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I Am Not My Hair: New Member of the "Big Chop" Club

As you all know, I have been up and down, and 'round and 'round, lately. Trying my hand at re-discovering and re-claiming myself and my passions. I did a bit of that today, as I did something that I have been itching to do for a very long time. A. BIG. CHOP. I went from this

My cut on its off day. No glits or glam, just new-growth, grown out color and a missing hairline.


to this



Bald and beautiful.

I went in and had Wildboy take me back to my nappy roots. I am loving my new look. I felt so good once all the permed hair was off. I did a little happy dance in the chair, and then did another happy dance when India Arie's I Am Not My Hair came on while I was being shampooed. It couldn't have played out more perfectly than that!

With natural curls springing up all over the place these days I wasn't nervous at all about making the change. My new bloggy friend, Eboni of Natural Thinker, shared her story of returning to naturality and Saleemah Cartwright of HealthyHairJourney.com chopped off her long strands on camera, showing her viewers just how easy, refreshing and pretty going natural can be. Sometimes, its not an easy decision to follow through with a big chop because of the backlash that often comes with it. While some find your new curls to be beautiful or sexy, others find them to be quite odd in a day and age of relaxers and weaves. Already I've gotten mixed reviews about my new crop, but I'm not bothered by them. As long as I am happy with how I look that's all that really matters. When Miss J got a glimpse of my head she couldn't stop saying, "Mom! You shaved your head?" Followed by, "you look like a boy." Meant with all the love in the world of course. She took some time out to come sit next to me and rub my head like she was trying to make a genie come out of it. When I asked her if she liked it, with a huge smile, she answered yes.

I am happy with my new found freedom to work up a sweat without fear of ruining my hairstyle. And I actually left Wildboy's chair with money in my pocket! How great is that?

Although I pulled strength and inspiration from the two ladies mentioned above, my final look was inspired by the talented India Arie.


This entry was posted on Saturday, February 07, 2009 and is filed under , , . You can leave a response and follow any responses to this entry through the Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) .
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15 comments

Hana Njau-Okolo  
February 7, 2009 at 7:32 AM

Fantastic!

Ms. Bar B sasa urembo wako una shine through!!!! I love your new look. I have not had a perm in my hair for over 7 years and it feels great!

Mama Shujaa

Anonymous  
February 7, 2009 at 12:49 PM

Can I just tell you that the picture of me is the shortest my hair has ever been. There was nothing on the side or in the back, just that little bit on top. I so totally loved not have to do my hair. Can't wait for the spring to come to do it again. You Rock It Gurl!!!!

Pretty Curls  
February 7, 2009 at 1:41 PM

wow gurl!!! you look gorgeous...so pretty. Loving your look. Congrats on the bc

I would love for you to sample my products :). Please send me your details at mail@prettycurls.com

Stay blessed xx

Unknown  
February 7, 2009 at 6:21 PM

oh my!!!!!! you look wonderful :-)

mis j's response reminds me of that of my lil brother's when i chopped down to about one inch back in '03. 'cept he *asked* me, "don't you look like a boy now?" to which i replied, "i look like me." he was fine with my reply and we left it at that.

and it is so freeing! i contemplate shaving or chopping down my hair all the time, just to get that high again, lol!

and if anyone is to be the inspirational force behind your actions, i can't think of a better person than india arie. :-D

Aidy  
February 7, 2009 at 7:30 PM

I love it!!! I once cut my hair razor thin that I too got comments that I looked like a boy, but it was something I wanted to do at the time. After I while, all I wanted to do was go opposite and grow it all out. I used relaxers in the past and my hair has gone through some serious chemical frying. I'm actually going to a Dominican salon to get my hair chopped (split ends) and "beautified", you've inspired me to commit to the appointment and make my hair (growth) healthier!

Anonymous  
February 7, 2009 at 8:06 PM

Absolutely stunning!!! You make the TWA look fabulous. I chopped my hair almost 8 years ago, it was the most wonderfully freeing feeling. I'm now growing locks and its been another fantastic journey. Congratulations on the beautiful naptural you!

CG  
February 7, 2009 at 8:14 PM

You look fantastic and I aint mad atcha! I did the bald thing about fifteen years ago and it was so liberating! Go Girl!

T.Allen  
February 7, 2009 at 8:25 PM

Shut up! *Laughs* Good for you girl! Every woman should liberate themselves at least once. I had my big chop in 2000-it was amazing. I grew it out again because it just felt right, and I'd shave it off again if the feeling returned.

I'm of the mindset that hair is an accessory; shave it, curl it, fry it, lye it-but don't let it mold you.I'm looking forward to seeing your transition because it won't be long before you put the Ms. Bar B spin in this new coiffure. (Love the earrings)

Barbara  
February 8, 2009 at 12:01 AM

YAY for natural! =). Thanks so much for all the love of my newly bald head. I am so in love with it right now and I have been getting positive reactions across the bored. Its funny to be told how courageous, beautiful and strong I am. Quite the boost, one that has been well needed, so I thank you all again =).

Anonymous  
February 8, 2009 at 3:35 AM

Gogogogogogo!!! i absolutely admire you, girl! the shortest i had was a spike, that was during university days! but, you, you are one hell of a mom!!! :)

btw, love your music. :)

Anonymous  
February 8, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Ooooh! I love it!!! :) YOU GO!!! LOL.

Oh so pretty!

Tara
http://theyoungmommylife.com

5STRONG  
February 9, 2009 at 3:46 PM

aaawwww, it looks so beautiful. I can tell by your writing and postings but it makes you look like such a strong beautiful black woman!!!!

You go sista!

Unknown  
February 10, 2009 at 8:27 AM

Look at you! You look great girl. So, so good. I love it !

Anonymous  
February 10, 2009 at 9:43 PM

You're rocking that do. I love it!!! I've gone natural, but I'm not going to do the big chop. I just keep my hair braided.

Vee  
February 15, 2009 at 9:39 PM

I love it. I am trying to work up the nerve to cut mine! Not completely off because God knows not everyone has a head for that doo! I am one of those people... Do you remember the show Alien Nation...NUFF SAID lol.... but you look beautiful...time to shop for funky fresh earrings! =)

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