Once upon a time, the big chop was a frightening, stressful notion for women who were thinking about going natural. Being bald doesn't work for everyone, they said. Pretty hair is long and full, they claimed. Luckily, with the natural hair movement still pushing ahead full steam, there have been plenty of naturalistas who've flipped that notion upside down.
Yes, people still get buzzcuts for their big chop (and they all look beautiful, for the record) but these days, they're looking a little different — and a lot doper. Translation: You don't have to shave your whole head to start your curl pattern over again. And yes, you can colour without ruining the health of your hair, too.
If you're still a little sceptical about the big chop, just scroll on to see some celebrities who beat you to the punch. Plus, get further insight on the looks — and on colouring, the right way — from some of our favourite stylists.
After Taraji P. Henson chopped her natural hair, her stylist gave us the exclusive deets on the reason behind the cut. "She was just like, 'I want to cut my hair,'" Tym Wallace says. "She already had an undercut, and it was growing in. She was loving how her curls looked, and was like, 'If we're gonna cut it, we're gonna cut it all.' She's like, 'I trust you.'"
Photo: Via @tarajiphenson."I cut my hair for a couple of reasons," Keke Palmer exclusively told us. "The first being, I wanted to start over. My texture has changed quite a bit over the years from all the things I've done to it. I really want to be able to let my hair rest and become its own thing. I also really wanted to be bald!"
Photo: Via @keke.
Some people are afraid to colour their hair when it's in the grow out phase — but celebrity stylist Vernon François says that visiting the right stylist will maintain the health of your hair, the right way. "Going for the big chop to rescue hair that’s been damaged is more likely to be due to several years of heat styling or using a harsh chemical like relaxer on the hair," he explains.
Photo by Rochelle Brockington.If you're not ready to let go of all your length, a tapered cut is a handy alternative. Keep your transitioning curls full up top, and gradually get shorter towards the nape of your neck.
Photo: Via @andressabsantiago.
"It’s possible to have coloured hair that is healthy," François tells us. "It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it! Visit a professional stylist and avoid bleach if you want to keep it healthy."
Photo by Rochelle Brockington.Thinking about going blonde (or blue, or pink, or purple...)? "Textured hair should be properly moisturised before a colour service and void of any product build up," Shari Harbinger, cofounder of DevaCurl Academy, says. "Utilise a deep treatment mask before a colour service to really help preserve the integrity of the hair, and cleanse with a clarifying shampoo or other build-up removing treatment." Harbinger recommends DevaCurl's Melt Into Moisture treatment to soften up your hair, and Buildup Buster to rid it of any gunk.
Photo: Via @itsshedika.This fade looks fab, but full disclosure: You'll probably have to touch up your shorter sides every few weeks to maintain the style.
Photo: Via @glammzmore.A dramatic cut isn't so scary once your gorgeous, healthy curls start growing in (like these!).
Photo: Via @charlisharenata.@beatsbyjan's makeup is gorgeous — but man, are those edges laid.
Photo: Via @beatsbyjan.Another perk of a big chop? The products! Curl gels and creams work wonders on shorter hair. Pro tip: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is a dream for this.
Photo: Via @zyyahh.Stylist Mona Baltazar says that her client was inspired by Nefertiti for this style. " Her new crown," Baltazar captioned. Swoon!
Photo: Via @themonacut.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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