd BC to donate my crowning glory to Locs of Love.
I know many naturals with short hair. As a matter of fact, when I volunteered for a large nonprofit many of the Black Women were natural with short hair. I was one of the few naturals with shoulder length hair. One thing I have noticed is that many older Woman, will cut their hair and wear a fro. I find it so empowering!!!
I would, and have – 3 times so far. The most recent time was the shortest I went from mature locs (7 years) to about 1/4" of hair.
and loved it.
That was a year+ ago. I'll probably cut may hair off again in a few years. Luckily my husband met me with short hair and loves it on me – he says I look regal 😉
Never again
I BC'd again in April and am loving it! It's low maintenance, cool (since it's so hot this summer), and cute. 🙂 I'll probably grow my hair out again but I plan on keeping it short for about a year or so. ~KF519
@Harrietsdaugter best wishes for a speedy recovery & I know u look beautiful with your new cut :o)
I am 13 months natural and I bc'd for the second time in early April. Like anonymous first posted I am one of those rare naturals who does not desire long hair either and at the time of my 2nd bc I had almost 5 inches of hair. My hair is very thick & very curly and it was becoming a real pain to take care of and style so I just cut it all off again to about 2 inches on top with the sides and back shaved off. FF to today and the back and sides have grown back in and are probably at an inch or more and the top is back to 3. I am loving w&g's now and wear them all the time and I wouldnt be caught dead in this style with my longer hair!
I have promised myself & my SO that I will let my hair grow out, he bet me $50 that I wont so now I have to lol but I have no doubt that I will bc many times because I just feel better with shorter hair :o)
Another great article…..
I'll BC again….I've noticed a lotta older women rock shorter naturals and I love it. They seem to exude such a sexy confidence and sophistication, as if they are saying I've got too many thangs to do and places to be…..I ain't got time to be fooling with a head full of hair!
Praying for you harrietsdaughter…..
I have Bc'd twice in the past 3 years and I would do it again.
I would certainly BC again…mainly because after my curls hit the length that I want I will eventually want a change and may go back to my Halle Berry-esque coif (which I also loved). Sometimes when I'm going through a new experience, or just feeling some kinda way, I like to reflect that in my clothing, music, and yes, even my hair styles. I've never felt as confident and sexy (the irony) as when I BC'd and became comfortable with it. Amazing experience, yes I'd do it again!
I never BC'd I just transitioned, but after 10 years of being natural I'm thinking about doing the big chop. I feel like its a "rites of passage" that I missed. I'm also looking for a change — I can't do another twist out!!
NEVER! I have a big round face and I just can't make short hair work
After 2 years of growing my hair, I just BC for a second time a few months ago. I took some time to reflect and look back over my hair growth journey, and finally realized that I was most confident with my short haircut.
I bc'd back in Feb and I feel like i'm still mourning my hair, smh. I don't think i will ever do it again, but i could just be being a little dramatic *shrug*
I'd certainly BC again. Every few years or so, I get bored! My hair grows really fast and I love short cuts (sexy)…so once I get to BSL, I'll probably cut it short again!
@Harrietsdaughter…I'm praying that you win the battle 🙂
thank you! this was such a wonderful read that hit on many points i hadn't even articulated within myself. 🙂
i've thought about it. but right now i'm challenging myself to stick with something [for a change] and see it through so that i can at least see how long my hair will grow. but i've made a mental note to BC in a few years, once i'm over the big-hair mop look 🙂
I just BC'd a second time in early July, from just past shoulder-length stretched to about 1 inch on the top and close-cropped sides/back. I am undergoing cancer treatment and after several rounds of chemotherapy, even though my hair didn't completely fall out, it thinned considerably (but more noticeable to me than others). This 2nd BC gives me an opportunity to start over and really focus on my scalp health. Plus with it being summer, a short, low maintenance do is cool and convenient. Last but not least, having short hair for the first time in my life reaffirms my belief that true beauty comes from within. I feel amazingly pretty!
Thanks so much for this11 i am one of those naturals who does not desire long hair. Been there, done that, over it! I feel as if other women (natural and relaxed) get upset at me when I say this. I sure would BC again close to the scalp. I loved it!!