Thank you so much for this! I really want to do it. I had a relaxer then a perm and then got a weave. It was so hard trying to detangle and I went scissor crazy. I now have braids and I don't know what to do next. đ I know I want to big chop maybe not completely bald but enough to remove any lingering perm but still have something on my hair to mess with. I just am not informed about the different ways to protect it and style it. Any ideas?
First of all, I am so sorry that I'm replying so late. I did not see your reply until today, when I was going through my posts. I promise Ill do better when it comes to replying.
If you're comfortable with cutting your hair, then go for it. Keeping damaged hair just hurts you in the long run. Feel free to leave an inch, 2 inches, 3 or more, a few centimeters, whatever youâd prefer.Â
I have 4c hair, so I have to keep my hair moisturized often, but other than moisturizing, and either combing or brushing it every now and then, I donât do much to it. The LOC method is pretty easy. Spray your hair with water, let your hair get damp (not completely dry) then put on an oil of your choosing, and finally you can apply a leave-in-conditioner, a cream, or nothing at all. It depends on your hair and what it likes. I use water and either castor oil or Dr. Miracles Growth Serum Oil, and it keeps my hair moisturized and my scalp hydrated. I do that every 2 or 3 days, and Iâm good to go. You can try that method and see how it works.
If you do cut it, thatâs the fun part. You can experiment with the shape of the cut, you can use color (temporary, no bleach), you can style it (two strand twists, afro, twist outs, flat twists, braids), or you can use accessories. Scarves, headwraps, hats, turbans, and head jewelry are fun ways to rock your cut without having to do much to it.
When it comes to protective styling, please make sure you take care of your natural hair while it is styled. I Â use to wear wigs all the time, but I didnât take care of my hair underneath, and it broke off real bad, especially my edges. Try yarn twists, kinky twists, braids, or any style thatâs not super tight and doesnât put tension on your hair or bother your scalp. Your twists and braids donât have to be super small either. I still love wigs but I am super picky about the type of wigs I wear. I used to be the synthetic wig queen, but I gave up my crown once my hair started to break off and my funds ran low.Â
If you want to wear wigs, and you have some extra coins, get a human hair wig. Buy the bundles and frontal, then make it or get someone else to make it. Or go on websites like Myfirstwig.com or Evawigs.com, and buy a nice unit, that you can customize to your hearts desire. Be careful of wig combs and adjustable straps. My head is long (pause on that), so I donât need adjustable straps and combs rubbing against my wig cap and scalp caused some breakage, so I donât use those either. Try the elastic band method to secure your wigs. Satin is your friend. You can line the inside of your wig with satin (glue it or sew it), buy a dome satin cap (if you make your own wig), or line the inside of the elastic band with satin. I know itâs tedious, but you edges will thank you. You can color and cut your wigs, and experiment with them too (just save up your coins)
 I wash my hair once, every two weeks. I donât use alot of products, so I donât have a lot of build up. My hair is happiest when itâs moisturized and left alone, so thatâs what I do, and itâs been growing very well (Iâll probalby keep it short though, b/c I love short hair). At the end of the day, itâs the health of your hair that matters, not the length, so donât get too caught up on growing hair down to your butt. It will happen, but make sure your hair is healthy first.Â
Again, I am so sorry Iâm responding so late. If you need some videos or pics let me know. I hope this helped. Feel free to ask any other questions.