I Big Chopped- Nikki Kelly

CN:When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?

I felt resolute and completely certain that I no longer wanted to put chemicals of any kind on my hair any longer. After relaxing my hair for over fifteen years, I knew that I had reached the end of the road with all of that.

CN: How did you cope with the responses from your family and friends?

My family have been really supportive; my husband and my dad really love it. I remember going to a couple of small parties and some people really not knowing what to say and just sat staring. Initially, I was taken aback as I had never encountered that before but then I figured that it really is their problem because I knew that I wasn’t going to go back to relaxing my hair… especially not to appease other people.

CN: What are your plans for your hair?

I am really starting to like it short and part of me is tempted to keep it short for a while. However, I am also intrigued by my natural hair and how it will grow etc so I will probably just start to grow it.

CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?

A friend of mine bought me some large earrings (they look like dreamcatchers!) and I have also bought some larger earrings. However, I do still like my studs. As for clothing, I do find that certain outfits that I wore without thinking before, I carefully consider whether I still look feminine wearing it.

CN: How do you keep it moisturized?

I like adding glycerin to some water in a spray bottle as well as whipped shea butter mixed with other oils.

CN: What products and techniques do you use to style?

I use Eco Styler gel with argan oil . I don’thave enough hair to generate differnt looks yet!